Windows Phone 8.1 SDK Leaks: Windows Compatibility

Just a few hours have passed since we learned that Microsoft was distributing the Windows Phone 8.1 SDK, and we already have the first leaks with data about the new version of the system.

Convergence is a very important point of this new version: there will be universal applications: written in HTML/Javascript and compatible with Windows 8 Also, Silverlight disappears, so that the XAML code (definition of the interface) can be shared.

We also have new apps: OneDrive instead of SkyDrive; Xbox Music and Xbox Video to replace Music and Videos; Battery Sense, which will indicate which applications are consuming more battery; and an application for podcasts.The default camera app also has some cosmetic changes to make features easier to access.

"There are changes in the behavior of applications: the back button will no longer close applications, but will suspend them as in Windows 8. Another detail is that we can close applications by sliding down the list of multitask."

The system itself also brings changes. For example, we can use third-party apps for SMS (it remains to be seen if these apps can also be integrated into the messaging hub), connect to VPNs, add iCloud accounts or install applications on the SD card. They have also discovered a _file picker_, a kind of file explorer. And just like in Windows 8, Facebook integration disappears

Lastly, there are changes that are more oriented towards developers, which, although we are not going to detail them here, will make it easier to create higher quality applications.

The new features are quite interesting, and you have to remember that this is only an SDK. Microsoft probably has more glove box changes that it hasn't shipped yet, like Cortana. We will have to wait until April to complete this first set of news.

UPDATE: In addition to what has already been said, more news has been leaked:

• WiFi Direct: Direct Wi-Fi connections between two devices
• New background tasks, activated by location, push notifications or timers, among others.
• Customization of the bottom navigation bar (the back, search and home touch buttons).
• API to launch actions based on location

We have also obtained several exclusive screenshots for Xataka Windows:

See complete gallery » Images Windows Phone SDK8.1 Emulator (4 photos)

Via | Reddit | WMPowerUser | WPCentral