14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft earlier today confirmed that the BUILD developer conference would indeed be held in April in San Francisco, adding that some new goodies are scheduled to be unveiled for users of the key products in its lineup.
The company hasn't provided us with any specifics, but it did mention that “we’ll talk about what’s next for Windows, Windows Phone, Windows Azure, Windows Server, Visual Studio and much more,” which is actually a sign that Microsoft is indeed working on major improvements for the modern operating system.
“As always, Build is a time to bring developers together to talk about our latest products, platform advances, tools and offerings, all of which come together to create unmatched apps and scenarios,” Microsoft said.
“With Windows, developers can create new experiences to reach hundreds of millions of devices on peoples’ desks, in their homes, in their pockets and in their living rooms.”
There are multiple reasons why Microsoft decided to hold the BUILD developer conference in April.
First of all, the timing is right because Windows XP, the aging operating system that's still incredibly popular right now, will go dark on April 8, 2014, so the company most likely wants to talk to developers and the media about the number of users who migrated to modern Windows.
At the same time, this could be the perfect moment for Microsoft to debut the so-called Spring GDR update for Windows 8.1 and officially launch Windows Phone 8.1.
This is the first rollout that's supposed to bring closer the Windows and the Windows Phone stores, as Microsoft is planning to merge them in an attempt to offer users not only more apps, but also a unified experience across devices.
Of course, Microsoft will most likely remain tight-lipped for now, especially because it continues the search for a new CEO, but expect the one who'll replace Steve Ballmer at the helm of the company to make his first public appearance in April.