More information about Microsoft Office Software

Microsoft has released a video showcasing all the new features of its upcoming Windows 8.1 software, due to be released later this year.

Among changes to apps, tile options and an improved search, Jensen Harris from the Microsoft User Experience team also confirmed the company will be bringing the Windows Start button back.

Microsoft removed the button from the Windows 8 operating system when it was released last year but many customers complained and demanded it was put back.

Many customers said that the new Windows 8 interface was too complicated, and sales of iPads and tablets have also eaten significantly into Microsoft's profits as users move away from desktop computers.

Screenshots leaked last month suggested that Microsoft would be reinstating the button and this latest video has confirmed it - albeit not directly.

The new Windows 8.1 also includes a vastly improved 'search' function, which allows a user to search for documents, apps, or items on the Internet from a single search bar.
The feature resembles Apple's Spotlight feature.

The new software also allows users to see all their applications immediately in a grid by swiping up or pressing a button on-screen.

This should make it easy for unfamiliar users to get to the app they want quickly.

Users can also customize the start screen much more easily, changing sizes of app icon 'tiles' or controlling which apps appear.

For the first time, it will be possible to open two windows simultaneously in the new-look interface.

Windows 8.1 includes Microsoft's latest browser, Internet Explorer 11, and lets the user restore the address bar and tabs to the screen view. 

Microsoft has introduced new app tile sizes to the Windows 8.1 Start screen including small apps, pictured here for the Microsoft Office program app.

That feature was missing in the initial version of Windows 8, which was designed to make the most of limited screen space on a tablet but tended to disorient traditional mouse and keyboard users.

Users will also no longer have to switch to the old desktop view to make changes in their default settings.

But they will still have to switch back to a traditional desktop set-up to use some programs such as Word or Excel, which have not been redesigned to function in the new Windows 8 style.

Windows 8.1 - codenamed Windows Blue - is expected to launch later this year.

Executives say the plan is now to update Windows periodically, rather than waiting three years or so between big releases.

The world's largest software company is hoping to kickstart sales of its latest Windows version, which has not made the splash with computer users it was hoping for.

Although Microsoft has sold more than 100 million Windows 8 licenses since October, broadly in line with Windows 7 three years ago, the company must tackle a dwindling PC user base and its inability to make a mark in the exploding tablet market.

Shipments of traditional PCs - the most reliable gauge of Windows' popularity - are expected to fall almost 8 percent this year, while Microsoft's Surface has taken less than 2 percent of the tablet market.

Windows 8 was designed to be used both on touch-screen tablets and traditional PCs.

But while touch-screen users tend to like the new 'tile'-based interface, many mouse and keyboard users complained that the new design was confusing.

Windows 8.1 will be available for free to all Windows 8 users some time later this year.

Microsoft will make a test version available at its annual developer conference on June 26.

Discount for Microsoft software download online. You just pay less for genuine microsoft office 2013, office 2010, windows 8 and more. To find out more about Microsoft software visit:

buy cheap microsoft office 2010 software

30% off buy microsoft office home and student 2010 software at key4students store: http://www.key4students.co.uk/microsoft-office-home-and-s...
60% off buy microsoft microsoft office home and business 2010 software at key4students store: http://www.key4students.co.uk/microsoft-office-home-and-b...
70% off buy microsoft microsoft office professional 2010 software at key4students store: http://www.key4students.co.uk/microsoft-office-profession...