Windows 8.1 gets native Facebook app (photo Stephen Pate/NJN)
Long a sore point with users, Facebook produces native app for Windows 8.1
Facebook has stepped up to the table with a native Windows 8.1 app that looks attractive and improves on the Apple iPad and Android apps.
One of the biggest user complaint about Windows 8.0 was it had none of the apps people were used to on Android and Apple iOS.
The truth is that most of the important apps were available for Windows 8.0 but the media keep repeating the complaint as a mantra.
For the past year Facebook fans have put up with an Internet Explorer version of Facebook. OK it was alright but a native app is better.
Facebook app Home in Windows 8.1 (Photo Stephen Pate/NJN)
The app automatically takes up the full screen, although you can share it with other apps with Windows 8.1’s new split screen.
Splitting the Windows 8.1 screen with Facebook and Twitter (Photo Stephen Pate/NJN)
Facebook took the time to write this app and it seems to integrate with Windows 8.1. Charms Settings in Windows 8.1 takes you to the exact screen in Facebook settings. That’s rare for apps.
With improvements to the UI and native apps like Facebook, Microsoft has gone the distance to improve the user experience with Windows 8.1.
Windows 8.1 free upgrade
Windows 8.1 is a free update for Windows 8 users, available on the Windows Store starting October 18, 2013. Users of Windows 7 and earlier versions can buy Microsoft Windows 8.1 – Full Version for $120, available on pre-order from Amazon.com.
Here’s a tip. If you don’t already have Windows 8.0, you can save some money by finding a discounted copy of Windows 8.0 upgrade and get the update free. Amazon.com still has Microsoft Windows 8 Pro – Upgrade