Developer accounts for Windows 8.1 cost $19 for individuals and $99 for companies, providing access to both the Windows phone and store. Visual Studio 2013 can be used to create Windows 8.1 apps and update existing 8 apps, with settings stored online. New XAML controls are introduced like HUB, CommandBar, and updated controls like FlipView. Developers can now render controls to bitmaps and access new network APIs.

1. Whats new in Windows
8.1 for developer
By Ken Tucker

2. Developer accounts
 Cost to be a developer is $19 for individual
 Cost for a company is $99
You get both a windows phone and windows store account for one registration
If you had both types of accounts before this started you should get a voucher to
renew for free next year

3. Visual Studio 2013
 New version of Visual Studio can be used to create windows 8.1 apps
 Can be used to work on windows 8 apps but cannot create a new windows 8
app
 settings in visual studio 2013 are stored online so other computers will keep
same settings
 Visual studio on line offers free source control and use TFS or Git.
 Free for teams with up to 5 members
 Battery performance for windows 8.1 apps

4. New Xaml controls
 HUB control
 CommandBar
 SettingsFlyout
 Header Support
 TimePicker
 DatePicker
 HyperLink
 Appbar Controls
 Flyout
 MenuFlyout
 FlipView updates

5. Render controls to bitmap
 var renderTargetBitmap = new RenderTargetBitmap();
 await renderTargetBitmap.RenderAsync(myElementTree);
 myImage.Source= renderTargetBitmap;

6. New Network APIs
 Updated HTTP client
 Wifi Direct
 GeoFence