On-device Windows Phone 8.1 Store tweaked

WPCentral reports that the Windows Phone Store on Windows Phone 8.1 has had some design changes.

The store now surfaces the Featured apps as its first pane, and now includes  Quick Links with featured apps, games, Top, New + Rising Apps, etc.

It now also includes a Categories section with general games, entertainment, lifestyle, etc. and a Personalized’ section for app recommendations based on your history, likes and interests with the ability to dispose of recommendations via a ‘not interested’ button.

The store will also feature an option for automatic updates over WIFI and the ability to offer apps via location.

The individual app view now gets a graph of stars for reviews and the ability to sort reviews by most helpful, most recent, highest rated or lowest rated; users can judge user reviews as helpful/unhelpful.

Overall the changes resemble the Windows Store on Windows 8.1, and as usual is designed to surface and promote quality apps.

Windows phone 8.1 is expected to be unveiled formally in less than a week at BUILD 2014 on the 2nd April.