Microsoft is focused on delivering one experience across all the devices in your life. The centerpiece of that strategy and experience are the Microsoft services and apps that come right from (the) Start on your new Windows device.
The Windows Experience blog just posted its first installment of a series that will highlight the apps and services driving toward this “one experience” vision. It comes to life through more than 20 new and improved Microsoft apps and services that come as part of Windows 8.1, including a new one being announced today – Skype, right from (the) Start.
The blog post includes an infographic that surveys the apps and services, which help you stay connected, express yourself, get stuff done and have serious fun. These are some of the most important things we all do, every day, and Microsoft believes your Windows device should reflect that right from the first moment you power it on.
Microsoft has been building an expanding base of consumer apps and services – including Bing, Skype, Internet Explorer, SkyDrive, Outlook.com, Xbox Music, Video, and Games – that are now part of your new Windows device. While each service itself is compelling, the magic really happens when they smoothly flow together to create one experience.
SkyDrive is a great example. As many have had a chance to take an early look at the 8.1 preview they are really struck by the “secret sauce” behind SkyDrive’s integration into Windows – fundamentally changing the game when it comes to offline access to all your files in the cloud.
SkyDrive is just the beginning. Windows 8.1 is delivering rich cross-app search results with Bing that might just change how you think about searching the Web and your stuff. New experiences for your photos and memories, seven rich Bing content apps for things like recipes, sports and news, are all built to work in perfect unison with your new Windows device.
And now you’ll get Skype, right from the Start. Microsoft believes that connecting and sharing should be a seamless part of every Windows experience. Over 300 million people today use Skype for the most personal connections in their lives, sharing everyday moments big and small across messaging, audio and video calling. With Windows 8.1, Skype is included right from (the) Start, making your new Windows device the best way to stay close and connected.
Head on over to the Windows Experience blog for more, including the new infographic and pointers to where you can read what the industry press has been saying about the new SkyDrive integration in Windows 8.1.
You might also be interested in:
- Mark your calendars: Windows 8.1 begins rolling out Oct. 18
- Samsung ATIV S Neo available from Sprint starting Friday
- New York to move 120,000 state employees to Office 365
Steve Clarke
Microsoft News Center Staff