Since previous few years, Microsoft has been working to build Windows Phone as a competitive mobile OS because Android and iOS are still on the higher side, where Windows phone 8.1 is just in the corner. Recently Microsoft made it possible that SDK to be used by developers for Window Phone 8.1. Now they are working to dig new features in the OS and same are being shared with us.
One prominent feature in Window Phone 8.1 is it includes universal apps. This feature in SDK will enable the users to take advantage of templates for large screen devices operating Windows or RT and Windows Phone with the same shared library of HTML and JavaScript. Developers will also wove appx format in Windows Phone apps which is just like Window 8 Metro apps. In this apps two catalogs have been merged enabling the Microsoft to introduce something respectable and Microsoft will take advantage of this new feature. Apps would not be terminated during multi-tasking mode and can be swiped away from multitasking mode to be manually closed.
Windows 8.1 will also introduce concept of on-screen buttons to the users like Android OS. On-screen can save bezel space and make the interface more consistent but implementing can be tricky. A new setting also enables users to change color of the bar.
In SDK, Microsoft also allows users to hide the navigation bar with a small arrow button of to the left. Now users can monitor storage and battery life as Windows Phone 8.1 provides new settings which also support for VPNs as well. Microsoft seems to remove some of the native Facebook integration because it might be a bug in the SDK or Microsoft will be rethinking a new way to wove the social media into the OS. Microsoft also allow user to create camera apps that can be set as default and it seems to be extended to SMS. The SDK also includes option for third-party messaging as default an alternative of WhatApp. Users might be less likely to change the stock camera app in Windows phone 8.1 however with an updated camera app with burst mode.
One thing like Bing or search, that is missing in SDK as it brings up an error. Rumors are there, Microsoft will wove a virtual assistant codenamed Cortana for Windows Phone8.1. Cortona includes some impressive features that Microsoft wants to impact in SDK.
