Developers leak Windows Phone 8.1 SDK, reveal new features

For our full coverage, head to Windows Phone 8.1 SDK leak - All you need to know!

Windows Phone 8.1, codenamed 'Blue', is a forthcoming major update for Microsoft's mobile platform. While we're anticipating an announcement at the company’s Build 2014 conference in April, with new hardware arriving in June, already Microsoft has released the SDK to developers and we're seeing some leaks appear on Reddit, pointing at a handful of new features in the 8.1 update.

The leaks published by developers who have early access to the SDK show signs of further unity between Windows Phone and Windows 8.1, which Microsoft has previously hinted at. Both JavaScript and HTML is touted as being supported for app development, enabling developers on the desktop+tablet OS to bring across compatible content for smartphone consumers to enjoy.

Some obvious changes have been jotted down, including the rebranding of SkyDrive to OneDrive, not to mention the ability to set up and configure connections to Virtual Private Networks (VPN). A number of other changes have reportedly been implemented in the SDK, making multitasking easier with the removal of "X to close" and allowing users to swipe down on each app tile (much like Windows 8.1) – the back button no longer closes apps, but suspends them.

New File Picker

Here's the list of features noted by the developer with Windows Phone 8.1 SDK access:

NEW Audio/video transcoding, Hardware accelerated
NEW Media editing: audio and video; Audio effects, video effects; Slow motion video
NEW Apps can capture audio/video from themselves
NEW Stereoscopic 3d support
NEW Wi-Fi Direct, a Wi-Fi standard allowing direct peer-to-peer connections over Wi-Fi without an access point
NEW Windows Phone 8.1 apps won't run on 8.0 devices until they upgrade
NEW Documentation confirms ALL current Windows Phone 8 hardware to get 8.1
NEW Dev tools: SemanticZoom, DatePicker, TimePicker
NEW PlayTo support
NEW Single sign-in for apps (like on Windows 8) with Microsoft Account; sign in will persist across devices + apps with permissions prompt
NEW YouTube Player (see lede image) including HTML5 video support (video playback doesn't have to be full screen) And you get custom UI, so YouTube Closed Captions are in
NEW File picker (see above image)
NEW Geofencing API for location-based reminders
NEW Background tasks: Bluetooth signal strength, Chat message notification, Device connection change, Device use trigger, Gatt characteristic notification, Location, Push notification, Rfcomm connection, System event, Timer
NEW Slide down to close apps
NEW Navigation bar color selection
NEW USB choices
NEW Updated camera layout, similar to Windows 8.1 (see photo below)
Back button doesn't terminate the app
No more XAP, instead APPX
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
OneDrive (previously SkyDrive) with integrated file browser (just like Windows 8.1)
Filter through installed apps by usage/install date
Select multiple tiles when customising the Start screen [FALSE]
More efficient multitasking
Ability to install apps on inserted SD Cards
Internet Explorer 11 improved with WebGL and Normal mapping support
Separate volume controls for ringer, media, etc.
Bing smart search (similar search system as Windows 8.1)
Xbox Music and Xbox Video as standalone apps instead of the Music + Video Hub (allowing more updates to be pushed)
Redesigned Xbox Game Hub
Twitter integrated more deeply into the contacts Hub
Facebook account option REMOVED (updated)
Quick settings access (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) by doing a quick swipe from the top of the screen
Action Center accessed by doing a full swipe from up to the bottom (separate from the Notification Center)
Silent notifications which go directly to the Action center
Possibility to mark a Live Tile as read by swiping from the left of said tile
Auto-updates for apps (just like Windows 8.1)
Better backup functionality
Improved keyboard
Bluetooth 4.0 LE (to non-Lumia Windows Phones)
Feature to mirror Windows Phone screens to TVs and/or monitors

Things not included in the SDK:

Cortana
Action Center + Notification Center
new gesture-based keyboard

A final interesting note is how Windows Phone is referred to as WinPRT.

We haven't been able to confirm the above list, so be sure to take each entry with a grain of salt. That said, it's looking likely Windows Phone 8.1 will be an impressive update, bringing across much anticipated functionality. Reddit user DDReaper compiled the sweet list, taking everything from other threads and bundling everything in a easily digestible experience.

Source: Reddit; thanks to everyone who tipped us!

