With more corporations jumping on board with adopting Windows 8, Microsoft continues to be hard at work enhancing the already advanced operating system. In fact, ComputerWorld reported Windows 8 now makes up 2.61 percent of the total operating system market share, which includes Windows 7 and Vista. With Windows 8 still new to the market, its rapid growth continues to be a success.
The technology company recently released a preview of Windows 8.1 that shows the next version will have many of the same features of Windows 8, such as desktops and mobile devices having the same interface. Before Microsoft rolls out the latest version of Windows, it is important for project managers to invest in computer based training for all users. Early Windows 8 training was essential for successful Windows 8 adoption, and the same may be true with the next version of the operating system.
Watch out for early implementation of Windows 8.1
The newest version of the operating system is set to take advantage of mobile device use in the office, such as with a touch screen notebook or smartphone. Digitimes reported that the latest statistics by Displaybank, show touch-screen notebook sales made up nearly10 percent of the notebook market. According to Windows 8.1.com, a Microsoft news site, this data is promising for future Windows 8 and 8.1 purchases as more corporations invest in portable electronics for the office.
Touch-screen units offer numerous benefits for users because professionals can access their documents and update their data on the go. With Windows 8, employees are able to optimize their productivity by taking tablets into meetings to conduct a presentation.
On Window's blog, Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc said he has been using the preview for the 8.1 version of the operating system on his own PCs and tablets and has seen strong results. LeBlanc wrote that users can now size Metro tiles, which were a new feature on Windows 8, to their own preferences so users can maximize their screen space on portable gadgets. The preview also showcases the return of the Start button to optimize user experience. TechCrunch reported that the preview also includes integration between SkyDrive and the cloud, making it that much easier to sync everything together.
With Windows 8.1 promising to have many of the same innovations was Windows 8 -along with some additional features - it is important for all users to understand exactly how to operate the system before adoption.
Sources:
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20130517PR202.html
http://techcrunch.com/2013/06/26/microsoft-launches-windows-8-1-preview-with-start-button-deep-skydrive-integration-smarter-search-tool-more/
http://redmondmag.com/blogs/the-schwartz-report/2013/06/ballmer-announces-windows-8-1-preview.aspx
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/06/26/the-windows-8-1-preview-is-here.aspx
http://www.windows81.com/2013/05/windows-8-touch-usage-on-the-rise-thanks-to-increased-sales/