Highlights from the Windows 8.1 engineering team AMA on Reddit

A handful of engineers on the Windows 8.1 team just wrapped up an AMA on Reddit. As y'all may or may not know, AMA stands for "enquire me anything" and serves as a question and respond session. The team spent time answering questions from the community on everything from their favorite Windows apps to whether or not nosotros'd come across a book store in the Windows ecosystem. We've grabbed the highlights from the AMA for you to peruse downwards below.

The last fourth dimension there was a big AMA from a team in Microsoft was with Panos Panay and the Surface team. That AMA was full of new information around the Surface two, Surface Pro 2, and the futurity for the team. How did the Windows AMA go? Decent, goose egg new was actually in there and a handful of the answers didn't directly reply the questions. Either way, here are the highlights. Alternatively, yous tin can click the source link below to read the total AMA yourself.

How did the team feel virtually the return of the Offset button? Mixed. It ultimately came back based on listening to client feedback. (Source)
Why can't you pin a "Me" tile on Windows 8.ane? That's something the team never thought about, just will consider this feature. (Source)
The Windows team, Windows Phone team, and Xbox team all worked together to define Microsoft's motion language. Those are the various animations yous'll see throughout all platforms. By working together they'll create a coherent experience for customers. (Source)
Creating a local account is hidden in the settings considering Microsoft wants to encourage users to connect to Windows viii and 8.ane using their Microsoft Account. They cite higher customer satisfaction when using connected accounts vs. local. (Source)
A notification middle is something the team has thought about, just take no plans to share at the moment. (Source)
Katy Perry was used in all the pattern mock ups of SmartSearch on Windows 8.1. (Source)
Why was Facebook and Flickr integration removed from the Photos awarding on Windows 8.1? When Windows 8 launched, the squad knew only a scattering of apps would be in the Shop. Integration was seen as end gap until apps launched on Windows. They now encourage users to interact directly with those apps for services they use. (Source)
The Xbox app volition soon allow you lot to pin albums and playlists. That's coming in a future update to the app. (Source)
When asked well-nigh a "unified app shop for both Windows Phone and Windows" the squad had no dates to share, but did say that they're always working towards bringing the platforms closer. (Source)
Microsoft is working with hardware vendors and Telly articles to create a corking experience for Miracast. This was a non-answer to whether or not Compatibility Heart would be updated to find wireless display devices that piece of work with their setup. (Source)
The Windows Phone team and Windows squad are working together closely. More to come up in time. (Source)
Windows eight apps are called Store apps, not metro apps, non mod apps, merely Store apps. (Source)
Microsoft waits for trademark owners to achieve out and accost any Windows Store apps that violate their trademark. And then no, you won't exist seeing the Windows Store cleaned up anytime presently. (Source)

And that'south information technology. Similar I said, the Windows team didn't really reveal anything mind blowing in this AMA. But it's still overnice to see them engaging the community in forums similar Reddit. Hit up the source beneath to run across it for yourself.

Have your ain, unanswered questions nigh Windows viii.i? You can inquire united states of america below like a noob or head to the Windows Phone Cardinal Forums like a pro. Don't forget to have our poll to tell u.s. what you think of Windows 8.1.

Source: Reddit AMA

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