Microsoft extends Windows 8.1 update deadline by a month

Microsoft is helping those who have been procrastinating about updating their Windows OS to Windows 8.1 have one more month to do so. The company has pushed back the update deadline to June 10^th. Those who do not update their computers after the date will no longer receive updates from Microsoft. But if you have Automatic Update turned on, we’re sure you already got the update on your device. If you don’t have it turned on yet, you can follow the instructions here.

Source: Windows Experience Blog

Microsoft to bring back Power and Close buttons in Windows 8.1 update

Microsoft has finally responded to the plea of keyboard and mouse users to bring back the Power and Close buttons in the Modern (Metro) user interface. Windows Phone Corporate Vice President Joe Belfiore said the return of the feature is meant to “bridge touch and desktop.” These buttons will be brought back to the top right corner of Metro apps.

Source: Gizmodo Australia

Nokia’s Here Maps to have Windows 8.1 version

If you think Bing Maps is lacking, then the arrival of Nokia’s Here Maps might provide you with the functionalities you need. Nokia claims the mapping software will make its way to Windows 8.1 devices in the coming days, first for North America and Europe users before the rest of the world.

Here Maps used to just be available on the Lumia 2520 tablet and Windows Phone 8 smartphones. Now, it will give Windows 8.1 users capabilities such as being able to load offline maps as fast as their computers can. It will also keep track of navigation routes and search history. Satellite images will be available at higher resolutions. Here Maps will also come with keyboard and mouse support.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft unveils app to help coding newbies develop Windows 8.1 apps

Looks like Microsoft wants to increase the app count in the Windows Store with the release of Project Siena. The beta app is designed to help non-programmers develop HTML5 and JavaScript apps for Windows 8.1. According to The Next Web, Project Siena works best with the creation of visual apps such as catalogs and asset-based resources with videos, photos, and maps.