Windows Phone 8.1 update could be released as soon as April 14

Microsoft announced Windows Phone 8.1 yesterday at its Build Developer Conference, at the same time mentioning that current WP 8 devices will be updated to the new version of the OS “in a few months.” Well, it looks like that might mean this month after all.

The Verge can reportedly “confirm” that Microsoft is planning to launch a Windows Phone 8.1 developer preview on April 14 - although this date “could slip” eventually. While the WP 8.1 developer preview is, as its name suggests, aimed at developers, anyone owning a Windows Phone 8 handset will be able to use it and get the new WP 8.1 OS on their device.

The Verge’s story corroborates with an email received by Neowin, which was allegedly sent by Microsoft to one of its Windows Phone partners. The email seems to further confirm that Microsoft does indeed want to roll out the Windows Phone 8.1 developer preview this month.

Windows Phone 8.1 is shaping up to be the most important update for the WP platform since its initial release. It will bring lots of new features, including Microsoft’s own digital assistant called Cortana, a more personalized UI, Action Center, Internet Explorer 11, and so on.

sources: The Verge, Neowin