Microsoft announces updates for Windows 8 built-in apps, just in time for October 26th launch
All signs point toward the impending general availability of Windows 8, what with the upcoming OS launch event, the Surface RT finally hitting the FCC, and Paul Allen letting the world knows what he thinks of it. In light of this, the Redmond company has announced a final update push to the built-in apps you'll find in Windows 8. The Bing update will be first out the gate tomorrow -- it promises richer search results for local content -- with the rest rolling out through October 26th. Also of note is Music, which touts "expanded music services" as an update (Xbox Music, anyone?). If you're itching to know what built-in apps will be updated, you can get the full and extensive list after the break.
SkyDrive
Search within SkyDrive
Rename and move folders and files
New first-run experience
Custom sort order
Mail, Calendar, People, and Messaging
Conversation view of your inbox
Complete IMAP account support
Accepting and declining invitations in email
Capturing and updating your account picture
Improved search
Search for a contact within the Messaging app
Photos
Crop and rotate photos
New auto-curated collage slideshows
View photos and videos on network locations in your Pictures Library such as Windows Home Server, network shares, and HomeGroups
Move through photos in your Pictures Library even when you open them from the desktop
Maps
Bird's eye view
3,000+ indoor venue maps
Driving directions hints
Improved navigation and layout
Improved customization, including custom pushpins and roaming options
Integration with Bing and Travel apps
Bing
Richer search results for local content and images
Bing rewards integration
Use zoom on your search results to see related queries
Use the file picker to select an image from Bing to use on your lock screen or in your other apps
Finance
Additional news and magazine content
More market exchanges enabled
Finance videos
News
Additional news content from partners such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal
Enhanced article reader, including font customization, zoom, pagination, and more
Improved offline reading experience
News videos
Slideshows
Sports
Additional news and magazine content
Sports videos
Slideshows
New soccer leagues, including MLS, J. League, and Brazilian League
Travel
Additional news and magazine content
Improved flight search and new flight progress indicator
Improved hotel listing page
Interactive 360-degree panoramas (gyroscope supported)
Weather
Improved default location usability
Hourly weather forecasts, up to 10 days
Day & evening high/low temperatures
Video
Purchasing in local currencies
Closed captioning
Search by actor or director
Music
Expanded music services
Rich "Now Playing" experience
Discover more music with SmartDJ
Games
Exciting new games
In-game purchasing
Invites and turn notifications