When BUILD rolls around, we’ll know more about Windows Phone 8.1 for sure, but in the meantime we’ll have to make do with leaks and rumors. Just a couple of days ago we got a glimpse of what to expect from the release when screenshots of the new notification center appeared online but now we have learned that Microsoft is inviting developers to use the Windows Phone 8.1 SDK.
This enables those producing apps to experiment with all of the new features of the mobile OS, and to take full advantage of the latest APIs. Speaking with the Verge, sources close to Microsoft have said that Windows Phone 8.1 SDK invites have been sent out to developers — this makes sense as with the operating system’s predecessor, developers complained that they were not, able to get their hands on the SDK, hindering their ability to create apps.
Microsoft is expected to reveal full details of Windows Phone 8.1 at BUILD in April and it makes sense for partners to have access to the information they need in order to get software ready in time.
Other features we have to look forward to are the Siri-like voice control system in addition to the new notification center, battery percentage indicator and screen-mirroring. Microsoft has already said that Windows Phone 8.1 will be made available to any device currently running Windows Phone 8.
Only two months to go until we learn more!
Further reading: Microsoft, Windows Phone 8.1
