Windows Update/Microsoft Update (WU/MU) will begin pushing down a Windows 8.1 Update that includes additional features for keyboard and mouse users starting April 8th. The update will go to all Windows 8.1 users, and will be the minimum basis for updates moving forward.
This update, which is already available on MSDN Subscriber Downloads, adds relatively minor features, but ones that
do improve the user experience for keyboard and mouse users. Some that I've noticed already:
- The Taskbar is visible on the Start (Tiles) page.
- Metro apps can be put on the taskbar. (And the Store app is put there by default)
- There's an X button on Metro/ModernUI apps to close it!!
- When you go to the Start page, you can see how many apps have been installed recently, and they're highlighted in the Apps page.
- You can shutdown or log out without having to use the Charms menu.
- There's a Search icon on the Start page.
I'm sure there are others that I haven't noticed yet, but all of these are useful little additions.