Windows Phone 8.1 brings the new capability to install apps on the microSD card, if developers allow of course, and will allow users to no longer be limited in any way by the built-in storage on their phone.

CoolXap.com reports however that Microsoft has set some special requirements for using memory cards to install apps on Windows Phone 8.1.

According to them a minimum of Class 6 SDHC card is required, with Class 10 recommended.

Class 4 and below will not be supported, with the OS automatically detecting the speed on insertion.

If the card is too slow users will not be offered to move apps from the phone to the card.

The requirement should also help users avoid performance issues when saving video to external cards, which can be stuttery when bitrates are high.

Separately CoolXap also confirm that the 3 column screen option will be confined to screens with a physical size bigger or equal to 4.5 inches, excluding the the Nokia Lumia 520 and 620 for example.

Microsoft is expected to show the Windows Phone 8.1 update at the upcoming BUILD conference on 2nd April this year.

Meanwhile, Reddit carried a series of screenshots showing new camera user interface, messaging and several features of the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 operating system. There was no sign of Siri like personal digital assistant or notification center in the images. However, speculations rife that the Cortana, the yet-to-be-released Windows Phone's personal digital assistant, and a notification center will be added when the Windows Phone 8.1 will be released.

The Windows Phone 8.1 update is a step closer to unification of the Windows RT 8.1 platform and the Windows Phone 8.1 OS. Microsoft will enable that with universal apps and the new software development kit which would allow developers to create applications for the Windows RT and Windows Phone platforms using JavaScript/HTML.

Microsoft is also believed to bring loads of tweaks such as 'Install Apps to SD card' and more storage related features with the new operating system. In the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1, the Music+Video app will be separated into two different apps - Music and Video apps.

From the screenshots it seems that the messaging app has also undergone some changes and Microsoft will allow users to choose another default SMS app. It does sound similar to Google Android 4.4 KitKat

Several other improvements will be baked in the Windows Phone 8.1 update which is expected to be shown at the BUILD conference in April. As of now, Microsoft has not shared any official date to release the Windows Phone 8.1 to the existing Windows Phone 8 based devices.

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