Windows Phone 8 users are all waiting for the GDR2 update, and some have already begun eagerly anticipating Windows Phone 8.1 (Blue). Earlier today, Joe Belfiore, the head of Microsoft's Windows Phone department, uploaded a screenshot of a Windows Phone 8 device to his Twitter account, seemingly indicating that he is already using Windows Phone 8.1.
Unlike the current Windows Phone 8, you can see strange icons at the very top of this screenshot. For instance, wireless signal strength, Wi-Fi connection, and other icons are all concentrated on the left side, whereas in Windows Phone 8, these icons are evenly distributed across the top of the screen.
The image on the left is WP8 GDR2, and the one on the right may be WP8.1.
WPCentral.com reported that they have confirmed that Belfiore's screenshot is indeed the first public beta version of the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1. However, the final official version will not be released until early 2014.