Updated on 03-31-2014 by Andy and Jeff: Added new information to all sections, including news on Windows Phone 8.1′s final release date, the hardware on which it will debut, new features inside, and two new, leaked videos. We also elaborated on Nokia's plans at the show.
Debut at BUILD, possible launch in April
Microsoft hasn't confirmed when we'll see the official launch of Windows Phone 8.1, but most rumors and speculation point to it being revealed during the annual Build conference. Microsoft has scheduled Build 2014 for April 2, so we're getting very close to finding out all the details.
During Build 2013, then CEO Steve Ballmer spent almost no time at all talking about Windows Phone. Version 8.1 should change all that this time around when newly minted CEO Satya Nadella takes the stage.
According to the most recent reports, Microsoft has finished the software, and it has been sent out to hardware companies for testing. A launch date of April 23 – for new hardware with the software installed – has been tentatively suggested, but not confirmed, while developers may get access to the new version on April 8.
Nokia has something up its sleeve
Nokia is fresh off the release of the awesome Lumia Icon on Verizon, caused a stir at Mobile World Congress when it debuted three Android phones, and now it has an event planned for BUILD on April 2. We think Nokia will have a new device (or more) to show off the latest version of Windows Phone or Windows RT, but we aren't certain about anything. There's even a chance we could see a Nokia Windows watch of some kind.
There is a small chance that the event could detail how Microsoft plans to use the Nokia brand going forward now that it owns Nokia's phone business, but it depends how far along the merger approvals are and if such information is shareable yet.
This is all Nokia will say about its BUILD announcement: "What makes 2014 so special is the exciting Microsoft and Nokia partnership, and boy, have we got some treats lined up for you."
Meet Cortana, Microsoft's Siri
Cortana could be one of the major new features of Windows Phone 8.1. Cortana is a name taken from the AI (artificially intelligent) character featured in the Halo games, but she may be the voice of Microsoft's Siri challenger. According to early leaks, the virtual assistant will respond to voice commands to provide details on the weather, your calendar entries, and navigational duties.
Cortana may spread beyond Windows Phone in the future, becoming a part of Windows on PCs and the Xbox. An iPhone version, perhaps incorporated into a new Bing app, has also been rumored, but there's some bad news for international Windows Phone fans: Cortana may be limited to U.S. phones for the first months.
We've yet to hear anything about specific features or commands, but we're told Bing will play a big part in Cortana's ability to learn and react to natural voice commands. This means we may have to say "Bing tell me" rather than "Cortana tell me," especially as it's still not clear if Microsoft will heed the petition to retain the popular (and trademarked up) Cortana name. Right now, it's just an internal codename.
Quick actions and notifications are coming!
If Cortana reminds you of Siri and Google Now, then Action Center will remind you of Android's Notification Center. Apparently, it will be a drawer pulled down from the top of the screen where you'll find various system settings including toggles for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Keep going, and notifications will come streaming through.
A leaked presentation slide said apps in Windows Phone 8.1 will "intelligently manage notifications." In a subsequent leak, it was revealed some notifications would automatically be sent to the Action Center, and not appear as an actionable notification, cutting down on the amount of noise. Those which do appear should have embedded options, such as answering Skype calls directly, or replying to an SMS without opening the app.
A video showing Windows Phone 8.1 running on what could be the Lumia 630 has been leaked. The brief tour of the phone shows a device which shares a similar design to the Android-based Nokia X family. It's not the best video we've seen, but it does show the Action Center in, um, action, plus new categories and tabs inside the Windows Phone Store.
SD card app installs, transparent Tiles, and other new features
Thanks to an extensive leak on Reddit, where a user claimed to have an early version of Windows Phone 8.1, we know about several other fun features. Although the discussion was primarily from a development point of view, it was revealed a new Music app would be included, and SkyDrive had been rebranded OneDrive (And OneDrive is already official).
Also in Windows Phone 8.1 will be the option to install apps on an SD card, rather than side-loaded to the phone itself. A further leak has indicated Windows Phone may recognize the card you have installed, and if it matches certain requirements, the option to move installed apps over to it will be provided.
One change which could make a difference to Windows Phone's usability is that the new Back button doesn't quit an app anymore, but keeps it paused in the background. Like Windows 8, a swipe down the screen will close an app. A few apps will get an overhaul; Internet Explorer, YouTube, and the standard camera app were all specifically mentioned in the leak.
