Already, some screenshots leaked revealing new design and built-in features of Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 operating system. The leaked screenshots reveled more about windows Store and Xbox Music, along with brand new apps including a calendar, alarm clock and voice recorder.
On Twitter Beta user Bavo Luysterborg leaked the screenshots of Windows 8.1.
The newly leaked store design showcases an application “shelf” with more upfront descriptions. The new UI introduces more text to the user interface and while it is still inspired by Microsoft’s modern design, it doesn’t have the close-feeling connection to the Windows Start screen that it before had.
The new Store interface finally gives recommendations to similar apps based on what you are currently browsing. For example: If you are looking at the Xbox Music app, the store might also recommend Pandora or Slacker Radio.
In addition, the leaked screenshots show a major redesign to the Xbox Music interface to allow for faster browsing of your collection. The new Xbox Music interface allows users to navigate their current content along the side, with addition of an “explore” button and quick access to the “radio”. Microsoft’s Smart DJ service is most likely powering the radio service and if that is true – users won’t be disappointed.
Lastly, a few new Windows 8 applications has been leaked including a new voice recording application, a new metro styled calculator (standard and scientific), and a beautifully designed alarm app. These new applications should prevent users from getting booted to the desktop for common tasks. This is in line with Microsoft also adding more control panel options to its metro settings interface.
