8 Reasons You Shouldn't Sleep on Windows 8
See why Microsoft's latest OS is still a big deal.
Image via Complex Original
Despite launching with huge fanfare—the first-ever Windows was released by Bill Gates 30 years ago this week—Microsoft’s latest operating system has garnered its fair share of criticisms, from the radical UI redesign to performance hiccups. Hell, some people even made a huge stink over the absence of the iconic Home Button. Yet through all the expressed grievances, Windows 8 still holds a 9.25 percent desktop market share, which has it sitting atop OS X, Linux, and Chrome. Translation: It’s growing steadily on the consumer public. And it’s through the company’s credo of establishing a single experience across all its platforms—computing, gaming, and mobile—where the latest OS is warranting its long-term worth.
After testing the latest Windows 8.1 update and noticing the major changes applied to the interface, along with some of its newest features, Microsoft's vision of becoming the future of computing has become clearer than Evian. Consider this your wakeup call, as we put you onto the 8 Reasons You Shouldn't Sleep on Windows 8.
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Cloud Computing
Whether we like it or not, all of our personal data is going into the cloud. Microsoft’s network storage-based system, SkyDrive, is proving to be the safest bet for all computer users. Aside from maintaining instant access to all apps, files, and settings across numerous devices, the service has polished up Internet Explorer 11 to support faster performance and unlimited tabs. A future Windows Phone update will extend synchronization to WP8 phones. IE 11 also comes WebGL-enabled, opening the lane for developers to produce more powerful web-based games targeted around the browser. Not to mention, annual pricing options are far cheaper in comparison to iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive.
Stellar Multitasking Performance
One word: Snap. The drastically enhanced feature optimizes the UI to feature up to four full-sized apps running on the screen simultaneously, which is dependent on the screen resolution and the number of displays being used. You have the luxury of adjusting the divider bar between windows to take advantage of different ratio sizes: 70/30, 60/40 or 50/50. So managing fantasy football teams and Skyping with your fantasy league is more conformed here. The multiview mode works on Internet Explorer 11, too.
Massive Ecossytem
From mobile devices to desktop machines, we're all familiar with the OS' multi-platform compatabiity. It works flawlessly across all devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.). However, the major selling point here when taking into account the ecosystem revolves around the upcoming Xbox One, which carries over some of the popular features from its predecesing console like streaming music from the Xbox Music app and controlling console commands via SmartGlass, while allowing gamers to advance their Xbox Live Gamescrore on Windows 8 and WP8 device. And you've seen what the One is working with.
Enterprise-Ready
What BlackBerry’s enterprise service is for mobile, Windows 8.1 is hoping to become for the computer landscape. The new update grants IT administrators’ device control, access to corporate resources, and business data removal command via remote wipe. It is now possible to sync data from folders located on a corporate network, as well as new files created offline that transfer over when connected. Plus features like NFC and Wi-Fi direct printing make it possible to print out documents directly from the software’s client without passing through the primary print server.
App Store Growing at Exponential Rate
In the public eye, Microsoft offers nowhere near the app library of Apple or Google. We won't debate it on the mobile front, but in terms of personal computer spectrum, the company easily boasts the best productivity programs. Developers are ackloweding the full potential of the OS and are helping expand the platform's app selection as we speak. New features like the Hands-Free Mode help the cause, as users can exploit the option on an endless number of apps. Those patient enough to wait it out, which won't be long, will appreciate the operating system's long-term value.
Multi-Screen Support
Modern computer users are familiarizing themselves with the concept of utilizing multiple monitors to improve work production. Pretty much anyone in the creative field from designers to developers can relate. Windows 8.1 brings forth a number of upgrades that enhance the multi-viewing experience. For starters, it’s now possible to combine Desktop and Metro apps on several screens. The previous version only allowed for one Metro app to run on the screen. Another huge advancement is the software’s support of hi-res screens such as 4K monitors.
Advancing the Touchscreen Experience
Granted it’s the only software manufacturer taking the initiative to embrace the technology, Microsoft’s drive for combining touchscreen functionality with the traditional mouse-and-key arrangement shouldn’t be taken in vain, let alone be ignored. The touchscreen-friendly UI has been aesthetically updated to feel like a more resolute part of the latest OS. Plus the fact that a lot of the full-screen apps and games support tech functionality is pretty dope. Even if the mechanics are a long way from being perfected, at least Microsoft is taking that leap of faith with Windows 8.
Still the Best Search-Optimized OS
Its unified, online search system is the most oversimplified solution any PC owner could ask for. This is best illustrated through features like Smart Search, which is powered by Bing and pulls up an attracting results page that returns a variety of info based on the search term: including facts, links, photos, and a map if necessary. The Start screen alone shouldn’t be undervalued, as it provides the opportunity to search for apps, settings, and web content as well.