New Features and Apps of Windows 8.1 - Essay Example

Windows 8.1 comprises a bunch of new features and apps, identifiable as better visible enhancement options, tight integration of OneDrive, an additional number of snap views, and support for internet explorer 11 among others. Besides, it possesses the capacity of restoring a start button on the taskbar and replacing previous reactions when opening the desktop at the time of login. 3D printing, High-resolution display, Miracast Streaming, and Wi-Fi Direct are a few of the new features that Windows 8.1 presents to all users of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. It is in this context that to access these new features and apps, users of Windows 8.1 has to take the help of a technical support team, which in turn indicates a lack of ease of use (Microsoft, 2014).

From the ease of point of view, new users of Windows 8.1, who are still used to the features of Windows XP Professional package or Windows Vista package, need to update their systems with Windows 8.1 package. It is in this regards that designers have to keep in mind that after updating the system with Windows 8.1, users can freely accustom to its features at their convenience, which will result in their enhanced ease of use. Again, following the installation of the new version of Windows 8.1, many of the old features get automatically removed from the system, causing confusion for the users and inhibiting their ease of use. This particular factor also needs to be updated, according to the user specification (USA Today, 2013).

Windows 8.1 was introduced with many new features according to user preferences. For example, the tight integration of OneDrive has made photography a favorite pass time for Windows 8.1 users. In addition, an updated version of Internet Explorer 11 along with enhanced features of 3D printing, Miracast Streaming, Wi-Fi Direct, and High-Resolution Display, justifies high pay for the software. Free apps and features always add pleasure for its users too. However, because these features lack ease of use for any amateur user, only professionals are likely to pay higher for the software (The New York Times, 2012).