Microsoft has released its Windows Phone 8.1 Software Development Kit and now developers are leaking the features online.
All the updated Windows Phone 8.1 features developers have been spotting have been listed in a Reddit feed, including the first indications of the Windows Phone and Windows RT merge.
According to the developer, the Windows Phone 8.1 update will allow users to create apps for tablets and phones using the same shared HTML and JavaScript code.
Microsoft is also switching the app .appx packing for Windows Phone 8.1 to the same as that used in Windows 8.
Some changes have been made to the multitasking on Windows Phone 8.1, as the back button no longer completely closes an application, but rather suspends it to run in the background as it does on Windows 8.
When in multitasking view, apps can be closed by swiping down rather than having to tap the close button.
Features wise, Windows Phone 8.1 will enable users to change their default messaging app, with a leaked screenshot showing a “receive texts using” drop down menu. The only option we can see in the screenshot is the default messaging app, but it would be handy to be able to use an alternative messaging system like WhatsApp.
There’s also a new Battery Power Sense feature, enabling you to monitor and track your phone’s battery life. VPN support and SkyDrive rebranding to OneDrive are other obvious additions with Windows Phone 8.1.
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The Video and Music apps have also been separated and the combined version completely removed. A new podcast app is also hinted to, but there’s no indication as to whether it will be available across international markets.
Microsoft is also making modifications to its built-in camera app with Windows Phone 8.1. A new top app bar includes access to flash toggles, switching between front and rear cameras and lenses.
The camera app’s bottom bar allows you to switch between video, photos and a new burst mode.
Two things strangely absent from the Windows Phone 8.1 SDK are the heavily rumoured notifications centre (leaked earlier this week) and the Cortana voice assistant.
Microsoft is expected to release the full Windows Phone 8.1 preview at the Build Developers Conference in April.
Read more: Windows Phone 8 tips and tricks
Via: The Verge
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
