14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is expected to announce the next major update for Windows Phone in early April at BUILD developer conference. In fact, Windows Phone 8.1 can be filed under “new operating systems” category given the fact that it’s more than just an update to the previous version of Windows Phone.
Windows Phone 8.1 preview build has already been released for developers and we know most of the new features and improvements it will bring to the mass market.
Some of these new features may be removed or improved, but also Microsoft may add new ones by the time Windows Phone 8.1 goes official. However, the latter is less likely to happen unless we’re talking about minor new features that are really needed.
While developers test Windows Phone 8.1, send their feedback and prepare their apps for the upcoming platform, Microsoft seems to be working on something that we have been clueless on until now.
It may be hard to believe for some, but even though Windows Phone 8.1 has yet to be officially introduced and make its way onto the market, Microsoft has already started working on the next version of the mobile platform.
Yes, you hear it right. WMPoweruser reports a TimeMe’s developer has just uncovered hints of something called Windows Phone 8.5
The mention of Windows Phone 8.5 appears in the emulator the developer is using to bring its application on Windows Phone 8.1 when it gets released.
The tooltip where the said platform is mentioned says clearly that TimeMe secondary live tiles may be altered or unavailable for release after Windows Phone 8.5.
Unfortunately, no additional details on the unannounced operating system have been uncovered, but we suspect more info on Windows Phone 8.5 will emerge later this year.
The information hinting at Windows Phone 8.5 seems to indicate that Microsoft plans to change the platform’s screen in the future.
While the simple mention of Windows Phone 8.5 doesn’t necessarily mean Microsoft is already working on the new platform, at least we know the Redmond company has already started to plan ahead for future release of WP 8.5
On a side note, from one of the screenshots uploaded by TimeMe developer it can be noticed that Windows Phone 8.1 will support 1-minute Live Tile updates, as opposed to the current 30-minute update, which is from what their name tag suggest, “live.”
We will keep an eye out for any additional details on Windows Phone 8.5, though we reckon it’s a bit too early even for Microsoft to bring something consistent to the table. Stay tuned for more updates on the matter.
