Windows Phone 8.1: New Changes in Hardware and Software

Windows Phone 8 saw its release a few months ago and there were three minor updates to the OS. They include the Update 1, the Update 2 and the Update 3 otherwise known as the GDRs (General Distribution Release). They brought with them features that were necessary. Some of the features that came with the GDR3 are the Driving mode, Screen lock, and many more improvements under the hood. Now, Windows Phone 8.1 is under development and one of its build has leaked. It shows some new changes in hardware and software.

The Windows Phone 8.1 features a new on screen navigation bar which is said to replace the old capacitive buttons. This move comes from Android (v4.0 ICS) as it was the first phone device to include the on screen keys. It is thought to be more useful when compared to the capacitive buttons.

The navigation bar will be on top of  apps and is available in a color different, which helps to differentiate from the native app colors. It includes the back, home and search button as it was previously ordered. The other features of Windows 8.1 include a Notification centre and a voice assistant named Cortana. Rest of the features are not known at this moment.

Here is actually an emulated demo of the WP 8.1. The build is not official and most of the features are missing.