New camera app layout

New: USB Connections, Nav bar color, swipe down to close apps

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

1000 Comments

The new Youtube player makes it all worth it :D
Edit: also, what's WebGL? I see it mentioned all the time, but I don't understand its purpose
Seems its worth waiting ...but hard to wait for dese bundle of features cmin up . May microsoft give suprise dat when de announce the update instantly its available on the servers ...!!!! :)
Well, you can always get it on time via the developer preview program.
Can we make phone calls with windows phone 8.1? They didn't mention it.^^
I don't think they will release it before their upcoming event. Also there an article over on the verge that says they will be releasing an Android phone....I hope Microsoft isn't dumb enough to let that happen, but if so, I hope they will be releasing the surface phone prototype they were working on as a plan B. I don't understand why they won't because the don't have any support from cell phone manufacturers outside of Nokia. HTC & Samsung are just appeasing them, not really supporting their devices, so what do they have to lose by releasing a surface phone?
WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is a JavaScript API for rendering interactive 3D graphics and 2D graphics within any compatible web browser without the use of plug-ins. WebGL is integrated completely into all the web standards of the browser allowing GPU accelerated usage of physics and image processing and effects as part of the web page canvas. WebGL elements can be mixed with other HTML elements and composited with other parts of the page or page background.[3] WebGL programs consist of control code written in JavaScript and shader code that is executed on a computer's Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). WebGL is designed and maintained by the non-profit Khronos Group.
Lol I could've looked that up on Wikipedia. I meant what benefits will it give us compared to not having it?
WebGL can bring the use of video streaming support with html5, which right now ie10 does not support it.
Wrong ;) IE10 does support HTML5 Video Streaming which btw is a completely separate API. It so far however openend videos in it's own Windows. With IE11 on WP8.1 it seems to open the videos directly in the browser which should help with implementing a custom YouTube App based on HTML5. This however is in no way connected with WebGL. WebGL could get interesting for browser based games. So far it is not widely being used. It's more about future proofing than anything else if you ask me.
Yeah, not really. WebGL allows for interactive and hardware accelerated 3D content on web pages, without requiring any additional plugins. For example, Nokia uses WebGL to render 3D buildings on their maps website.
Not sure what you mean.... IE10 does support HTML5 video (progressive streaming). However I'm sure sure there are some enhanced filters on top of html5 video that are only supported in WebGL.
Well, it will let you browse and use web sites made using WebGL.
I could be wrong but i think google maps and bing maps use it for 3d rendering and things
I remember coming across WebGL incompatibility as one of the reasons Google gave for the Google Maps website not working on WP. But it started working soon after, so we all know that's not true.
Something like: http://www.unrealengine.com/html5/
WebGL also means the quality of the hardware you're running on can affect the experience you have with regard to graphics rendering in a browser.
3D online games through browser like in PC
Great news! WebGL = support for the new Photosynth 3D
Is this used for "truly wireless" charging?
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=webgl or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebGL
Or you could just put in the second link and not seem like an asshole.
Well it's actually a kind and funny way to show people what they can do by themselves. You on the other hand, qualifying me as an asshole, are kinda rude. But that's ok, I forgive you, you're just the product of the internet.
It's not funny, it's mean. Don't pretend to be the better person because I happened to use a mean word.
Oh hey Ezhik, Regards from Facepunch~
No. It's not. You chose to feel offended. There is absolutely nothing that can be interpreted as mean, except if you feel yourself stupid for not having used google yourself. I use this link with a lot of people, coworker, its a funny reminder of how to seek information, its actually usefull. You want to be offended, that's your choice, period.
Well it's just irritating and mean. Just linking to Google in the first place is not that nice, but this takes it to a whole new level. You could just say that OP should've searched or something, instead of linking to some mean website.
Man.. You're repeating yourself, you're just stuck. Get over it already.
Trying to paint me as the bad guy instead of defending what you did won't work.
Oh no, not the bad guy, just the saaad, sad embittered guy, so empty that he might at any time turn into a black hole which would suck up every once of humour in this world.
What's the humor in taunting people that just so happened to ask a question?
Just shut up already. you lost.
I am a mere fanboy surrounded by an army of other fanboys. I can't ever win.
To be fair, the effort it takes to put in a link that says let me google that for you (which has been done to death, and isnt funny at all.) is about the same as just posting a helpful link. Its not offensive, but everytime I see someone post it, I can't help but think, you're a dick.
You've never seen "lmgtfy" before? I think they even might have a Bing equivalent. It's a funny, snarky way to reply to lots of things on the internet. Don't take it too hard. It's the internet! Laugh, keep the site in mind for next time, and use it on your friends and coworkers.
Hell, everyone else needs to lighten up. I only called a person an asshole! Don't take it too hard, it's the internet.
Because, internets!! (am I doing that right?)
You're not allowed to have opinions on the internet!
cannot handle you're own medicine eh? than why mock this person if you cannot take you're own medicin!
When did I ever send anyone to LMGTFY?
and it is halariouse, lighten up bud, and take a chill pill! its not the end of the world lol
Did you know that I can type mean words without being angry?
Here, take this game as a good example. Hopefully we'll be able to play it on our phones after the update.
they should Make IE seperted Just like xbox music and videos so they can update IE with better service.
I wish they would allow 3rd party browsers so we could get chrome and firefox on WP. As much as I like IE, most websites aren't developed for it (at least not the mobile version). Most websites are coded for webkit which seems not to be a standard...
Good grief! Chrome? Firefox? WHY? Those both suck extremely hard.
Extensions and cross platform support with syncing.
I like FF for the most part. The excellent add-on support is the main reason why I use it.
Ahahahahahahahahahaha
I don't want to be that twat but, Shut up please. Your opinion is too disturbing to read.
[quote]Most websites are coded for webkit which seems not to be a standard...[/quote] This should be enough reason to not support webkit at all!
They do allow them, and there are a few in the store for free...
3rd party browsers as in allowing the 3rd party browser low level API access to the OS. Currently 3rd party browsers just ride on top of the IE trident engine. So it's basically IE still...
Isn't that what Apple does as well?
But Apple uses the WebKit engine, which is the exact same engine used in google chrome in pc/android, therefor, they only need to make a skin and you have a fully funtional chrome
Apple's Safari Mobile Webkit is waaaaay behind Chrome, sorry. Safari's Webkit is extremely buggy. And Webkit and Blink (the fork of Webkit now used in Chrome, except Chrome on iOS) is still buggies than Gecko (Firefox) and Trident (IE).
What? I use Maxthon. And there are other browsers in Marketplace.
And they are #$&@ usless lagy and slow.
On windows phone it's probably the only place where IE would beat any browser for once in real life.
YES. sorry but IE phone edition sucks big time and I say it as a long time fan. do you want to crash you windows phone IE, just browse to cost rica's national newspaper web site and watch IE wp edition crash:
www.nacion.com
Wow. You were right.
It doesn't crash if you set it to desktop mode instead of mobile.
you know what it also doesn't crash on? firefox and chrome for android. it just works...like it should.
It works with UC Browser on WP8 too. Weird that it crashes on IE mobile. Maybe it doesn't like Trident engine and made for Webkit
For some hardcore fanboy who doesn't change the view mode from mobile to desktop says alot about you. Mine didn't crash on desktop view which I set it to all the time and you should too.
IT'S A PHONE NOT A DESKTOP. I've heard mediocre excuses but to say you have to use IE mobile on your phone to desktop mode all the time so it doesn't crash is admitting it is a POS.
Whoa, rookie take it easy. Condemning a whole EU, because it won't pull up the costa nostra website is mean. I like the EU, why not tell your beloved hometown newspaper to sign up to WP instead of making MS adapt to every third party app! Stay positive for the rest of us!
POS? So you are saying smartphones aren't mobile computers? Btw why would you use mobile, dumbed down, mode when you can have it set to desktop mode that it was intended to view it as? Basically what you are saying is if you have a choice to view your GPS as 2D or 3D mode, you were complaining about how 2d mode doesn't let you see the road close up. wouldn't you set it to 3D even though the display itself isn't?
Dude, Sorry but you're the hardcore fanboy here making lame excuses.
i use desktop mode because many website's mobile version is crappy. frankly, this costa rica website is the first I've encountered that crashed ie. i don't know what code the website used that is crashing ie, but my whole point was that if you encounter the problem, there is a solution.
Wow never seen it do that before
What is difference between Action center and Notification center?
None. They are the same...good morning
I think it’s to separate the system/phone alerts, such as running out of disk space, app updates available, problems syncing etc from the actual notifications center. I think this is brilliant and will be unique to windows phone. As it is, I believe ios and android clutter EVERYTHING into one area. http://www.wpcentral.com/screenshots-windowsphone-81-app-list-sorting-no...
action center lets you respond to notifications within the center, while notification center let's you (at most) start the app with some parameters
I think it is simiar to the way the iphone does it. Swipe down from the top - notification center. Swipe up from the botom - quick action's center.
