SharePoint 2013 Top New Features

1. Add third party apps

SharePoint 2013 has much easier facility to add third party apps. Dreamweaver, Microsoft Expression Web, or some other HTML editor can be used as branding tools.

2. WEB 2.0 api

WEB 2.0 api is introduced for Data access between SharePoint and outside apps like ASP.NET, PHP, Java etc.

3. Claims-based

SharePoint 2013 is claims-based by default for making secure and safety data but the service applications architecture as before.

4. Work flow

In SharePoint 2013 the Work flow engine based on Windows Workflow Foundation 4.x.But at the same time previous engine is exist for backward compatibility. Windows Workflow Foundation 4.x. can run outside the hosted in AppFabric, on Windows Azure or on-premises. Now it has capable to for complex activity like looping or working with web service.

5. OData

OData Support is introduced in Business connectivity service.Open Data protocol (OData) lets you access a data source, such as a database, by browsing to a specially constructed URL

6. Event receiver model

In SharePoint 2013 new event receiver model has introduced to enhance WCF service for making communication between SharePoint and outside apps.

7. UI Style

The new UI of SP2013 is based on the metro-style principles (content, no chrome) but it still works on non HTML5 browsers.

8. Searching Engine

There are improvements in in SharePoint searching engine and few new component is introduced like content processing, analytics processing.

9. Shredded Storage

Using Shredded storage duplicates file can be remove and reduce the amount of content sent across the wire

10. Sync of My Site:

Now user has option to synchronize their My Site document library content with a local drive to enable offline access to documents.

11. Mobile browser experience

Lightweight browser experience gives you the option to access and navigate document libraries, Web Parts, lists and wikis. Now this is available to Mobile Internet Explorer version 9.0 or later versions for Windows Phone 7.5, Safari version 4.0 or later versions for iPhone 4.0, and the Android browser for Android 4.0.Classic view.

12. UI Design

In SP2013 metro-style is based UI is introduced and it works on non HTML5 browsers.

13. Cloud apps Model

By using new cloud app model you can take advantage of OAuth to allow for secure communication between SharePoint and remote hosted apps and services.

14. Social Enterprise

In SharePoint 2013 the most exciting changes relate to social capabilities. Those of new features are extensive: micro blogs, activity feeds, community sites, Following, Likes and Reputations are the standouts.

Ref: http://www.aktechforum.blogspot.com/search/label/SharePoint%20Server