Microsoft released Windows Phone 8 GDR3 back in October, making it possible for manufacturers to use multi-core processors and larger Full HD (1080×1920) displays among other new features. Needless to say, Microsoft is already hard at work on the next update. Reportedly codenamed “Blue,” it looks set to launch as Windows Phone 8.1 sometime in early 2014. The usually reliable @evleaks has landed a partial image seen above and while it shows little, it does one important detail.
The image suggests that Microsoft is moving to capacitive or on-screen buttons for Windows Phone 8.1. While there had been rumours that the Back button might disappear, it still shows up on this screenshot. Keep in mind that we don’t know how old this image is and the button could still disappear by the time Windows 8.1 launches.
It’s not clear how these new Windows Phone Blue buttons will work with existing Windows Phone 8 devices if and when they are upgraded to Windows Phone 8.1. Presumably we will only see them on new devices though.
Windows Phone 8.1 is also expected to come with multitasking improvements, a new notification center that will have more in common with Android’s, including interactive notifications and Cortana, Microsoft’s version of Google Now and Siri.
Microsoft is expected to unveil Windows Phone 8.1 at its Build developer conference in early April, likely April 2 to 4 although Microsoft has yet to confirm dates.
What do you think of these new Windows Phone Blue buttons? Let us know below.
Source : @evleaks