Even though Microsoft launched Windows 8.1 Update 1 in April, the company decided to wait until today to launch a major refresh for the operating system"s Windows Store. That redesign is rolling out now and adds some features designed to make finding apps in the store easier for users.
Microsoft goes over the changes in a post on the Windows Experience blog. The biggest change is a persistent navigation bar on top of the Windows Store. It gives users quick access to items like app categories, sales charts for free and paid apps, app collections and the user"s account.
Speaking of collections, that"s also a new feature inside the Windows Store. Users can now find apps grouped in different categories such as "Getting started", "Music lovers" and more. The collections section is where users can find the apps that Microsoft has marked down for the week in their Red Stripe Deals section.
Finally, the Windows Store now shows off which Windows 8/8.1 apps have counterparts on Windows Phone, so users who own devices with both operating systems can purchase once and get the app on both platforms.
Source: Microsoft | Image via Microsoft