Application developers can now start submitting apps to Microsoft that that are written for the updated OS.
Developers can also link app listings in the Windows Store and Windows Phone Store to create a universal Windows app, to enable consumers to download compatible Windows-powered devices.
Microsoft believes that the move would boost both paid and free app downloads across all its device categories.
Windows Phone Dev Centre engineering team’s Keith Senzel said: "Today I’m pleased to announce the opening of the Windows Phone Dev Center for publishing your Windows Phone 8.1 apps and for linking your Windows and Windows Phone apps to create universal Windows apps."
Linked apps would also allow developers to move application data across form factors, and a single notification channel.
The Dev Center changes now allow developers to reserve app names a year in advance on the Windows Phone Store similar to Windows Store, particularly, for Windows Phone 8.1 apps.
Both Windows Store and Windows Phone Store do not mandate a credit card for identity confirmation and users can reportedly use PayPal.
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