Notification center informs you have things and action center lets you do things.
action center is a bar where you can toggle bluetooth, wifi, etc. Notification center is were you get messages and updates from various apps
Does it mean that we will have an official youtube app for windows phone?
No, it will be a microsoft created one. However, Google has stated it won't block it as long as it uses HTML5 instead of native code.
...If you would take a look at the screenshots, you can clearly see 'http://www.m.youtube.com' in the address bar. Microsoft didn't create anything. All Microsoft did was update IE so that it can use the new updates Google made to the mobile Youtube web app. You will still view Youtube through the browser. Nothing has changed really.
that is because that is what google is forcing MS to do. Google said they have to use html5. so, MS is improving the experience.
Thank god!
Tbh it's kinda ugly though.
Wow, no one here seems to be able to put this simply: WebGL is 3D graphics for the web without plugins like flash.
Thank you! Lol most people are giving me dictionary definitions that I don't understand, but you simplified it for me, thanks.
No problem :D
Thank u microsoft for my birthday gift its 14th april
mine if 10th :D
March 17, better late than ever says someone who's X-mad gifts got delivered Dec. 29! Thanks UPs!
Hey I'm April 14th too! Woopwoop! Looking forward to 8.1
But fb removed? Not looking forward to that!
Yup i ll miss that and the rewind, FF buttons of video player.
There is already a really good 3rd party youtube app that can play videos in windows instead of launching the video playing if that make sense idk. Basically you can hold it verticle and play the video.
What do you guys feel about the FACEBOOK integration being removed. Also un update by Mary Jo Foley based on a developers tweet NO MORE simultaneous blasts to Multiple social network accounts. I for one loved these features and they make WP unique. I've used those features, particularly the FB integration to promote to OS to others. The simultaneous "share" to social networks is even something Ben the PC Guy used when pitting WP against other devices. With all of these awesome features coming down the pipe it is very disappointing to see these elements of the OS which are part of the WP identity being eradicated. What are your thoughts. As the largest WP community on the web I'd like to know what we, the users, users feel about this. Share your thoughts.
I agree. The integration of apps made wp unique. I guess the problem is it's difficult to update apps when they are integrated into the OS.
Facebook integration with the Messaging app and People Hub was the soul of WP7. It's really sad to see it fade away. Let's hope we'll still get to fetch contacts from FB at least.
II don't know if ill update my phone if it doesn't at least integrate the contacts list. That's a lot of contacts that would vanish. Pufffffff gone. :'(
Mine says sent from a Windows phone!
I know I wouldn't be happy if Facebook integration is removed... It would reduce my People Hub to a typical iOS/Android style contact centre... and deprive me of a vibrant LiveTile on my start screen... Luckily, someone has posted a feature request regarding this on uservoice, but it has only gathered 17 votes yet... let's try and make some noise... http://windowsphone.uservoice.com/forums/101801-feature-suggestions/sugg...
Not a fan either, it supplied my contacts with their contact photos, heck I rarely even used the Facebook app because of integration. Hope this wont go.
Also it's not really a new YouTube player, but a new HTML5 video UI. It's part of IE11 and will affect anywhere embedded video is played on a website, not just YouTube.
Thank you, you seem to be the only one who knows what he's talking about when it comes to HTML5.
Developer by trade :)
Knowing the HTC record, this update will not come to the 8x.
Don't say that. Isn't your 8X up to date with GDR3?
My girlfriend (HTC 8X) received the GDR3 update earlier than my unlocked 920 ...
Yeah I got GDR3 eqy before my friend got it on his 928
The bigger the story the crazier the comments!
Smart dial, file manager are the top choices
Note to Jay Bennett, the comment counter doesn't seem to accommodate 4 digits very well in the app. Just a fyi.
Hurry up MS, cant wait anymore ;(
Sure you can.
You will be waiting quite a bit longer. "Blue" is supposed to be announced at Build but won't likely land on current Windows Phone devices until mid-summer.
not if you have the developer preview which i am pretty sure 95% of the users that follow this blog do
Hmm... I'm considering becoming a developer myself now..!
I'm so excited for this update, I'm proud I stuck with my Lumia, it's going to be great :D
This is the free program
http://apps.windowsstore.com/default.htm
I'd like to see a poll for that. WPCentral Eds?
I wouldn't say 95%. I'd say 95% of those who are using the developers preview are not actually a developer. LOL.
^ This xD
True, but hey, it's free, it's legal, and we get faster updates :)
That's mid 2014, except on AT&T, where it will be mid-hell freezing over.
That only happened once. the lumia 1020 on att got the black update before anybody else did.
That is only like one or two months.
Now that Microsoft bought Nokia. The OS development speed has increased 10 times. This feels like WP10 update
nope it hasnt, and they havent "actually" bought nokia just yet :P, so another nope :P
And they'll be buying the D&S division, not all of Nokia.
How do you know that?? We haven't received any number from either of them so we don't know.
Microsoft is moving at a snails pace right now. I'm a huge WP fan, but I'm extremely disappointed that it's going to be nearly two years since WP8 release for Windows Phone 8.1 to hit the majority of WP8 devices.
What has Apple added last two years?
AN ENTIRE NEW UI for calendar, notes, browser, OS, well just about everything. An awesome notification center and a glance drop down similar to android. Plus everything MSFT is including in 8.1 today they ALREADY HAD. honestly sir, MSFT isn't just behind. they are in a freaking another century.
But its still boring Apple with their tiny screens and blobs that do nothing in rows. Seriously, there is a reason why a recent report on worldwide mobile sales said Apple declined in every market except China.......
you can try to make MSFT look better by trying to make apple look not as good. but really? shouldn't MSFT just be better? Lowering the bar so MSFT doesn't look pathetic is kind of not facing denial that they remain seriously behind iOS, let alone android and that to this date 18 months later the OS looks nearly identical as the boring 2011 look they shipped with. Heck, think about this: WP still doesn't have a calendar view for "week". I mean really? it's 2014 and windows phone still doesn't have the concept of a "week" nailed.
Apple share price was over $700 and is currently $535, the markets see what is happening, why don't you. Denial maybe! You assume everyone wants what you want so therefore say WP is behind. Well WP is is perfect for my needs, so I am happy with what is here and what is coming.
apple's iphone brought in more money than all of microsoft combined. just think about this. one device is bigger than all of microsoft. so before you go praising microsoft for well, not making any money on wp, and surely not brigning in the marketshare numbers the way android does to compensate: take a good hard look at the state of windows phone: 1) distant player to the top marketshare (android) king with no hopes of ever catching up but unlike apple, also brings in no money. 2) outfeatrured by both competitors in every regard. even windows phone 8.1 is but a subset of iOS and Android long stablished functionality. It's 2011 UI, it is loking stale and old having recieved no siginficant changes other than yet another tile size and about 6 new accent colors. 3) nearly 3 years in the market, and still not even averaging 100K apps per year. At this rate, windows phone will have the app catalog to match iOS's current catalog in well 7 years or more given it has slowed down. So what is the MSFT proposition? an OS that feature wise is 2-3 years behind the two leaders. virtually zero 3rd paty OEM support with only token devices from samsung which will not even release a flagship galaxy on WP at the same time as android. an app catalog that is 7 years behind. and single digit marketshare world wide. and who is in denial now?
But you miss the point, I like WP the way it is. And with the coming update will like it even more. Your augment above is irrelevant on this basis. Apple share price and sales have declined and will continue to do so. Samsung will see to that. Apple market share is under 15% worldwide and they make so much money because they are overpriced and overrated. If you want more apps then get a Windows computer, currently over 8,000,000 available. If you want innovation then get something not Apple. Phones now have memory cards, wireless charging, 4K video recording, super sensitive screens that work with gloves on, etc, etc. None of which Apple does.
I have a surface pro. it doesn't make phone calls, it doesn't fit in my pocket. I hear there are these other "computers" which are called...smart phones. maybe I should leave windows phone and look into those...
I can get softphone software on my surface pro and it will make phone calls. I could even retrieve voicemails and faxes.
ask WP central to make an article on how you replaced your phone with a surface pro. I'm sure we're all looking forward to see how you overcame the weight size heat and ridiculous factor.
It sounds like you've already convinced yourself to leave.
I am not sure if you are just clueless about what you are talking about or.... worse. Anyway take a look at Apple stock chart: http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/aapl/interactive-chart?timeframe=1y&charttype=line
stocks stocks stocks. if wallstreet was a good judge of tech they wouldn't have created the .com bubble and FB and twitter wouldn't be worth what they think they are. BTW, take a look at apple's revenues for the iphone alone. they eclipse all of MSFT combined. this means iphone > windows, office, xbox, sql, erp, ....everything. Stocks are for the investor. sales and revenue are the only measures of market success. apple has both. at least more than MSFT ever has done with all the WP combined.
Declining sales and rising share price = crash. That's what happened with the dot com bubble
Why did you bring in the desktop? It has nothing to do with the current argument which is centered on phones. unless you normally take out your laptop whille walking on the street or something.
So, you're saying the iPhone in its lifetime has brought in more money than all of Microsoft (windows, azure, office etc.) has ever made? Yeah, It'd be great if you could stop talking out of your arse. Thanks.
