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Windows 8.1 is not just an ordinary upgrade to the previous version of Windows - Windows 8, but a storehouse of features that make it more usable. One such feature, the new OS boasts is the ability to configure lock screen to a rotating slide show of images from your Windows device and SkyDrive.
Windows 8.1 Lock Screen Slideshow
In Windows 8, , the freedom to personalize Lock Screen was somewhat limited. It didn't offer much functionality too. This has changed with Windows 8.1.
Windows 8.1 offers more useful features, such as slide show, a camera option to take pictures and alarms. Moreover, it's now possible to accept and answer Skype calls with the PC locked as well. When there is an incoming call, a notification appears in the upper-right corner of the screen. You can choose to answer via video, voice, or text or disconnect the call.
The Lock Screen in Windows 8.1 has been upgraded with some dynamic features like Photo Slide Show, Camera and Skype integration. All these added functionalities can now be configured from a new location - PC & Devices page under 'PC Settings'. Earlier, all lock screen-related options were available in the Personalize section.
If you observe, there are additional settings now. You can keep a static background as before, or you can choose to play a photo slideshow on the lock screen.
What's noteworthy here is that you can select multiple source locations for slideshow photos (Local folder on your PC or SkyDrive).
In addition to familiar Windows features like a Start button or boot-to-desktop mode, there's an option, 'Let Windows choose pictures for my slide show' which removes randomness from the picture selection. You can also set the time for slideshow to appear after it has been found to be inactive for a specified time. If required, changes can be made by accessing the drop down menu under “Show the lock screen after my PC is inactive for”option.
Since many people use tablet devices as cameras, Microsoft has also integrated the camera app into the lock screen. One can access the camera app directly from the Windows 8.1 lock screen by dragging it down instead of upwards. Once there, you can choose to unlock the device by hitting the button in the bottom-left corner.
Enjoy Windows 8.1!
