Microsoft has released the first Windows 8.1 advertisement over on its Windows YouTube channel. In it, the company highlights the return of the Start button, improved customizability of the Start Screen, as well as the side-by-side Snap view that now lets you run more than two applications at once.
The clip is 30 seconds in length – usually an indication that it is meant to air on TV. Without further ado, here’s the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QGrv7JbzjU
As you can see, the commercial never actually says that this is Windows 8.1. In fact, it doesn’t even mention Windows 8: the logo at the end just says Windows (this is a continuation of Microsoft’s “Windows Everywhere” campaign).
Microsoft also doesn’t actually say the Start button has returned; the voice over merely states “hit the Start button to flip back and forth.” This makes sense as the loss of the button was more of a big deal in tech circles; most Windows users aren’t on Windows 8, and when they finally try it, chances are it will be Windows 8.1 anyway.
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In the YouTube video’s description, it’s the first feature listed, however, and the company isn’t afraid to say “return”:
Windows 8 customers can update to Windows 8.1 for free in the Windows Store, starting October 18th, 2013. With the return of the Start button, new ways to personalize your Start screen, and more ways to do more things at once, the new Windows gives you one experience for everything in your life. http://msft.it/NewWindows
Microsoft and its partners are hoping Windows 8.1 is not only the update that improves the experience for existing Windows 8 users, but also sways others to buy a new desktop, laptop, or tablet.
See also: Microsoft details security improvements in Windows 8.1: Hardware, access, sensitive data, and malware resistance and Microsoft details SkyDrive in Windows 8.1: Placeholder files, offline access, and file picker integration
Top Image Credit: Timothy A. Clary/Getty Images
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