2) outfeatrured by both competitors in every regard. even windows phone 8.1 is but a subset of iOS and Android long stablished functionality. It's 2011 UI, it is loking stale and old having recieved no siginficant changes other than yet another tile size and about 6 new accent colors.
And what has apple done to its UI? Oh, they copied microsofts ui! Oh, and how long did they sit on theyre previous UI? since Iphone started? Man, microsoft sure takes a long time to update there barely a year old UI huh?
The iPhone has a tiny screen with do nothing blobs, its boring. And why are you iSheep on the WP site anyway, jealous much. Perhaps you should be referred to as lost sheep
Its hard to break into an established market, so be patient, competition is good at times!
I concur! The outlook calendar is amazing on the PC...why can't it be just as amazing on the WP?
Looks like a nice update to me. Keep in mind that MS is slowly merging their OSs to work across multiple devices. That's already done. My SurfaceRT is an extension of my desktop machine. Apps, browsing history, skydrive, etc. Not bad IMO. :) Also, we have Instagram now so what ELSE do we need? XD
They still sell over 50 million smartphones every quarter, roughly 200 in one year.
Yes they do, but that is currently. Sales and share price have declined, so watch the trend continue. Why will people continue to buy an over priced and overrated phone? To prove my point see the sales growth of Samsung recently, their phoned are half the price and do twice as much......watch the trend.......Blackberry is a fine example, as is Nokia.
seriously? maybe if you want to highlight windows phone chances of ever being anything more than the thing that beat blackberry for next to last, you may want to stay away from telling us how much samsung loves android and how much android it ships, and how basically all of samsung's huge shipments and increase in shipments are basically ensuring windows phone will never, ever succeed. If you want to make a case for windows phone.....err actually I give up. there is no case for windows phone, not if this update is any indication anyway.
What's wrong with this update? It pretty much covers all of the major, requested features. This will pretty much give it feature parity. Hopefully, the new API will encourage more developers to get on board. It wasn't the features that kept WP down, but the app development. IOS got a notification center and action center way after android and that didn't stop people from buying Iphones. People care about apps. From my personla experience, most people I know that use iphones have no clue what features it has. They know how to get apps and launch them and that is all they care about. The same is true with PCs. Most people want to know 2 things: how do I install a program and how do I launch it. They could care less about the settings and keyboard shortcuts and right click menus that the os has built into the UI.
no. wp is kept down by the fact it only just now shipped this as iOS and Android had everything long ago plus 1 million apps each. It has nothing to do with APIs or developer tools. consumers don't give a damn about that. when it comes to it, WP is a feature phone OS competing with smart phones. you may argue IT HAS REACHED PARITY, well with 2012 android that is. And get ready to wait 18 months for another update by which time android will be like walking on water and making you breakfast as MSFT ships a slightly more stupid version of siri. If MSFT was serious, it would be shipping an update that would make android and iOS like last year news. Anything less and you just can't count on consumers caring. What's going to be MSFT sale punch line? "windows phone, now with the same features as the phone you have but with less apps". not exactly sales gold.
"consumers don't give a damn about that. when it comes to it, WP is a feature phone OS" It's has nothing to do with that. Apple and Samsung spend tons of money into advertising. Those two take up all the marketshares. WP8 with not many phones on the carriers and addition to the high end phones are exclusive to AT&T doesn't help either. Carriers tend to push iPhones and Galaxy phones too.
Windows phone new features = New APIs. Both are related. I'm stuck developing an alarm phone when someone touches the phone it will automatically increase the phone volume to the max. Currently there is no API for that. This is the reason developers, like me not interested much on this platform. Keep in mind that most big companies before they created an app, the first thing they need to search is the availability of the APIs to implement the app. Developers are ignoring wp because of Microsoft lack of implementing new features (or API). Samsung Galaxy S5 with 3GB RAM is coming and I think people will switch to android back.
Interesting point but never moving to Android.
The iPhone has a tiny screen with do nothing blobs, its boring. And why are you iSheep on the WP site anyway, jealous much. Perhaps you should be referred to as lost sheep
Wow Mr negative, it seems the only reason to be this aggressively critical of an update this big and important for the platform is that you don't want the platform to succeed. And the only reason for that is that you worry that it will in some way hurt your preferred platform. Newsflash: your opinion is not important. Wp 8.1 will ship with or without your permission and people will buy it. I'm not saying it will be super successful, but it has all the features 99% of users want, it will be genuinely a competitive OS. And there are a couple of unrevealed surprises in store still like what the full capabilities of cortana are. Why not wait and see rather than popping an aneurysm in spite.
This guy writes sense, people should have a read
Yeah, makes perfect sense. Personally, I am like the majority if WP users, loving WP and loving the free updates coming.
The iPhone has a tiny screen with do nothing blobs, its boring. And why are you iSheep on the WP site anyway, jealous much. Perhaps you should be referred to as lost sheep
Do you use an Apple device? I do not, I have a Lumia and do not care what the competition does, less than ever when my OS lacks some basic features.
Ok WP9 then Tom Warren "There’s a lot more, it would probably be more appropriate to call it Windows Phone 9 if only it had some big UI changes." Posted on Feb 11, 2014 | 10:31 AM
I hope they never Change the UI
Personally I would not mind if MS could adhere to its own guideline: the only tiles on my screen that do not follow the Accent color are MS ones: Skype, Office, Onenote, Music, OneDrive etc.
Snail's pace? Seriously? Did you hear of GDR1, 2 and 3? Those are OS updates, kid.
I actually thought that they were oving slowly too but now we see why. There is so much in here that they have done an amazing job to get all of this done in such a short time.
Agree
well except if your company name is google, not only did you functionally matched iOS in just a few years (which WP still can't do) you pass them in a short two, and then you are approaching windows NT level of functionality even as microsoft is kind of just overtaking black berry. amazing job? for micro-slow? yes. for the industry? let's just say this team is only slightly faster than watching paint dry.
Actually, it took Android around 4 years to catch up to iOS. Remember Steve Jobs saying that iPhone OS was around 5 years ahead of the competition? Think about that...he was actually correct. Microsoft didn't just graft touch functionality and just for the sake of it features on top of a buggy, insecure OS. They started with a fast, secure base that's admittedly barebones compared to iOS and Android, and are building upon it. You did say "functionally match" so I'll give you that, but Windows Phone 7 & 8 haven't been around as long as Android and yet it's more secure and runs better on comparable hardware. I may not know much about mobile operating systems but I believe Google and Android have more of an uphill battle than Microsoft and Windows Phone when it comes to reaching parity to one another. When WP can do everything Android can, it will do it "better" because it is a better quality OS. This is all my opinion but its from my experiences over the past 7 years.
I agreed, Android has a weak base. All the hardware fragmentation doesn't help. Still stutters and very buggy. It's becoming Symbian OS.
The iPhone has a tiny screen with do nothing blobs, its boring. And why are you iSheep on the WP site anyway, jealous much. Perhaps you should be referred to as lost sheep
they are bug fixes mostly. the only diffence was they put a close box on the task manager...seriously? that was their big innovation in 18 months? apple well, just shipped iOS7 new UI.
You call this a new ui? :O
you call joe belifore's 4 accent colors and 1 new tile size a new UI and refuse to call apple's revamp of iOS a new UI?
Why do I get the strange feeling you don't like WP? And why in the world would you then be on this site... Not everyone believes that Apples new OS was a step in the right direction. I personally know many Apple users who complain about not being able to downgrade... I rather have a UI I like and am happy to stick with it
because you don't know. I've owned a WP since 2011. I'm a registered developer, published developer, featured developer. I was there when they shipped nodo, I hacked my device to install the pre-nodo update and had to fix my nearly bricked device. I know what "walshed" phones mean. I was there when nokia joined with my lumia 900. I had access to WP 8 invite only beta. I could have probably received this one. first in line to get a 1020. I could school you on WP. But enough is enough. I'm tired of their mediocre cadence. Windows 8 blue shipped almost a year ago and WP blue still hasn't shipped. and all for what? these features that they should have had? I love WP, but love has limits.
I'm not a developer but I was the first and only 1 in line to get the Samsung Focus, I was carrying the HTC tilt 2. When I got home and started fooling around with the focus got kinda mad cause compared to the tilt is was a feature phone but i kept thinking with a few updates it'll be good. 2014 has come and with all these new processors and HD screens Windows Phone is still a pumped up feature phone with office. I never understood why Microsoft took all those features from windows mobile.
Because, unfortunately, they threw away the baby with the dirty water.....
People who do not agree with you are just windows phone new baby fans. We have been wp users since ages and we have seen much how slow microsoft updates their os. They haven't experienced this because they are just new baby fans. I'm with you on this. We just don't want the next 'major' update of wp will take another 4 years after 2nd April. That time all wp baby fans will experience what we had experienced and they will have a hard time to face another baby fans. We need to kill this baby fans before it's too late.
