Microsoft unveils changes for Windows 8.1 update
[SEATTLE] Microsoft Corp is bringing back the Windows "start" button, offering a stripped-down version among a slew of improvements aimed at winning over tablet users and placating PC customers alienated by Windows 8.
The world's largest software company is looking to re-energise sales of its latest Windows version, which has not made the splash with computer users it was hoping for. Executives say that the plan is now to update Windows periodically, rather than waiting three years or so between big releases.
Although Microsoft has sold more than 100 million Windows 8 licences since October, broadly in line with Windows 7 three years ago, the company must tackle a dwindling PC user base and its inability to make a mark in the exploding tablet market.
Shipments of traditional PCs - the most reliable gauge of Windows' popularity - are expected to fall almost 8 per cent this year, while Microsoft's Surface has taken less than 2 per cent of the tablet market.
The world's largest software company is looking to re-energise sales of its latest Windows version, which has not made the splash with computer users it was hoping for. Executives say that the plan is now to update Windows periodically, rather than waiting three years or so between big releases.
Although Microsoft has sold more than 100 million Windows 8 licences since October, broadly in line with Windows 7 three years ago, the company must tackle a dwindling PC user base and its inability to make a mark in the exploding tablet market.
Shipments of traditional PCs - the most reliable gauge of Windows' popularity - are expected to fall almost 8 per cent this year, while Microsoft's Surface has taken less than 2 per cent of the tablet market.
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