Microsoft plans to release Windows 8.1 Preview on June 26th and Microsoft’s Michael Niehaus explains at TechEd 2013 that when the preview becomes available , current Windows 8 and Windows RT users will get a Windows Update notification. Then they will be able to read a brief description and processed with the installation if they agree to.
Users who opted to install Windows 8.1 Preview will be able to upgrade as well, BUT… apps will get lost during the upgrade, and I am talking about Metro-style apps and traditional desktop applications. Accounts, personal data, settings and personalization will be preserved, but again users will need to reinstall all the apps. Surface RT users on the other hand will only have to reinstall all modern apps, Office 2013 RT will also remain installed — you won’t have to reinstall this one.
So there you go, now knowing how the upgrade Windows 8.1 Preview to Windows 8.1 RTM will work, you can choose whether to try the new version on June 16th or wait for the final version, which will make things a lot easier.
Although there are some assurances about upgrading to the next version of Windows, you should anyways thinks on creating a full backup of your Windows 8 PC before proceeding. This time, you’ve been warned!
Update:
Windows 8.1 update notification screenshot – Image from Twitter user @sM4llziE
Source Mary Jo Foley
Are you still worried about unauthorized access to your private files in your PC? With Windows 8.1 you’ll breathe a little easier. In a new report from The Verge said that Microsoft is working to include native fingerprint reader support. Yes, I already wrote about this biometric feature in my previous roundup of new features coming to Windows 8.1 , however what is really interesting is that the software giant is also working on securing individual folders with fingerprint authentication.
The information come from Michael Niehaus, senior product marketing manager at Microsoft, during the TechEd session on Monday. Microsoft also said that in Windows 8.1 (Blue) will allow users to authenticate against a Microsoft account, and it’ll also let users to purchase apps from the Store or sign-in to apps just by using your finger.
Windows 8.1 fingerprint wizard – Image from Microsoft-News.com
Although you’ll need a fingerprint reader connected to your Windows 8.1 PC, the software giant is already encouraging OEMs to embed fingerprint readers into desktops, laptops, ultrabooks, keyboards, and mice to further secure your files.
Update: as it turns out the fingerprint feature to secure folders will not be part to Windows 8.1. “There was an inaccuracy stated during the Windows in the Enterprise TechEd session around fingerprint-based biometrics in Windows 8.1. To clarify, you will not be able to restrict folders or files with fingerprint access as stated in the session,” Microsoft officials stated.
Source The Verge | Image from Flickr
