Windows 8.1 update or new operating system?

    Microsoft has made a habit of releasing a major update of its OS a year after the launch of a new version. In general this is called a Service Pack. But this time, the update has its own name: Windows 8.1. And that's new.

    Windows 8 is the first Microsoft OS ruing on both tablets and PCs with touch screens and the good old computer keyboard. With a somewhat schizophrenic result that destabilized the most experienced users.

    The main interface uses a system of thematic blocks (tiles colors) designed for touchscreen use. But this first interface includes a second (the Office) supposed to meet the owners of a standard PC. And that's where the shoe pinches. Many consumers who buy computers keyboard are confused in this interface. It will be the task of version 8.1 to catch the sauce.

    Windows less powerful

    Since 2010, the touchscreen revolution has been there with the appearance of two new leaders: Apple with its iPad and then Google with Android. And it completely changed the buying habits and market share of each.

    If we add to this the crisis that pushes PC buyers to opt for models without touch screen, you get a context quite complicated for Windows.

    The main changes in 8.1

    Windows 8 was lighter than Windows 7 and it will be the case again for the 8.1 update. So no need to invest in a more powerful PC.

    The main change is in the back of the Start button. Dating from 1995, the button will disappear as 8 months. It is to meet the traditional owners of PC, although it will undoubtedly be located exactly at the same place (in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen). Without saying so, and Microsoft recognizes his mistake.

    There is also the Miracast function to distribute audio and video content in HD (on screens that support it of course).

    The interface "Mode UI" can be customized easily. For example, to add photos in the background or create tiles of different sizes. It's cosmetic, but it was expected.

    SkyDrive, the Windows disk placed in the cloud is better integrated and the touch interface can simultaneously display up to 3 applications. Windows 8.1 also adapts to the new 8 inch tablets and the performance index of the PC disappears.

    We download or expected?

    The more impatient can already download the Preview Release. But it is not yet the final version.

    The finalized RTM (Release to Manufacturing) version of the system will be available at the end of August. But only for PC(PIPO M9) manufacturers to equip them with new computers that will be sold for the holiday season. It will probably be in October, hair cell a year after the release of Windows 8.

    As an update, the current owners of a Windows 8 PC can simply download.

    A complicated future

    Microsoft claims 100 million Windows 8 passed in 8 months licenses. According to Net Applications, sales in June were even excellent. But the numbers are there: Windows 8 is 5.10% market share, even against 44.37% for Windows 7, Windows XP 37% and 4.6% for Vista. Apple provides in 7.2% with OS X and Linux is marginal, with 1.28%.

    But this is without taking into account the shelves that are also PC. Starting this year, it will sell as many tablets as laptops and in 2015, it will sell more tablets than all the PCs(PIPO s1s) together (portable, all-in-one desktop PC). The market share of Windows that is still 90% from the PC is going to melt like snow in the sun if version 8 is not necessary to rapidly among the shelves.

    In less than a year Windows XP (37%) will no longer be updated or maintained by Microsoft. For simple reasons of security, many companies will be migrating to a new system, but which one? Windows 8? Windows 7 ... or a competing offers Apple and Android? The era of the PC market subject to a monopoly OS is over