It is no stretch to say that Computer energy customers aren’t united in their praise of Windows 8. The operating system’s modern-style Get started screen and its focus on touch-friendly apps has ruffled really several feathers amongst users who just want their old desktops back.
But in the event you personal a home-theater Pc, you might need to put the hate on hold. Despite the fact that Microsoft clearly had tablets and touchscreens in thoughts when it created Windows 8, the new look and new apps truly translate well to television screens. Windows 8’s modern side delivers an practically console-like encounter, offering swift access to video apps and also a look that’s lots prettier than an icon-laden desktop.
I’ve been using Windows 8 on my 3 year-old HTPC, a Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150, for about six months. The update has breathed new life into the machine, specifically for streaming video and music. While I still lean around the desktop for particular things, the modern day side of Windows eight has turned out to be a useful supplement.
When it comes to style, touchscreens and televisions possess a lot in common. On a tablet, you would like major, touchable buttons, so you don’t need to be concerned about pinpoint fingertip precision. Likewise, oversize screen elements are a natural match for televisions. They’re easier to click if you’re using an air mouse or possibly a multimedia remote, and they’re also less complicated to see from far away.
Windows 8’s weaknesses on laptops and desktops become strengths on a home-theater Computer. On a tv, you do not definitely need to have the old pop-up Get started menu, with its hierarchy of programs and folders. The contemporary Start out screen is an improvement, spreading out all your favorite media apps inside a single view. The Windows button on your keyboard becomes a strong shortcut as well, receiving you back to your apps at any time. The fact that modern-style apps run full-screen instead of windowed is but an additional advantage on HTPCs; the environment is extra immersive when you’re deciding on a video or listening to music.
The expertise in Windows eight.1 is even greater, thanks to expanded screen-scaling solutions for the desktop. Scaling was previously capped at 150 percent unless you dug deeply into custom DPI settings. In Windows 8.1, you are able to enhance scaling all of the way as much as 200 % by going for the Screen Resolution settings and then clicking Make text and also other things bigger or smaller. For Television screens, this level of scaling finally makes 1080p resolution look usable around the desktop.
That’s not to say Windows 8’s interface is actually a fantastic fit on Tv screens. Despite the fact that most on-screen components are uncomplicated enough to view from afar, the app names on the Start out screen are tiny, and also the text doesn’t seem to respond to screen scaling in Windows settings.
Also, unless you may have a multitouch touchpad or possibly a mouse wheel handy, you might have no method to scroll in Windows eight apps without employing the scrollbar at the bottom edge of your screen. Strangely, the Start screen doesn’t have this problem-when you move your cursor beyond the edge from the screen, the menu scrolls together with it-but individual apps do not let you scroll using only the cursor.
One particular final interface nitpick: It would be good if Microsoft permitted you to work with an Xbox 360 controller to navigate through the Windows 8 Commence menu and apps. This function will be particularly useful for HTPCs with gaming muscle, as you wouldn’t need to rely solely on a front end which include Steam’s Significant Image mode to move from 1 game to an additional.