Mashable’s Chris Taylor:

Windows 8.1 is a clear improvement over Windows 8, and for that Microsoft should be commended. … But the OS is not out of the woods yet.

This detail is just mind-boggling to me.

…when you sign into the device for the very first time, be prepared to go through a few of those annoying CAPTCHA screens “to prove you’re a human.” (Really, Microsoft? Do you get a lot of robots buying Surface tablets?)

I know Microsoft has more trouble with piracy than Apple does, but it doesn’t seem like screwing up your user experience like this is worth it.