Updated: Build 2014: what to expect from Microsoft's developer conference

Microsoft has announced that Build 2014 will take place in San Francisco from April 2 - April 4, 2014. Registration has already sold out for interested developers.

During Build 2013, Microsoft officially launched Windows 8.1 and discussed the convergence of its various device platforms. Look for much more of the same at the next Build, where we're sure to get an earful on everything from the Xbox One to Windows Phone.

Microsoft should have quite a few tricks up its sleeve for this year's conference. In terms of phones, there are intriguing questions after recent acquisition of Nokia and we're also expecting Windows Phone 8.1 update for early this year.

Perhaps Windows 8.2, a.k.a. Threshold, will rear its head? Or could Microsoft abandon the debacle of Windows 8 altogether and give us Windows 9 instead? That's certainly been one of the recent rumours.

We know we're going to see Windows 8.1 Update 1 at some point soon, but the question is - when?

What's more, it's possible that we'll find out who Microsoft's new CEO is. Who will take the place of Steve Ballmer? And can they be anywhere near as charasmatic? Here are six candidates for Microsoft CEO.

A mini Surface?

There have also been rumours that a new Surface Mini or Surface 3 may pop up at the conference, which might debut alongside the updated operating system. TechRadar previously reported that the launch of a Surface Mini may have been held up because Microsoft had to draft in developers to help with the Xbox One.

• Surface Mini may not rear its smaller frame until early next year

Updated: Microsoft officially outs Build 2014 conference dates

Update: It didn't take long for the developer conference dates to become official.

Microsoft has announced that Build 2014 will indeed take place in San Francisco April 2 - April 4, 2014.

During Build 2013, Microsoft officially launched Windows 8.1 and discussed the convergence of its various device platforms. Look for much more of the same at the next Build, where we're sure to get an earful on everything from the Xbox One to Windows Phone.

Perhaps Windows 8.2, a.k.a. Threshold, will rear its head? What's more, it's likely that by then a new CEO will have taken Steve Ballmer's place as conference emcee.

Registration for Build 2014 opens January 14, 2014 at 9 a.m. PST/5 p.m. GMT/2 a.m. AEST January 15.

Original article...

Microsoft "mistakenly" uploaded details of its next Build developer conference on its website today, but quickly rectified the mistake.

The erroneously uploaded flyer revealed that the conference will be returning to San Francisco between April 2- April 4 2014.

According to the flyer, which has now been removed, registration for the conference will be open from January next year.

Massive sleeves

Microsoft probably has quite a few tricks up its sleeve for next year's conference. There are intriguing prospects in the recent acquisition of Nokia, as well as a Windows phone 8.1 update for early next year.

There have also been rumours that a new Surface Mini may pop up at the conference, which might debut alongside the updated operating system.

TechRadar previously reported that the launch of a Surface Mini may have been held up because Microsoft had to draft in developers to help with the Xbox One.

Now that the console launch has been and gone, will it be all hands on deck for the bite-sized tablet?

• Surface Mini may not rear its smaller frame until early next year