Microsoft reportedly looking at onscreen buttons for Windows Phone 8.1

There has been some speculation that Microsoft could be planning to drop the back button in Windows Phone 8.1. A new report via the Verge has now stated that, while a hardware back button will most likely be done away with, it will be replaced with an onscreen button. This move will only take place if the software maker does go ahead with its plans.

The source claims that Microsoft has been working on removing the hardware requirements for the back, Start and search buttons in an effort to lower costs for device manufacturers. Any device that may come without the hardware buttons, though, will have buttons on the screen, which should be a relief for many Windows Phone users.

There is no word on how this possible move will change the user interface, but the source claims that the virtual buttons might come in the form of a black bar at the bottom of the screen. The report has also said that the company is currently working with the onscreen buttons so that apps built around the back button functionality can continue to work. While Windows Phone developers were reportedly averse to the news of a back button being dropped, it now looks like Microsoft is not doing away with the function entirely. The buttons in testing allegedly bear some resemblance to the onscreen buttons that Google uses on its Nexus Android devices.

Microsoft may be looking at onscreen versions for the buttons on its Windows Phones

The possible hardware requirement changes in Windows Phone 8.1 may be Microsoft’s move to get more manufacturers onboard to roll out low-cost Windows Phones. The source claims that the company is looking at mobile operators that typically license reference designs from Qualcomm and create low-cost devices. The change in Windows Phones may help to rope in more device makers who may consider the platform for their low-end devices alongside their Android handsets.

The move, according to the report, is also aimed at encouraging HTC to get the Windows Phone OS on its Android handsets. The lack of a capacitive back, Start and search button should definitely reduce product design planning and costs for manufacturers. There has not been any official word from Microsoft on this matter, though, so there is no way to validate these claims. The new Windows Phone 8.1 software is expected to roll out on new devices early next year.