Microsoft revealed its plans for
future versions of Windows and reports suggest that the company is developing a
free, cloud-based version of the operating system that will work in a similar
way to Google’s Chrome OS. Microsoft has long been rumored to be working on a cheap
or free version of Windows, to encourage people to update their machines and
avoid the problems with ageing and insecure software such as XP. This would
also allow manufacturers to sell PCs at a lower price, which should revive
flagging sales.
The latest leaks, as reported on
the unofficial Microsoft news site WinBeta (bit.ly/winbeta344), suggest
Microsoft’s developers are working on a cloud- based version of Windows that will
be free. As with Chrome OS certain features in Windows Cloud (as it’s been
dubbed) would only be available when you’re online, with limited functionality
in offline mode. This would allow for a lighter operating system that will take
up less space on your PC. However, it would also require a fast and reliable
broadband connection.
Microsoft hasn't confirmed any
details about Windows Cloud, and industry experts suggested it may be no more
than an in-house experiment. Either way, it’s certainly an intriguing rumor.
Microsoft has just released an
update to Windows 8.1 that
makes the operating system easier to use. It has also confirmed that the Start
Menu will return in a future version, although it’s not yet clear if this will
be Windows 8.1 Update 2, Windows 8.2 or Windows 9.
Microsoft removed the Start Menu
in Windows 8 in favor of the tile-based, touch screen-friendly Modern interface
(more commonly known as Metro). However, complaints from desktop and laptop
users, who found the new interface difficult to use with a keyboard and mouse,
have led to the standard Start Menu being reinstated.
Microsoft is tweaking its Windows
versions to better suit the device on which they are installed. The software
will perform differently on tablets than on traditional PCs; for example, the
Start menu will only be reinstated in desktop versions of the OS, while the
Modern Start-screen tiles will be more prominent on a tablet.
How does this affect you?
If you’re using Windows 8.1, you
should be automatically updated to the latest version of the operating system
for free via Windows Update. The next round of updates is expected to arrive in
the autumn.
If you've been avoiding upgrading
to Windows 8 -
and,
in turn, Windows 8.1 -
because
you've heard it’s harder to use on a standard PC, you may want to wait for the return
of the Start menu before abandoning your current set-up.
However, if you’re planning to
move on from Windows XP (as is wise, now that Microsoft has ended support for
it), you may have no choice other than to switch to Windows 8.1, because
virtually all new PCs and laptops now run that operating system.
What do we think?
Windows Cloud is an intriguing
idea, although it’s hard to see Microsoft releasing software that depends as
heavily on a web connection as the rumors suggest. But we like the idea of a
Chrome OS-style system that’s simple to use and automatically updates.The full power of Windows is
wasted on some users, who do little more than access the web and create the occasional
Word document. A cut-down version that’s less demanding of a PC’s resources,
cheap or free to get and easier to use would certainly appeal to many people.
We hope Microsoft keeps working on Windows Cloud, because it’s an idea with
real potential.
As for Windows 8.1, Microsoft
seems stuck between a rock and a hard place. It’s often accused of failing to
innovate, but when it does push the boundaries of Windows, it angers and
frustrates users who don’t always welcome change and may resent being forced to
learn how to use a new operating system.
While Windows 8 wasn't ideal for
desktop users. Microsoft deserves credit for trying something new, and it
hasn't failed to address its users’ complaints. Having got rid of the Start
Menu, it’s now set to reinstate it following popular demand. Microsoft might
not get Windows right first time, every time, but at least it’s happy to keep
working to improve it.
