Windows 8.1 Preview: New Leak Claims Next WP Update Will Take Away Hardware Buttons, Place On-Screen Buttons Instead

Since Microsoft announced the next update of its mobile operating system, a lot of people have been looking for Windows 8.1 preview samples to decide whether getting a WP-powered device right now makes sense in the long run. But it seems the rumor mill has focused on some of the version's alleged changes. 

According to a report by The Verge, notorious leakster EVLeaks tweeted a photo that includes a basic Windows Phone 8.1 homescreen, plus on-screen buttons. This is certainly new to the WP-loving community, that has grown accustomed to Nokia's hardware trio of buttons.

But just in case the rumor is true, this would take the platform closer to what a usual Android homescreen looks like. In a recent report, Microsoft may actually be thinking of using a forked Android version for its upcoming devices, though no confirmation has been announced yet. 

The disappearance of hardware buttons in subsequent versions of an operating system is not new in the industry. Some Android OEMs have also taken the hardware buttons in favor of on screen ones. 

In case this is true, we sure hope Microsoft knows what it is doing. Windows 8.1 is set to be unveiled in April next year, during the BUILD 2014 conference.