Microsoft unveiled plans for the next version of its Windows Phone platform on Wednesday at MIX, the company's annual developer conference in Las Vegas.
At the conference and in a press release, Microsoft said it would add multitasking to the next generation of its mobile operating system. This will allow users to listen to audio while using other applications, or quickly switch between programs on the phone.
Although Windows Phone 7 hit the market to generally positive reviews last year, critics cited the phone's inability to multitask as a major flaw.
The company will also give developers who build apps for the Windows Phone platform broader access to a phone's hardware, including the built-in camera and motion sensor. This will let programmers build a new range of apps, including augmented reality experiences, which mix live video with overlaid data, Microsoft said.
Developers will receive access to the new phone updates in May.
Although some of these updates might seem trivial when compared to the capabilities of other mobile platforms, including Apple's iOS and Google's Android, the speed with which Microsoft is improving Windows Phone indicates its dedication to the software.
In the press release, Microsoft said there are now 38,000 registered Windows Phone developers who have built more than 13,000 apps.
Microsoft also said it would give game developers broader access to the Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect game controller. For example, developers will be given access to the Kinect camera.