New Tips And Triks For You

Approaching the final version, the latest build offers a much-needed tutorial and more Start screen backgrounds.

(Credit: Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET)

Microsoft continues to tweak Windows 8.1 just in time for its official roll out to manufacturers by the end of August.

Just recently leaked online, build 9471 is likely to be the last one before device makers receive the final RTM (Release to Manufacturing) build in the next few weeks. As such, it seems designed to ease some of the learning curves of its predecessor.

Taking a tour of the new release, the folks at The Verge discovered a new tutorial that was hinted at in the recent Windows 8.1 Preview. The Help + Tips apps offers different video clips to teach you how to manuever around the various screens, launch your files, and access Windows settings. Tips also now pop up within the built-in apps to show you how to swipe the screen and tap into the Charms bar.

New backgrounds are available for the Start screen -- one featuring a fire dragon and the other a moving robot. The items travel as you swipe or scroll across the screen to help you better keep track of your position.

Borrowing a page from Windows Phone, the latest build features a series of three dots in key apps, such as Mail, People, and Calendar. Those dots serve as visual tip-off that more settings are available just around the corner. Some of the apps have also been spruced up, according to The Verge. Mail now lets open new multitasking windows and move items via drag and drop.

Finally, Skype comes pre-installed in the new build as part of Microsoft's effort to phase out Live Messenger and the Windows 8 Messaging app.

Windows 8.1 will be a free upgrade to Windows 8. Microsoft hasn't yet revealed when consumers will be able to directly download the new version.