The Nokia Lumia 1020 runs Windows Phone 8
Windows Phone 8.1 is expected to launch for tablets as well as smartphones when it becomes available early next year.
Although Windows tablets currently run Windows RT or Windows 8, it seems Microsoft will introduce 7- to 10-inch screen compatibility with Windows Phone 8.1.
Microsoft will be making Windows Phone 8.1 support larger screens than the 5- to 6-inch varieties that will be compatible after the Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update.
It is unsure what will happen when both Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 8.1 are available for tablets with screen sizes between 7- and 10-inches.
However, Microsoft is trying to merge its Windows systems across desktops, smartphones and tablets so developers can easily make one app that works across all devices, so Windows Phone 8.1 could be a step towards that.
Alongside the long-awaited Notification Centre for WP devices, Windows Phone 8.1 should also bring with it a number of other new features.
According to the Supersite for Windows sources, Microsoft will be removing the Back button from the Windows Phone hardware. Users apparently tend to hit the Start button rather than the back button to open an app, just as they would on an iPhone, so it makes more sense for it to be removed.
Windows Phone 8.1 will also apparently aim for Full 1080p HD resolution support along with the larger screen compatibility.
Improving multitasking is also a priority with Windows Phone 8.1 says the source. Microsoft has flagged it as Windows Phone’s “biggest technical issue”, and will seemingly fix major issues with notifications and background processes.
Until Windows Phone 8.1 is released in 2014, the Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update may well be unveiled alongside the Nokie Lumia 1520 at the Nokia World event on October 22.
Next, read our Windows Phone 8 tips and tricks.
