Microsoft Windows 8.1 Update High Points : Microsoft Reimagines The Start Button With Windows 8.1

Microsoft Windows 8.1 update went live on Thursday. Existing Windows 8 users can upgrade free of cost to Windows 8.1 while new users could buy the OS starting Friday.

The reception of Windows 8.1 has been quite exciting. The users are happy with the return of the 'Start' button, which puts them in a familiar zone, especially those who grew up using PC/Desktop.

The 'revamped' 'Start' button launches the Modern UI composed of tiled apps. Instead of being fixed to the desktop, the Modern UI now floats above it.

Instead of nested lists of programs and software, the Modern UI has customizable apps window (just like the Windows phone interface).

Users can drop, remove and group similar apps on the Modern UI. They can decide their position as well as size according to their preferences.

With the Windows 8.1 update, Microsoft has tried to smoothen the transition from PC/desktop to new age devices. The focus is more on creating hybrid functionality that combines the best of both the worlds.

Last year, Microsoft had launched Windows 8 in order to work a transition from PC/Desktop devices to modern day tablets and smartphones that use tiled apps for navigation. The removal of the 'Start' button left a lot of people out of their comfort zone.

This combined with other factors resulted in lukewarm sale of Windows 8 operating system. However, a company release in June said that by June 2013, Microsoft had sold 100million licenses for Windows 8 and it will announce the updates in October.

Though Windows 8.1 reviews have been positive, too much focus on app-based interface will not pay off unless there are new and attractive apps in the Windows store.  

Users and server administrators are hopeful that the Redmond based software company will work towards that as well, as it remains committed to popularizing the new operating system amongst the users.    

Microsoft's Brendon LeBlance wrote in a blog statement, ""Windows 8.1 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving the product to create a richer customer experience."

"We are excited to have customers start updating their devices today and getting to experience new Windows devices this holiday season."