Microsoft is expected to unveil Windows Phone 8.1, the next big update to Windows Phone 8, sometime during Build 2014 Developer Conference (SF, April2-4). Windows Phone 8.1 is set to bring an action center, a Siri-like voice assistant called 'Cortana' and much more. Other features include a password manager for Internet Explorer, the ability to view emails offline, better battery management, on-screen navigation support, and much more. Microsoft has already said that Windows Phone 8.1 will be made available to any device currently running Windows Phone 8. Here's our hands on video of a leaked Windows Phone 8.1 build, showcasing some of the new features in action:



Microsoft is also expected to unveil Windows 8.1 Update 1. We've seen leaked builds and details about the update, which adds improved functionality for consumers who are using a mouse and keyboard. Update 1 brings along a new context UI menu for the Start Screen, quick access to the Power and Search buttons on the Start Screen, familiar window controls for Modern UI apps, and easier multitasking between Modern and Desktop applications with the taskbar. Under the hood changes include reduced hardware requirements, meaning the operating system can now run on hardware with as low as 1GB RAM and 16GB storage. Microsoft is expected to release the update to MSDN on April 2nd, with general availability on April 8th via Windows Update during April's Patch Tuesday. Microsoft also touched on DirectX 12 during the Games Developer Conference (GDC) a couple weeks ago, and perhaps the company will further showcase the new gaming API at Build. DirectX 12 has been redesigned to be faster and more efficient than ever before, boosting overall performance. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, during his Office for iPad announcement, promised that "Windows will innovate" and the company is expected to talk about "innovations in the operating system and innovations in devices" at the Build 2014 event.