Microsoft has revealed Windows 8.1 will allow for better and improved device API support compared to what Windows 8 currently offers, thanks in part to a new feature called device protocol APIs.



From Neowin:

In June at BUILD 2013, Microsoft announced that it will be adding native support for 3D printers in Windows 8.1. As it turns out, that's just part of the improvements Microsoft is making for the OS update in terms of adding more support for external hardware devices.

In a new blog post, Microsoft states that Windows 8.1 will add device support for more scanning and Point of Sale products. More importantly, the company is introducing what it calls device protocol APIs that will allow any Windows 8 app to "talk" to a device using standard protocols such as USB, Bluetooth, WiFi Direct and more.

  Microsoft talks about more API device support for Windows 8.1