2 Things Microsoft Windows 8.1 Still Leaves Broken

TL;DR

Windows 8.1 improves upon Windows 8 but still lacks intuitive UI, start menu, and app availability.

Transcript

hey fools this is Doug Erman contributor here at fool.com talking to you today about two things which Windows 8.1 still leaves broken recently Microsoft announced that it would be releasing an upgraded version of Windows 8 in the form of Windows 8.1 in order to address some of the consumer complaints with Windows 8 Windows 8 was originally conceive... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Windows 8.1 improves upon Windows 8 but still lacks intuitive design and user-friendly features.
• 🥶 The absence of the start menu remains a drawback for many users transitioning from older Windows versions.
• 😀 Microsoft faces challenges in app development compared to competitors like iOS and Android.
• 👤 User feedback and consumer preferences are crucial for Microsoft to enhance its operating system.
• 😀 Incentivizing developers is essential for increasing the app availability on the Windows platform.
• 🖤 Consumer dissatisfaction and lack of familiarity with the new UI elements hinder the adoption of Windows 8.1.
• 👤 Microsoft needs to focus on enhancing user experience and addressing usability issues to attract and retain users.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some common complaints about Windows 8.1's user interface?

Many users find the swipe gestures and lack of familiar functions, like closing apps, to be unintuitive and cumbersome.

Q: How has Microsoft addressed feedback regarding the start menu in Windows 8.1?

While the start button has returned, it now leads to the Tile app layout, which some users find less convenient than the traditional start menu.

Q: What is one major issue Microsoft faces in terms of app development for Windows?

Microsoft lacks app availability compared to iOS and Android, with only about 100,000 apps for Windows versus millions for competitors.

Q: What are the challenges Microsoft needs to overcome to remain competitive in the operating system market?

Microsoft needs to improve app incentivization, user interface intuitiveness, and address user feedback to compete effectively.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Windows 8.1 aims to address consumer complaints about Windows 8 by improving common design elements and user experience.

• Some of the lingering issues include the unintuitive user interface with complex swipe gestures and the absence of the start menu.

• Microsoft also struggles with app availability compared to competitors like iOS and Android.