Windows Phone 8.1 Leak Reveals New Features by Developer

Right after Windows Phone 8.1 SDK invites were sent out to developers, it seems the feature are getting leaked now. Reddit user wpthroaway has posted loads of stuff but he is doing it smartly, its been edited all the time so nobody can get it down.

See also: Windows Phone 8.1 Separate Volume Controls Leak: New Screenshot

Microsoft recently sent out a limited number of invitations to developers to perform testing on Windows Phone 8.1, and provide initial feedback to the SDK (software developer kit) that developers use to build their apps for a given platform.

Windows Phone 8.1 is expected to be a major upgrade to the platform and hopes are already high. Microsoft has already released the SDK to developers and that has become the source for the leaking of new and upcoming features of the Blue update.

First and foremost, the update would bring the desktop and the mobile OS closer than before. The update would enable JavaScript and HTML for app dvelopment, making porting apps made for tablets and PC’s to the mobile platform easier than before.
Other notable features include the removal of cross button in the multitask window that was introduced with the Update 3. Instead, users will have to simply swipe down an app to close it, much like on Windows 8.1. The back button will only suspend apps instead of closing them. Users will also be finally able to install apps on SD card. In fact here’s the full list compiled by Reddit user DDReaper.

• OneDrive app with integrated file browser
• Sort apps list by usage, installation date…
• Select multiple tiles when customizing the Start screen
• Internet Explorer 11 with WebGL and Normal Mapping support
• Better backup functionality like on Windows 8.1
• Bing smart search o Better camera app
• Auto-updates for apps (just like Windows 8.1)
• Ability to program applications with HTML and JavaScript System

* System

• Separate volume controls for ringer, media, etc.
• Quick settings access (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) by doing a quick swipe from the top of the screen
• Action Center accessed by doing a full swipe from up to the bottom
• Silent notifications which go directly to the Action center
• Possibility to mark a Live Tile as read by swiping from the left of said tile
• Improved keyboard with swipe support (confirmed by Tom Warren in comments)
• Feature to mirror Windows Phone screens to TVs and/or monitors
• Cortana smart agent performs the same tasks as Siri and Google Now and even more including data from Foursquare
• Ability to install apps on inserted SD Cards
• Possibility to change the default texting application

* Technical aspect

• Bluetooth 4.0 LE support
• Possibility for the OEMs to use virtual on-screen buttons instead of physical or sensitive one
• Dual sim support
• More efficient multitasking
• Back button doesn’t close applications anymore : app life cycle is more similar to what we find in Windows 8.1

* Applications

• Xbox Music and Xbox Video as standalone apps instead of the Music + Video Hub (allowing more updates to be pushed)
• Twitter integrated more deeply into the contacts Hub
• Battery sense application
• Podcast application (US only?)

* Business Feature Pack

• S/MIME to sign and encrypt email
• Access to corporate resources behind the firewall with app aware, auto-triggered VPN
• Enterprise Wi-Fi support with EAP-TLS
• Enhanced MDM policies to lock down functionality on the phone for more enterprise control, in addition to richer application management such as allowing or denying installation of certain apps
• Certificate management to enroll, update, and revoke certificates for user authentication

Other changes include a new USB settings page, navigation bar color, new camera layout and some added accent colors. Microsoft is expected to unveil Windows Phone 8.1 at BUILD 2014 in April. There’s nothing planned for MWC according to the report.
 Source: reddit

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