Thank you! finally some people who get it! I was with microsoft's platform (though I disliked microsoft's business practices) back in the days of the blackjack and treo 750. I also spent time with other mobile os such as palm os, blackberry os, heck even danger, but none of them matched the powerful windows mobile. I even got the HD2. Then windows phone 7 came out and it sucked when compared to windows mobile in terms of functionality. I mean, really, when windows phone 7 came out I dont think it even had copy and paste. something that windows mobile had for a while (I'm only comparing windows mobile to windows phone right here and am only refferring to the loss of a certain feature). I remember windows mobile was so advanced or incredibly flexible at the time that it was the only mobile os that was able to play flash videos at the time through TCMP using a plug in. I didnt mention skyfire because that dealt with server side rendering and most of the time looked like crap anyway. Android is the one that took the spot of king of functionality. If microsoft could ever give that much power and flexibility back to windows phone I would be all over it. I know a lot of people are going to go against me for saying this but I don't think there is any mobile os that can compare to Android in terms of flexibility since the thought of smartphones being like computers died off with windows mobile and is only some what alive in Android. Seriously, why is it that no one wants to give that much power and flexibility to there mobile operating systems anymore? Even with android I must say that the wind just blew into that direction. Windows mobile came with many tools baked in.
They've had 7 years to make new icons and Vista/Metrofy their UI.
Apple shipped what should have been codenamed "Infestation" with the amount of bugs in it. I'm not quite sure why you have such iEnvy in a WP site. They have another site where you can gush all over Apple. I haven't been there myself. I hang out in places to talk about thinks that I like. I'd think all of that negativity would get tiring.
People like you make me want to go out for a walk and never come back again!! Get real, seriously.
FACT: Microsoft did not and has not announced ANY plans to buy Nokia.
Ok, they bought their phone division? Same with Google didn't buy Motorola.
They didn't buy Motorola. They bought Motorola Mobility. Motorola Inc ceased existence in 2011. They are not comparable.
That's what I thought too
boy did you buy the wrong OS.
Reading your comments made me think the same thing about you as well, why don't you go buy an iPhone and leave Windows Phone for the rest of us!!!
No Cortana? No excitment!
I disagree. Cortana is one of the features I couldn't care less about. I have Siri on my iPhone, and I've used it maybe a couple of times. Can't see how I would suddenly feel excited about talking to my phone.
They didn't say no cortana. Cortana probably isn't included in the sdk. So, the developers wouldn't get a sneak peak at it.
That's what I'm thinking too. Especially if they want it to be as big of an announcement as possible.
Awesome features. Should have kept the Facebook feature too.
Would have also loved the option to reduce those massive fonts.
This update seems like a wp 9 rather than a 8.1
Thnx MSFT. Finally :)
+8.1
You can already reduce your fonts check in the settings lol
No, it still huge on my L1520..
So you gone to settings, ease of access, and used the slider to reduce the font and it doesn't work?
That reduces font for texts but not headers
Headers are supposed to be huge. They're part of the Modern UI (a.k.a. Metro) concept.
Exactly! In fact, that's what I like about the Windows Phone UI. Sounds like Vigor would be happier with Android.
Hey I wasn't the original poster. I'm just clarifying how it works in the 1520 (what I have). Been with windows phone since dell venue pro guy
On windows 8 you can link fb to your live ID. Prob doing the same thing here
Maybe the People hub shows ALL information now and maybe the information betwen outlook.com and Facebook and the Phone and WIndows 8 will show the same information. Same as the messaging hub
^this
Wonderful thought
Someone mentioned in the comments on The Verge, that in a previous arrticle by Tom Warren he mentioned allowing even deeper integration into the People Hub. (ie allowing 3rd party apps to patch into it) My feeling is they are removing the built in FB integration in favor of allowing the app to patch into the People Hub. This *should* allow updates to the FB integration without waiting for a OS update. At least this is what my optimistic mind is hoping.
hmm thats interesting, "thats" how WP should compete, wasnt this how they wanted to differentiate themselves? .. "People"
It would be fantastic if the low-level API changes/additions would allow developers to create automated Sound Profiles, like going to silent mode automatically if there is a meeting on your calendar, or being able to silence your SMS notifications while still keeping your call ringtone active. Anybody here remember how amazing Sound Profiles were on Symbian phones?
That and 3rd party patching to messaging hub would make this OS perfect..
agreed
Kind of like Skype does with my contacts!
Agreed. There are way more features here than I expected. And there's even a possibility more can get added as April comes closer. I do have a question though. Anyone have any guesses as to how the Action Center will be different than the Notification Center? My impression is that the AC is used to manage the silent notifications and the NC is to manage the regular notifications. If my assumption is correct, it hardly seems necessary to separate them.
They just named their notification center, "Action Center". They are not two separate things.
The wording in the article makes it sound like two different things because in parentheses after the AC it says "separate from the NC". That's why I was asking.
It actually is 2 separate things. Action Center is the quick actions on initial swipe down, Notification list is within the expanded Action Center.
Hey, can you solve a doubt to me? What's that 'facebook' feature? Is the option to configure as one of the accounts in the phone ? If was, Microsoft has made a mistake.
They didn't remove Facebook, it's just implemented a little differently. You have to add it to your Connected Services in your Microsoft account (similiar to Windows 8.1).
Microsoft is likely leaving the integration peice to the developers rather than building it themselves. If this is the case, then the FB app would take care of authentication and using the API's for integration. This is likely the case. This means any app could integrate with the people hub or be uses as a messenging app.
This is what I'm thinking/hoping for. Most if not all social media services rely on the same model with user properties, friends or contacts, notifications, and an application layer. By building "landing pads" for all the data to go, they make it one stop shopping for the end user.
Wow, this could mean that apps like WhatsApp etc could integrate straight into the messaging app! Awesome
I loved the FB feature and so did my family. it was the one thing WP had that you could show to somebody and not be embarrased you had a windows phone. the live tiles updating with people's new pics and posts were awesome. I suppose that long term makes sense to let FB provide a proper FB experience. But why remove it? it can't be that difficult to do and keep supporting it.
I'm getting super-excited already. Oohh Windows Phone, how I love thee :-)
Hey, save all the Windows Phone love until after Valentines' day, lest you end up with a jealous partner. Even after the prior post, you're still heading straight for the doghouse! ;)
Hahahaha...yes brother, you are right. Have to do all the WP loving in hiding till vals day is over..lol :-)
They won't get jealous.. my Windows Phone IS my Valentine ^-^
*forever alone
Me 2
White and Nerdy song playing
(I only know 100 decimals...)
What about ability to save login details in IE?
You mean cookies?
I think he means autofill.
yes , just like ie ask on a computer to save passwords , it is very handy to save username/id and passwords which is missing :\ hope 8.1 bring this up
Yep that's what i meant. It makes life so much easier
That's an IE11 feature, so I'd be pretty sure that it's included. It's been mentioned as 'coming' in the past. Edit: I thought you were meaning syncing browser preferences (including autofill) with your other devices.
I think that can be done using lastpass app which is available on store...
Actually, you need to open the LastPass app by itself, it's not integrated in the regular IE.
Yes, but that requires a subscription, and there's no way to make LastPass the default browser...
Would rather see Tracking Protection Lists there
this is one of the features that makes wp8 feel like a beta...
IE needs an overhaul, and I hope this is one of those things it will allow.
Wmpoweruser did an article today saying IE11 in WP8/1 will have password manager. Hope they're not lying
The one feature I don't see here, that I'd like to see in the future, is opening up the OS for third party browsers like Firefox, Dolphin and Opera. Not a big fan of mobile IE, at all.
Well, based on this post, IE11 will be so awesome that you'll want to use it!
IE 12 right*
No, its IE11 according to the leaks
ie 12 ? windows 8.1 ships with 11 so why would they develop 12 just for wp8.1 ? ie 12 is reserved for next windows and wp updates
We're on WP 8.0 right now with mobile IE10, so WP 8.1 would logically have mobile IE11
If drop down menus don't work with IE11, I'll be a little disappointed.
They work when websites respect the web standards, it's not IE problem
Don't blame web developers for IE's lack of updates. Web developers - good ones, at least - do respect web standards, but its tiring having to program everything the hard way because IE doesn't support something EVERY other (major) browser (engine) does. It is IE's problem.
Other companies can bring their browsers to the platform already, anytime they want. They're only restricted to using the built in rendering agent; That's all. Its the same with iOS, but because we're not webkit, they don't want to put the time in, despite trident being on par as of recent iterations.
Webkit > Trident
Lol no. Webkit < Trident. Webkit is full of non-standard code and is becoming the new "IE6" (overly adapted and considered the standard, becoming slow and fragment; becomes complacent). Meanwhile Trident conforms to the W3C standards and waits for code to be standardized before adapting.
Dustin nailed it.
^ That
+920 Nailed it!
Thanks Dustin for educating him. Gosh so annoyed when websites used Webkit-specific code instead of proper standard code.
Blink & Webkit > Gecko > Trident. Browser-prefixes are not "non-standard code". I have no idea where you got that idea from. And you are truly living in a fantasy world if you think Microsoft waits for Candidate Recommendation status before implementing features. There is, has been, and always will be plenty of -ms- prefixed code.
