14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 Preview comes with lots of improvements, many of which are specifically aimed at end users who are looking for a more familiar working environment.
Letting the Start button and the Start screen customization options aside, Windows 8.1 packs support for the PayPal SDK, which basically allows developers to integrate this particular payment system into a Windows Store app.
Microsoft’s Chief Evangelist Steve Guggenheimer revealed during his keynote at the BUILD developer conference that Windows 8.1 makes it easier for developers to promote and monetize their apps.
In addition to the PayPal SDK, the operating system will also include Adobe’s Digital Publishing Suite.
“Publishers and brands will be able to design and publish content to devices such as the Microsoft Surface, and designers can use DPS to create all kinds of dynamic and interactive apps,” Guggenheimer explained.
At the same time, Unity Pro 4 will finally arrive on Windows 8, and Microsoft promises several exciting tools for developers who embrace the newly updated platform.
“Unity, one of the industry’s most popular game development platforms, with a community of 2 million developers, announced commercial support for the Windows Store coming summer 2013. Unity Pro developers will receive a free license to build, and get support for Windows and Windows Phone,” the company said.
“In addition, developers with Microsoft Studios publishing agreements will have free access to Unity tools for Xbox 360 and Xbox One, inclusive of support for enhanced Kinect gestures and SmartGlass.”
Windows 8.1 is currently available in Preview form, but the RTM version is expected to hit the market later this year. Pundits suggest that Windows 8.1 is set to reach the RTM stage in August, while general availability appears to be scheduled for October.
More details on the official launch date are expected to be provided in the coming months as Microsoft collects feedback on the Preview version to improve the operating system.