Microsoft's 2013 //build/ Updates!

Today was the start of Microsoft's 2013 //Build/ conference for developers. The event kicked off with a keynote led by the companies CEO Steve Ballmer. The company had some key announcements that sheds light on where Microsoft is going with their Windows 8 ecosystem. Additionally this event is key for Windows 8 developers and the future of apps on Windows 8 devices. Below you will find some quick highlights from the event.

Windows 8.1:

Download the free Windows 8.1 preview here!

• Start or Boot to Desktop:
• Return of the Start Button
• Users now have the ability to boot up their computers directly to their desktop
• Change Backgrounds:
• Users can now change their backgrounds to match their desktop background.
• Users can set a slide show of photos for their lock screen.
• More Tile Sizes
• Universal Bing Search From Anywhere 
• Redesigned App Store
• New Paint and Camera Apps
• New native paint app will feature oil paints, pencils and water colors.
• Updated camera app comes with new features like the ability to capture pictures without closing the shutter.
• Added App Resizing Features 
• More Keyboard and Mouse Support

New Facebook & Flipboard apps coming soon!

Xbox One's Kinect Available for $399 Windows Developer Pre-order:

The program fee will be US$399 (or local equivalent) and offers the following benefits:

• Direct access to the Kinect for Windows engineering team via a private forum and exclusive webcasts
• Early SDK access (alpha, beta, and any updates along the way to release)
• Private access to all API and sample documentation
• A pre-release/alpha sensor
• A final, released sensor at launch

Do these Windows 8 updates excite you? Is this to little to late? Discuss below!

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