Windows Phone is already a good-looking operating system, and version 8.1 won't mess around with the formula too much. One alteration which will turn heads is the transparent Tile option. Certain tiles on your home screen become opaque, revealing the lockscreen wallpaper underneath. With the right wallpaper, it can look great. You can also see it in the video below, complete with a very cool scrolling effect when you slide the menu up and down.
At Mobile World Congress, a few more details on Windows Phone 8.1 were teased. The big news is a relaxation of the rule to force manufacturers to use a hardware key for the camera's shutter release. This is important, as Android-based devices can be adapted for Windows Phone more easily. Microsoft will also introduce the option to add dual-SIM support, increasing Windows Phone's appeal in developing markets.
Some other, smaller changes visible in early Windows Phone 8.1 builds include separate volume controls for media, alerts and apps, a battery percentage meter, and a battery monitor to track which apps or services are eating up your standby time. A VPN option may be added, along with an unusual setting to divert incoming SMS to an alternative app. The camera app may get a visual overhaul, while a dedicated Podcast app may be added.
A screenshot supposedly showing a Windows Phone implementation of a Swype-like keyboard has made an appearance, but isn't mentioned in any other leaks, leaving us questioning its accuracy.
Windows Phone 8.1 may merge with Windows RT
Microsoft may be about to make life easier for app developers. A leaked slide indicates Microsoft will offer a "Shared Solution" to devs using Visual Studio to create apps, so they can be submitted to both the Windows and Windows Phone Store at the same time. A second slide shows developers can select buttons, boxes and other design elements – totaling 80 percent – which work across both platforms.
Bringing the struggling tablet OS into line with Windows Phone would make good sense, and follows the same course as Apple and Google have taken with Android.
Rumored phones with Windows Phone 8.1 installed
Despite rumors suggesting Nokia would feature Windows Phone 8.1 at Mobile World Congress, the company dedicated its time to the Nokia X range of phones. Since then, Nokia has announced it will be showing something during Build 2014, but it may only be the rumored Lumia 630.
This is also likely to be the first dual-SIM device running Windows Phone. We were expecting to see the Lumia 530 and Lumia 930 announced, but this is now in doubt. Slightly better news is the same source indicates the Windows Phone 8.1 update will be sent out to Windows Phone 8 devices during early May. We're sure the new Lumia Icon will be in-line to get the update.
Samsung may make a return to the Windows Phone family soon, and the leaked Huron smartphone could be its first with the new OS installed. If rumors are correct, it may end up being called the Ativ SE and only be available connected to Verizon. A leaked image of the phone shows the network's branding attached to a Galaxy S4-like device.
We've also heard talk Microsoft has persuaded Sony to produce a Windows Phone device. If so, Windows Phone 8.1 may come pre-installed. Additionally, it's a relatively safe bet to assume current Windows Phone partners such as HTC, ZTE, and Huawei will be preparing new devices, too.
Microsoft has also added Lenovo to the roster of companies interested in building Windows Phone hardware, and re-confirmed both LG and Samsung are onboard. However, we've heard this before, and neither have fully embraced Windows Phone.
Leaked WP 8.1 video
WinBeta claims to have an early copy of Windows Phone 8.1 and made a YouTube video showing it. We've embedded it below.
Will my old Windows Phone receive the update?
Remember the Windows Phone 7 debacle? Microsoft decided it couldn't (wouldn't?) update older hardware to Windows Phone 8, and annoyed fans with the lukewarm Windows Phone 7.8 instead? We don't think history will repeat itself. In an interview with Computerworld at CES 2014, a Microsoft rep said all Windows Phone 8 hardware will be compatible with version 8.1. The quote comes from Greg Sullivan, Microsoft's Director of PR, who added "We won't run out of head space on Windows Phone 8 any time soon."
If you're wondering when it'll arrive on your phone, don't expect a firm answer any time soon. While the OS may be with manufacturers for testing, it will still have to be sent to networks before finally making it on to your phone, and this can be a lengthy process. One source says the rollout will begin in early May.
We'll add any new Windows Phone 8.1-related rumors to this article as they come. Otherwise, we must wait for MWC and for Build in April for any official news.
____________________________________
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 'BEN Latest News'
'Like us on Facebook'
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BEN-Latest-News/443681719077160
'Follow us on Twitter'
www.twitter.com/benlatestnews
For Advertisment and Partnering with us contact CEO on BB PIN: 260158B5
BEN Latest News™®
0 comments:
Post a Comment