Leaked Windows Phone 8.1 update photos show 'on-screen buttons'

Leaked screenshots of the upcoming tweaked version of the Windows Phone 8.1 reportedly show the possibility of on-screen buttons in the mobile software.

The leaked image shows the standard Windows background with search buttons all on-screen.

According to the Verge, Microsoft had been testing the virtual buttons as a replacement for devices without physical buttons, in an effort to lower costs of device manufacturers.

Incorporating virtual buttons could allow Android device makers to use almost identical hardware to produce Windows Phone handsets, which in turn could be profitable to Microsoft.

The report said that the updated mobile operating system is expected to include a notification center, a ‘Cortana’ personal assistant, Skype improvements, and a number of UI changes.