Tom Warren is reporting over at The Verge this morning that the final bits for the expected update to Windows 8.1 have been signed off on for Release To Manufacturing (RTM).
Windows leaker WZor is showing off screenshots and it would seem Tom has a copy of these final bits or possibly a recent build based on the images in the screenshot gallery he has attached to the story.
Here is a quick run down on the most visible changes that are coming with the Windows 8.1 Update 1 according to The Verge:
- Show and pin Windows Apps on the desktop taskbar
- Show the desktop taskbar while Modern Apps are running
- Title Bar on Modern Apps that will allow you to minimize, close and snap apps
- Shutdown button on the Start Screen
- New visible search button on all devices
The update will apparently accommodate the type of machine it is run on by booting to the desktop on non-touch machines and the Start Screen on touch devices.
Windows 8.1, which was released last fall, already allows this behavior to be changed in the Taskbar Properties on the Navigation Tab.
Will these additional changes help users make the move to Windows 8 now that the Modern interface is being desktop-ified?
I am not sure there is any chance of Windows 8 moving away from the moniker of being another Windows Vista type failure no matter how much Microsoft changes it between now and the release of Windows 9.
In fact, I am pretty sure Windows 9 will not come fast enough for both users and Microsoft.
