Microsoft overhauls Windows 8.1 Store, makes finding things easier (and handsomer)

Windows Store

This morning, Microsoft is pushing out some other serious update for Windows 8.1 consumers that volition profoundly improve the Store feel. Although the Shop was redone for eight.1, there were however many refinements needed that were missed with the bound update a few weeks back.

The updates concentrate on usability, mouse and keyboard users and bring some parity with Windows Phone, greatly improving the experience of finding new apps and games.

Sometime Store

New Shop

Today's Shop update has four main changes, as detailed on the Windows Feel Web log.

Windows 8.i Store Update

Persistent navigation bar with Pinnacle charts, Categories and Collections
Collections on the Store landing folio
Multiple Featured titles at your fingertips (or mouse pointer)
Become once & download on compatible Windows devices

The persistent navigation bar is a welcomed change. Previously, users had to swipe down from the top to access it, and while it was much better in 8.ane, discoverability was an issue. Now, the green bar volition ever be there for users. In addition, information technology highlights Acme charts, Categories and Collections, which should go a long, long fashion in making information technology easier to find new apps and games. That'south good for consumers and peachy for developers.

Collections should be familiar to Windows Phone users, as they have been a part of the Windows Phone Store since eight.0. Now, Windows 8.ane has the same feature, once once again demonstrating how Windows Phone and Windows are coming closer together in features.

Featured titles will bring "new, trending and rising stars" to the forefront in the Store, in addition to having app and game sales more obvious (on-sale titles will have a strike-through of the original price with the auction cost in red).

Finally, Microsoft has now brought over the new Windows/Windows Phone icon to signify that the app or game is too available on Windows Telephone. We highlighted this new characteristic in our discussion of Universal Apps, and while the icon was nowadays in the web-store, it was missing from the Shop app. That has now been remedied, making the tie-in to Windows Phone that much more obvious.

Microsoft is serious about Windows these days. Just a few weeks ago, they released the ' jump update' for Windows 8.1, which greatly improved things for traditional mouse and keyboard users. Later this autumn, they're expected to re-do the Start Bill of fare as well. Today, users are getting another much deserved refinement, and it goes to evidence that this new Microsoft is much agiler.

To get the update, open up Settings (swipe from the right border of the Screen) > Modify PC Settings > Update & Recovery > Check Now. Like all 'live' updates, it can take some time before your server sees information technology, so just don't exist surprised if information technology takes a few hours.

How do you like the new Store? Allow us know in comments. Even more, do you think Microsoft is doing enough for Windows these days?

Source: Windows Experience Blog

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