Takeaway: Microsoft has created many new features that are included with Windows 8.1 expected to be release before the end of 2013.

Windows 8.1 is more than an update to Windows 8; it has new features for both businesses and home users.  Another major step for Microsoft will be annual updates for operating systems; similar to Apple with OS X.

The biggest update will be the traditional Start button on the left side of the screen.  Other features include:

• Boot-to-desktop is available instead of booting to the Metro Start Screen.
• Start screen provides additional custom options for tiles.
• New snap behavior allows up to four Windows 8 Apps to be placed side-by-side without the 320-pixel limitation. 
• PC Settings section includes settings previously located in Control Panel.
• SkyDrive Synchronization settings are built into the operating system.
• & many other features.

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The innovative plan for Windows 8 was to connect the mature personal computer generation with the prospering one of smartphones and tablets.

Many users are finding difficulty with adapting to the new Operating System.  Two major requests for Windows 8.1 (code-named “Blue”) is to bring back the Start button and boot-to-desktop feature.  Currently, the Start button is located in “Charms” which is a secondary taskbar set on the right-side of the screen.  The initial boot screen has much larger icons with live tiles.  Live tiles are software widgets that present dynamic content.

Microsoft is considering allowing users to restore the Start button and initially boot to the traditional desktop with Windows 8.1 (code-named “Blue”).

If Microsoft decides to add the Start button or boot-to-desktop feature to Blue, it will not be the first time a Windows Operating System has changed the user interface backwards to satisfy the users.

Microsoft has still not announced a release date for Windows Blue.  Likely, more information will arise from the Microsoft Build Developer Conference on June 26 – 28, 2013.