This week, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) released Windows 8.1, the first major update to its controversial Windows 8 operating system that launched a year ago. At the heart of the debate is Microsoft's ambitious shift to a tile interface that's a departure from the interface that Windows users had become accustomed to after nearly two decades. Windows 8.1 still embraces the tile interface, but Microsoft has now tried to incorporate it more seamlessly with the traditional desktop. The tile interface is what Microsoft now uses across all devices, including those that run Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.
Early reviews around the Web are universally positive on Windows 8.1, as Microsoft has addressed the operating system's biggest criticisms. Microsoft has also added new features, such as beefing up syncing capabilities through SkyDrive.
Windows remains Microsoft's second most important business, generating $9.5 billion in operating income last fiscal year. Meanwhile, Microsoft has restructured its reporting segments and will now distinguish between its consumer and commercial businesses. On the consumer side, Windows OEM sales will show whether average users are ready for Windows 8. On the commercial side, the enterprise is migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7.
In this segment of Tech Teardown, Erin Kennedy discusses Microsoft's latest release with Jamal Carnette and Evan Niu, CFA.
Tired of watching your stocks creep up at a glacial pace year after year?
Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner, founder of world's the No. 1 growth-stock newsletter, has developed a unique strategy for uncovering truly wealth-changing stock picks. And he wants to share it, along with a few of his favorite growth stock superstars, with you! It's a special 100% free report called "6 Picks for Ultimate Growth." So stop settling for index-hugging gains, and click here for instant access to a whole new game plan of stock picks to help power your portfolio.
RSS Headlines
Comments from our Foolish Readers
Help us keep this a respectfully Foolish area! This is a place for our readers to discuss, debate, and learn more about the Foolish investing topic you read about above. Help us keep it clean and safe. If you believe a comment is abusive or otherwise violates our Fool's Rules, please report it via the
Report this Comment icon found on every comment.
Report this Comment On October 20, 2013, at 11:29 PM, techy46 wrote:
MS doesn't need to be redeemed while the PC is going through another evolutionary of form and function. MS is always late on the uptake but finally gets it right in the middle with a fast finish. That's just the opposite of Apple.
Add your comment.