Actually they are, while most people currently use them to target specific browsers, their original incarnation was to implement the ability to redder pages in ways that were not yet standard and yes, MS had their own selectors which they are currently depreciating. For reference, see this link (http://www.w3schools.com/cssref/css3_browsersupport.asp) and note the number of prefixes for -MS- vs -webkit- and -moz-.
Sorry, what? Vendor prefixes are totally non-standard; if the browser was following the standard then they wouldn't need to prefix them. I'm a web developer and I agree with Dustin. Webkit has been getting very buggy over the last few years, and Blink is even more so. Whereas since (and including) IE9, Trident has been getting more and more solid. Gecko is ok, but Firefox's extensions have a habit of slowing the browser to no end.
The rendering engine is the essence of a web browser. Without complete control over that, you're pretty much just skinning someone else's browser.
To an extent, but shouldn't a browser be about the features it provides, not the engine it uses? On iOS, Chrome and Dolphin both use the built in version of webkit Safari uses, not blink (Google's webkit fork).
The problem is that, in the real world, the UX and rendering engine are inextricably linked. And the most important feature of a web browser, by far, is its ability to render web pages. The rendering engine plays a very critical role in providing that.
Thing is, trident renders web pages just fine. It just doesn't support experimental code like that of webkit. That's a good thing, honestly. I understand what you say, but it doesn't mean developers shouldn't bring their browsers to the platform.
NO! A browser should be about the web pages, and being able to get to ALL of them. There are a LOT of mobile wepbages that won't render at all without Webkit. Those pages are dead to us now.
Making web pages that only work with a specific browser or rendering engine is stupid and web developers know it. This isn't the 90's. Shame on those web developers and all who would encourage such bad behavior.
And as stated above that is why IE6 became such a problem. MS focused solely on being able to render pages no matter how sloppy the coding was and it crashed hard once XHTML and CSS really took off. MS has spent the past few incarnations of IE fixing the problems. I'd rather the lazy web developers who are coding just for their browser of choice (and trust me, it is pure laziness) instead of downloading the most common browsers (of which IE is still highly placed) and testing their sites for each would change their ways. The current state of Webkit browsers is a prime example of regression being touted as progress.
Isn't it a philosophical question: to offer WebKit because so many web sites code for it, or to use Trident, hoping that the rest of the world will start coding for it? Since I use my phone right now, I'd rather have functionality that works today, even if Trident might be a purer, more sensible option for the long run.
Except the problem had less to do with coding specifically for Trident and more to do with not following the set standards simply because you don't feel like it. And no, it is not better to code just for sites right now. I had to code for the nightmare that was IE6 and I refuse to support any behavior that stands to repeat that. I'm not sure you understand that Trident is perfectly capable of rendering most of the new things in html 5 and that the only thing standing in it's way is people who can't be bothered to drop a prefix or two in their coding.
I fully see your point. I'm just saying that the ordinary users are going to compare their WP browser's inability to display sites to the iOS and Android browsers' success, and blame MS. It woudl seem prudent from a PR perspective for MS to accommodate the poorly coded pages. After all, consumers are going to blame MS, not the site -- even if that's an incorrect placement of blame. And you're right: I've never coded for HTML5. I was a programmer for years and did develop web applications back in the day, but haven't coded in about 10 years, except for personal projects in VB.
Unfortunately, that is sad but true. I agree with what MS is doing with Trident because I understand the backend of it, but the average Joe doesn't. Sigh, people. :-(
IE has the market share to force coders to do things correctly. They still cannot ignore it, and while the customer may initially assume it's IE the developer will hear about it and fix it. However it's for this exact reason that Microsoft removed the IE branding from it's user agent in IE11, so that developers couldn't target it by name any more. So any existing 'browser sniffing' tools would treat it like Firefox because 'like Gecko' is in the user agent.
The thing is, since IE10 (and even mostly IE9) you no longer have to code for Trident. It supports all the standards well enough that you can code just like normal and it will work fine. The thing is, these developers who think they're cool using prefixes and targeting Webkit and Firefox have still not realised that they should stop targeting any browser and instead target the web standards. Then they can forget about serious workarounds on all browsers except IE8.
Who's fault is that? The browser developer, or the web developer who naïvely (or ignorantly) decided to only target one rendering engine?
Look at Chrome on iOS. It's not actually chrome, except for the UI. It's using a Safari webview, and Safari is way behind standard Webkit in many things, let alone Google's fork of Webkit (Blink).
Yup.!!!
Actually I haven't been able to find any sources for this rumour that no other rendering engines are allowed in the Store. Neither Nokia Xpress and Maxton Browser use Trident (albeit they use cloud based rendering). As far as I can tell, the only thing that is limiting other rendering engines is that no one has bothered doing a port of them yet. Same for the Windows Store.
Mobile IE really has no issues..
Ur Right
ie on my 920 crashes every so often no idea why opera mini on my treo pro doesn't crash as often
mind explaining...how it crashes ? what do you do on it ?
just browsing it happens on random websites it crashed on my brother on the nfl website it crashed on me on zdnet 3 times in a row then I saw it on ucbrowser and crashe no idea why it worked on uc and not ie
It does. Some websites don't work correctly
The OS does allow for third party browser engines. Dynamic changes to executable code are however prohibited which leads to issues with JavaScript Engine performance. I can't see them change that though - it's a potentially huge security leak if they allowed Apps to interpret loaded data as executable code (basically what all buffer overflow exploits are about).
Thanks for the good info, can you please provide some links??
I think thats nonsense. Almost every other OS, including Android, Windows and even BB10 etc. does allow for dynamic code generation. Its the basis of any dynamic translation engines necessary for some emulators. One of the more stupid decisions by Microsoft. They heavily restricting what apps are allowed to do such that some apps are not even possible for a very questionable security argument. The point here is, that even the dynamic generated code does have the same security permissions as the app itself. You would need a buffer overflow in security critical component with higher permission level on top of that in order to compromise security. As long a BB10 is getting the highest security certificates (e.g. for government usage) and offers such a feature such a restriction only hurts the platform. In fact assume for a moment Windows Phone would get a higher security rating than BB10 (which afaik is not the case) it would only gather very very few customers, while at the same time loosing many mainstream cumstomers.
You can't argue that IE10 and even more so 11 are a speed devils.
If I'm not wrong, this is already possible. Anyway, the only way to solve this "it doesn't work in IE" probllem is by using IE so developers have to follow the standards again, instead of developing just for Webkit and Blink like they do these days.
This ^^ ! If you want to improve the situation, namely that websites following the W3C standards instead of developing for a very specific rendering engine, do not use any webkit based browser if it can be avoided.
Exactly, I only have two browsers installed IE (set as default) and Firefox. Firefox is rarely used.
I really dont get the unwaranted hate for IE. Other than the standard canned-answers, can you please tell me what's really wrong with it?
Omg wp central you keep making me wet myself
+920
Those little yet much important features like multi select in tiles, auto updates... Makes me smile and smile again.... #April2 waiting...
Multi select in tiles what's that?
Like in windows 8.1 you can select multiple tiles at once and move them around instead of selecting one at a time... Not sure if we can group it like on 8.1 though....
Like in windows 8 and 8.1
When you rearrange you can only move on tile per try. On the contrary, now you can select several and move them wherever you want :D
Select and manipulate multiple live tiles on the start screen simultaneously l.
Hopefully its not April fools!
Can we skip March this year?
Yeah march is in the way lol
No, my Bahamas cruise is in March!
Nah, that would've meant Dev Preview on April 1st. We're getting it on the 2nd ^_^
NOW THIS IS REVOLUTIONARY!!can't wait for it!! :D
Not totaly, there is a lot of fretures listed there, at least 4-5 that even Windows Mobile had and are common on all Android devices and a few that iOS has had for a long time. A lot of very cool stuff tho, a major catch up to everything else on the market but, still very cool.
Lol,I know.I meant revolutionary as compared to WP8,these are pretty HUGE changes :D
May be you meant evolutionary
+1
Evolutionary, great changes and look well integrated but not Revolutionary. The Revoutionary is what has been left out of the current reveal (for now): Cortana is going to be Revolutionary, blowing doors off what has been done before.
C'mon April 2! I wanna download that developer preview!
Does downloading DP means i will not be getting firmware updates later, Even if i visit Nokia care centres for hard reset.
You'll still get them. It doesn't prevent that
No hard reset needed. It will simply update (country/operator pending)
You'll still get them whenever your carrier releases them (or if you have an unbranded device then you'll get it whenever the phone manufacturer releases it).
You surely will get them. You do realize it ain't unofficial, it's legal provided by MS itself. Even I had received GDR3 through Developer Preview and later when it was publically released.
Use function when swiping from left to right, top to bottom. Auto hide on/off on clock and other icons on top. Remove windows limitation to fix numbers. It might be small addution but this is what i want to see.
