Microsoft has announced a number of new initiatives during its developer conference dubbed Build 2014, including Windows Phone 8.1, the availability of an update for Windows 8.1, a converged developer platform and a free royalty licensing program for OEM and ODM partners developing smartphones and tablets with screens under nine inches.
Windows Phone 8.1, the company said, is more personal, smarter and more customisable, while the update to the Windows 8.1 PC operating system (OS) is also available today for MSDN subscribers, and will begin to roll out for free to Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 customers via Windows Update on April 8.
The company detailed new developer opportunities on the Windows platform, with a common platform across devices, a single toolset, a common infrastructure across the Windows and Windows Phone stores, and a clear commitment to interoperability.
“During my time on stage, I went over what’s next for Windows PCs, tablets, and phones with two major updates: Windows Phone 8.1 and the Windows 8.1 Update. Both releases bring a lot of new features for consumers and businesses alike, built from the feedback we’ve heard from customers along the way. We’ve also continued to invest in our partners, enabling lots of great new phones, tablets, laptops and PCs for you to choose from in the months ahead,” said the head of Microsoft’s operating system group, Joe Belfiore.
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