One of the first Windows Phone 8.1 devices due for release after Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s phone business will be focused on the front-facing camera capabilities. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans tell The Verge that a Nokia ‘Superman’ device is currently in development with a 5-megapixel camera at the front. Nokia has typically reserved such additions for the rear of its devices, but Superman marks a shift. It’s not clear if Microsoft plans to market Superman as the ultimate selfie-taking phone, but a 5-megapixel camera at the front instead of the standard 1-megapixel offering is no accident. Superman will join HTC's recently released One M8, which also includes a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

We understand that Superman is designed as a 4.7-inch mid-range handset that’s expected to debut towards the end of the year. Microsoft is also currently working towards two Windows Phone 8.1 updates that will be delivered over the course of 2014. Like previous Windows Phone 8 updates, the pair of 8.1 updates will coincide with new handsets and will be rolled out to existing devices. The first update is tentatively scheduled for July, and Superman is expected to debut alongside the second later this year.

A trio of Windows Phone 8.1 handsets

Microsoft is working on additional Windows Phone 8.1 handsets that will be released this year. A "Goldfinger" device was scheduled to debut alongside Windows Phone 8.1, but crucial support for new off-the-glass gestures was delayed to an update for Windows Phone 8.1. Goldfinger is still undergoing testing, and Microsoft is also readying another two Windows Phone 8.1 handsets alongside it. It’s still not clear whether any of these devices will include Nokia branding on them. Microsoft appears to be taking the transition slowly, and the company has not yet detailed its plans for future branding.

Correction: this article reference an upcoming update to Windows Phone 8.1 scheduled for June. The update is tentatively scheduled for July, not June. We have updated the article, and regret the error.