Windows 8.1 //Build Announcement and resources

In today’s Build keynotes, you had the opportunity to hear from Steve Ballmer, Julie Larson-Green and Antoine Leblond about the latest Microsoft’s devices and services. They clearly discussed the vision and provided and end-to-end view of the developer opportunity on Windows 8.1.  If you have not yet watched the keynote, I encourage you to check it out on demand.  Among today’s highlights: https://channel9.msdn.com/

Windows 8.1 Preview

Windows 8.1 Preview launched.  Download it from https://preview.windows.com

Windows Store

Redesigned Windows Store in Windows 8.1 to better connect consumers to the apps they want.

· More Monetization Opportunities such as Windows Store gift cards and third party payment systems.

Design UI/UX

Leading Design and Devices that showcase developer productivity wit flexible windows states, new live tile designs and automatic updating.

Tools

Preview Releases of Visual Studio 2013, Team Foundation Server and .NET 4.5.1 to make it easier for developers to create apps and services that span across mobile devices and the cloud.  Learn about all the new features, and download here.

SDKs

Bing Developer Platform to embed intelligent services in apps for Windows 8.1, Windows Phone Xbox and Office.

So what new?

The Windows team just published an App Builder blog post announcing what’s new for app builders and developers and how to migrate apps to Windows 8.1 Preview.

The preview is available to download now from https://preview.windows.com (ISOs available tomorrow 27/06/13) and new app builder content and tool and SDK downloads are now live in the Windows Dev Center: https://dev.windows.com.

Windows 8.1 Preview Guides

· Windows 8.1 Preview Product Guide This all-up product guide is an overview of what’s new in Windows 8.1 for consumers, businesses, and app builders. 

· Windows 8.1 Preview Product Guide for developers The product guide for developers is an overview of what’s new in Windows 8.1 Preview for app builders. 

· Windows 8.1 Preview Feature Guide for developers The feature guide covers new APIs and features for developers.

· Migration guide for app builders This whitepaper covers the step-by-step details on updating your app from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 Preview.

Windows Dev Center updates for Windows 8.1

Developer downloads – This single page gives you access to all the downloads you need to build Windows Store apps for Windows 8.1 Preview. You can access the Windows 8.1 Preview downloads, Visual Studio 2013 Preview, code samples, and additional SDKs and tools.
Developer content – The developer content in the Windows Dev Center is updated for Windows 8.1 Preview with new API reference documentation, feature guide, migration guide, and new start to finish narratives on Windows Store app UI, Flat navigation, User interaction, and Media playback.
Design resources – All Windows 8 design resources are located at design.windows.com. See case studies, category guidance, and get updated UX guidelines for Windows 8.1.
Marketing content – We have new “Download from Windows Store” badges in 13 languages and a new Windows Store App Marketing Guide to help app builders promote their apps in advertising.
WindowsStore.com – The app builder campaign will promote the downloads and product guide, and will be updated with new evidence videos soon.

Blogs and Further resources

Windows Team Blog: This is the blog where we disclose information about Windows 8.1 Preview to all audiences and blog about new apps.
Windows App Builder Blog NEW! This new blog combines our two previous blogs – Windows Store for developers blog and the Windows 8 app developer blog – into a single place with our other Windows blogs. App builders can find best practices to design, build, and market apps from the Windows team. Over the coming weeks, there will be a series of new post about Windows 8.1 preview published here.
Somasegar Blog: S. Somasegar is the corporate vice president of the Developer Division at Microsoft. Take a look at his latest Visual Studio 2013 Preview release announcement to find out more about this release.
Developer Tools Blog Network: This network hosts the top Microsoft developer-related blogs. Check the latest feed to learn about the new features in store for developers.
Microsoft Advertising Blog: Find out what’s new with Ads in Apps and the SDK.