Top to bottom already takes you further up the start screen, it would be hard to difference it. Left to right was really the only one that was left.
When WP8 first came out the clock would auto hide. The made it stay in one of the updates. But I'm with you hide it unless I call for it.
Prepare yourself.
I'm ready...
As the feature list increases can my humble 520 get to taste all these goodness?
Ofcourse
Update will be received by all current Windows Phones....no one gets left behind.
Cortana will be available only in US?
Cortana will be worldwide, but will probably be limited by language in the DP (English US).
*insert rant about Lumia 810*
Maybe. Maybe not. All phones will get 8.1. Whether all phones will get ALL the new features; who knows.
If you're worried about not getting everything when this bundle of joy of an OS arrives, don't worry. OS updates don't typically remove features for low-end phones; Only firmware updates do. You should get everything come the release.
Yeah but the problem with all voice assistant is like they cannot catch different accents properly except the google now. I used siri and its the worst ever made by Apple. Always does the opposite of what i tell her. How mean she is.
Will windows 7 phones get it like the 900? Maby I'm hallucinating
No, Windows Phone 8 phones only
You wont get 8.1 for the same reason you didn't get 8
All the WP7 have single core processor. WP8 is made for multicores
Damn!
Wow that swipe from left to clean live tiles sounds amazing, much better than swipe from the left to access notification center like people were wishing.
I agree. No more being very OCD and opening an app, to then instantly close it because I don't want the live tile to have a notification on it, as I already know what it is.
Good point. I never even thought about it until now but that will be a nice feature.
Wish tomorrow was April 2 :D
God no, that would mean today is April 1st and then this is a lie.
Lol
LOL +720
LOL
Hahahaha!
Omg. Please....come to me now, blue! I wish I hadn't read this as now I am too anxious lol
I second this.
Oh my sweet dear God, if all this is true, I will love MS even more and maybe forever. One update and everything together?! Kudos to you MS! I love you.
What about a forward button on the browser? Sucks if you go back by accident and can't go forward.
If they use the same swipe mechanism as in Windows 8.1, the button would not be needed.
Maybe the back button can be used to go back on the previous page of the app you're in, and the long press as well
UC Browser has this feature (swipe for back and forward), so I don't see why IE proper can't implement it.
I find I don't need forward- every time I want to navigate forward it's always more than one page forward, and the "recent" menu is better than blindly loading pages till I get somewhere.
Exactly. This is big for me. I hate IE currently for this.
You can go forward by going into the browser menu and going into recent. It'll have any pages you just went back from at the top of the list. I know it's not as convenient as a forward button, but it is possible to get to the page you accidentally went back from.
You can manually set a Favorite to Use Forward in IE.
Can you please elaborate?? How to set Forward as a favorite?
Can't you just simply re-click the link to the page where you were before? Click, and VOILA, you get "forwarded" to that page. And I just realize now that I have never looked a forward button in IE for a very long time already. Personally, almsot never needed it.
Awesome! Can't wait for T-Mobile to push the update to my 925 in 4 years! :D
Hahahahah.....don't worry brother, it'll be quick :-)
Even quicker if they join the preview :)
Previews have a lot of bugs. My Lumia 520 kept on restarting randomly. Would of drove me insane if it was my primary phone. I can't wait to see what nokia unveils at MWC but I am afraid Samsung will drown everyone else out. I am also looking forward to htc two. Would be awesome if you could dual boot android and windows phone on it.
Actually so far all the previews have been official release builds. Doesn't necessarily mean that in the future it will be the same, but your issue with restarting was not related to the Preview, since it was the official GDR3 version.
This sounded like a death sentence.
MS release wp 8.1 asap..
Hnnnnnngh!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Will this new way of watching yt videos via browser be the same for every video you watch on any site?
I want to know because it looks great and I kinda hate the way it works in 8.0
It appears to be the HTML5 player. It's not actually a YouTube player, per say. Meaning any page that plays video via HTML5 will be like that.
That's great, thanks.
Swype keyboard?! Four live tile sizes? That's supreme! Very soon, I will be seeing MS and WP at the top! Please ensure this is all true! Can't just wait anymore.
seems like the article was updated and swype was removed from the list.
It says at the bottom of the article now "gesture based keyboard" :D im having hopes for something fun!
Wondering what that 4th TILE size is..how it looks.... THe guy who posted it on reddit..claims there is no new tile size...confusing...
I wonder how long Belfiore will take demonstrating it. :D
The 4th size is apparently "Large" (i.e. the huge tile that you see in 8.1). The tile would have be very useful at that size in order for people to use it (as it would take up a lot of your screen)... but hey choice is great :D
New feature for windowsphone driving mode. Thread in forum: http://forums.wpcentral.com/windows-phone-8/263207-vote-my-requested-feature-windowsphone-driving-mode.html Vote here: http://windowsphone.uservoice.com/forums/101801-feature-suggestions/suggestions/5503491-active-listening-for-driving-mode
Where is universal search? Its much important and they could use search key.
"Bing smart search (Similar search as in windows 8.1)" this is what you mean right?
Yeah it would be cool if that search button would be an internal search as well
Well on windows 8 it does
Windows 8.1 search is exactly that my friend, ull like it trust me :)
Smart search = universal search.
Can it search within messaging hub as well? I'm dying to have this badly missing feature!
Most likely - at least Bing Smart search on Windows 8.1 searches for docs locally. But again not in my emails so it may not be useful.
It will be there and it will use the Search key... that's why it's currently hidden in the Dev Preview.
47 days is too long to wait
^This
Yeah but now we know why its taken them so long. We're getting an Easter basket full of goodies
So other official apps from fb,flipboard will be announced at build?
I sat next to a developer of flipboard on a plane in the last few weeks. He was suprised i couldn't find the flipboard app on my phone. He had thought it was already out. I explained it was in Windows 8. He still seemed suprised it wasn't on the phone yet. We were getting off the plane about then or i would have questioned him more.
SWEET
Better backup functionality has me excited. Would be nice if it were more like the backup that is used on iOS. Putting everythign back how I had it, and ever game save backups. I hated moving into my new Lumia 1520 from my Lumia 920 and losing all my game data. So, here's hoping for that. The Notification Center/Action Center is something I've wanted for such a long time. So, again... here's hoping for a success. April needs to hurry up and get here!
Here's to hoping this means we can backup game saves
Sync with facebook account is already available in some games. I have a fake facebook account just for that.
I hope i can backup on my pc!
That would be more than enough for me.. At this point everything is better than the current "backup" functionality. But since MS is going for cloud more than ever would be a strange move not to backup on OneDrive..
Cant sleep already, im so haaaard on :P
Still time u can sleep now
At the risk of sounding vulgar, I came.
I saw, I conquered.
Please include ability to search Messages. I really hate scrolling forever to find conversations.
+1520
Watch out with this. Sam will tell you that scrolling is a "new" way of doing things. After all, you can still find old messages.
If you are looking for a message from a specific person, you can go to that person from People Hub, scroll left till you see "History" and you will have all emails, calls and sms listed under that page.
And getting to that person in people's hub is already taking ages!! See iOS for example.. Before you can even fully complete the phrase, Bingo! The results are there..
Pin the person if it matters so much to you. Its a tap away. Put them in smallest tile size.
Same here...a search feature for texts would be very helpful when I'm trying to find a specific name or word.
This will probably be included in the (currently hidden) Universal Search :-)
I wonder if we can choose to have black text rather than white while using bright system theme colors like yellow, etc.. Also gapless playback, media scrubbing, and podcast support would make me a happy camper. Perhaps some more theme colors to choose from, more than 5 apps on the lock screen, re-designed calendar app, a better alarm app, some video api's (so we can use saved videos in 6tag/instagram and have video editing apps), re-designed settings app so its not a garbled mess, more functionality for apps to be able to talk to each other, and im sure there is more but im sick in bed and can't think right now.
I am with you on the Settings being a mess - its all over the place with no grouping, and Nokia adding to the mess. Only thing I want them to do is created logically related groups and place settings under them. Wonder if this is already suggested at the windows phone suggestions website.
But every implementation of grouped settings I've seen has not been great. From Samsung's to LG's, even in Windows 8 and 8.1. Hopefully MS can do it perfectly if they ever decided to do it in WP.
An option to sort by letter would be enough, and a jumplist like on the appliat. Right now its just unacceptably bad.
Yeah, alphabetical would be nice, half the time i KNOW the setting i want but i can never seem to find it. The organisation is that bad. "ok backup, backup...WHERE THE HELL IS BACKUP???" *flips desk*
FWIW settings are not an "app". And they are layed out according to the settings you (most people) would use most. Alphabetically is a bad idea because most people don't memorisze each setting name.
Now just want a short video showing all these things then see the excitement
I just updated my 720 and there's more major update?
Yes, if I am not mistaken your phone will get 8.1 (coming) and 9 when that releases
But..But..my 720 is still in amber..oh it's painful..
I had a friend that until a week ago was stuck on GDR1. You're ok.
Amber is the firmware, NOT the software, btw. And if you want faster OS upgrades (not firmware), join the preview using the Preview for Developers app. Just dev. unlock your phone (which is free; no dev. account necessary)
