Windows 8.1: Meet the new and vastly improved Windows Store

Windows 8.1 (codenamed Windows "Blue") brings a redesigned and much improved Windows Store that should make it easier for users to find applications.

A search box is now present at all times, whereas in Windows 8 users have to swipe from the right or put the cursor in the top or bottom right of the screen to bring up the charm with the search button.

The new store has a bigger emphasis on the promotion of top apps instead of categorization by genre. You can still easily bring up categories, but they are no longer the first thing you're presented with.

Automatic updating of apps will be supported, and people will be able to buy gift cards with stored balances. Microsoft is promising an improved in-app purchase experience, although since all we have now is the preview of the software, we can't say exactly how it will work.

To show how the Store has changed and improved, here is a look at the Windows Store in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 (we'll call it "Windows Blue" to make it easier to distinguish).