Check your settings cuz everywhere else it is already on black
There's no guarantee about 9, although I guess it's likely.
Can my 525 also update to 8.1?
Can Lumia 525 also be updated to 8.1 in future?
WP 8.1 leak-Feb.
WP 8.1 revealed-Apr.
WP 8.1 actually received by end users-WP 9 leak in 2016
Well non tech end users. Anybody that's knows this site knows to use the dev preview. And they in turn will tell their family and friends. Cheer up
+520
Amen to that brotha!
Whatever features come with 8.1 it will be like getting a new phone, amazing # of features, I am surprised no one mentioned installing apps to SD card, that is huge! Then even 512 Mb users can download the biggest games if they are optimized for it.
This
???? Ram and Rom is not the same
Obviously, right now 512 Mb phones can not even save large game files to SD card, only internal memory, that changes with the new release. So if a game supports 512 Mb phones now they can play if they have an SD card. This means cheaper phones got a huge increase in usability.
He meant 512mb WP always have lower storage compared to those with higher RAM. Usually, they only get 8Gb or 4Gb, that's not enough to install larger games if you also have other stuff inside your phone.
Mirror wp screen to tv/monitor.. WOW.... WP ftw...
I'm guessing they mean miracast. That is present In windows 8. Nokia beam is also good for devices that fo not support miracast .
Yep nokia beamer is a good app but its like streaming n need internet connection.. With this feature, we can record screen with no lag n make tuttorial abot wp haha..
My Netgear PTV3000 miracast is waiting. I use it a lot already on with my Surface 2.
They're totally going to use this during the BUILD announcment on a giant screen I bet :D
Hope they get this working with the Xbox 360...
AWESOME!! #WPFTW
With this leaks, looks like MS sent invites to some not-so-trustworthy developers...
Well as long as they're developers, they're most likely human. And we know how that goes. In this case I'm glad they're human
At least could have come out with a bit at the time... :P
Suffering overload and the excitement is gone :(
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing -- way to take that NDA seriously. Oh well, I'm sure MS knew this would happen. Which makes it kind of an odd and uncontrolled way to "announce" all the new features...
THIS. Also, the fact they had to go agree to an NDA yet they still leak this pisses me off.
Most likely a sucmbag of a developer who won't make a decent app for WP and make apps for iOS first. Or the one that ports straight from Android without even making their tile look metro. They give competitors a good heads up everytime and ruin the hype. This is the very reason the media will STILL bash Microsoft as they have nothing else to show on the day!
Can he run the SDK in 512mb mode??? And see if everything runs?
yup it does run in !!!! :)
The last line "A final interesting note is how Windows Phone is referred to as WinPRT". This leads me to believe they are not dumbing down RT but are upgrading the WinP8 to near desktop ability.
That's right
We knew that was coming for a while
The WinRT parts on Windows Phone 8 have already been referred to as WinPRT. This is nothing new. What is new is that it seems WinPRT and WinRT are moving closer together but that has been assumed for quite some time. The extent to which they did that is surprising though.
Facebook and Twitter integrated more deeply into the contacts Hub ? but verge reports that FB is removed...
Signing into Facebook via the email+accounts page is gone but that doesn't mean Facebook still isn't linked to your live ID
As long as I can still get Facebook and Twitter feeds in my People hub I'm golden.
This. If they remove that feature, that is a serious fail. I doubt they would, but you never know...
I think FB is only temporaily removed or it still uses FB via Connected Services in your Microsoft account (i.e. if you go to http://account.microsoft.com) and add it.
If they remove the Facebook...PUT People FIRST promotion will be dead.
As it is now its kind of broken anyway, schizophrenic system, "should I go to people hub or the app?"
Aa long as the option to link it to my account so that the contact photos still work it's ok with me :)
I'm so thrilled to see the feature : Ability to install apps on inserted SD Cards If all the said features are true plus the notification center, volume controls etc, I can see a bright future for Windows Phone. Loads of Android users would definitely consider a switch over. Also we would have many app developers supporting the windows platform. :)
Yeah and even the new firmware update from nokia releasing more thier more exclusive apps.
Yes! Now I don't feel so bad about not being able to wait for the 32GB 1520.
Surprised to see this so far down. I've been waiting for this since getting my first windows phone. Back in 2010. Finally able to install app to the SD card.
Now I can have a 72 GB Nokia Lumia 520
Actually 64GB. 8GB internal has only about 5GB user access and 64GB SD card will have around 59GB. To sum up, 5+59=64GB. Yet, it's a big deal. I'll re-install all those big games altogether that I purchased... :)
oh god yes... everything ive been hoping for... in all actuality all i want is the ability to install apps to the memory stick, everything else is just a fantastic bonus!
NDA my ass..
+1520
Lol
Gets on the nerves.
Can't acknowledge
Can't deny
Can't correct
Even the leakers say more
Lol
Fb is already awful, lets integrate it more and let the pos app stagnate. :|
Windows 8.1 came with a new, exclusive Facebook app which I hear is pretty good. Maybe they'll do the same thing for WP8.1.
WP fB app has always sucked. Its much improved now but still crap compared to other platforms. Hoping for vast improvements towards it.
Can someone explain 2nd point (SkyDrive and integrated file browser) what does it mean? Is it file manager? Does it needs internet connection for browsing files? I know SkyDrive needs connection for browsing files but what is integrated file browser ?
its the file browser everyones been wanting (even though I still think its useless on a phone) but instead of being a new app its integrated into onedrive (just like the app is on W8)
You think its useless because you're not thinking of all its applications. Think on a website where it'll say to attach a file. Since devs currently don't gave access to the file selector, we can't do that. Its a limitation. I dont like limitations. Android ppl certainly dont like limitations. Having a file browser allows us to attach files to any website. Video, photos, media... Now we can have true access to our phones
You're confusing a File "selector" and File "browser". We need a file selector (á la Windows 8), which would allow us to select the appropriate files within apps. However, a file browser allows the user to view all files on the system; however, this creates security risks since files are stored per designated app, unlike Windows which stores files in a single folder, meaning sandboxed application folders would have to be opened up for access, posing security risks.
Not confusing them. I even made a clear distinction between them in my reply. As far as I'm concerned its useless to have one without the other so they're one in the same. I believe that's what we will be getting in windows phone 8.1. And if you read the REDDIT users posts, he mentions both a file selector and file manager
A file browser is a software that give you the ability to discover file all around the file system, it not provide you the ability to select a file and attach whereever you want.
What you need is a way to select a file like the file picker contract in Windows 8.
Think that in Windows 8 your don't have a file browser that you can use to serch for the file of a specific Windows Store Apps (like Skydrive), but you use a file picker provided by the file picker contract
A. I see no distinction. You use both terms in reference to attaching files in the browser. B. It ISNT useless to have a selector w/o a browser. Windows Phone currently manages files per designated app, which is fantastic imo. A selector means you could select files from apps, and doesn't require a browser.
I agree that what WP does now is great. The problem is that too many people see what other OS's do and automatically see it as a "must have feature". I use Windows Mobile, and had a couple file browsers/managers... it's completely unnecessary in WP.
@Jf.Vigor - agreed..and this may be the needed means to attach files (other than pictures) to an email. Presently, attaching a file only gives you option to attach pictures.
That is not true at all. And what you, and countless others are saying is part of the HUGE problem with WP. You see something and regurjitate without even looking into it. You can send every type of file that the phone has. But lets be honest here, there are really only three types of files. photos/videos, music, documents. All of which are very easy to find in their respective "hubs", which IMO makes file manager/browsers completely unnecessary on WP. You have to go to the file and send it directly. Either long press, or under the (...) menu, you will be able to share video, pictures, music, documents. Now it is a limitation to have to go to that file, and send it without being able to send it from the attachment button in an email. If that could be "fixed" it would be cool. But to say that it can't be done is just wrong and needs to stop.
But who knows, maybe this limitation was put in to avoid people trying to send huge files (which most email accounts won't allow anyway), and digging into your data usage.
@Sean D - I'll qualify my earlier comments as I'm aware that you can send a new email from the respective app/hub. That said, it is cumbersome if I have a need to reply to an email thread and attach a document as part of the proces. Other platforms support this. If WP wants to make in roads against the competition (and believe me, I want them to do well), they should at least support this feature. This item is the top vote getter for email on the WP Features Suggestion list. http://windowsphone.uservoice.com/forums/101801-feature-suggestions/category/18951-email
im not shunning it, though I think its uneccesary, it never hurts to have more options!
Bing it on.
All of that is awesome (especially Bing Smart Search), but apps on SD card... Mmm, give me a towel.
"I'll go get you a towel" ... In my best Donald duck voice
So much for an NDA.
LOL I'm beginning to think Microsoft telling devs 'Under no circumstance share this...' translates to 'Share! SHARE IT ALL!'
Home Security has already located the leaker who broke the NDA. Coming up: nice holidays in Guantanamo!
Swype style keys is high up on my book along with swipe up down and too the left to clear live tiles sounds sweet. Any word on soft keys ? not a fan of bezel keys or hard buttons
New browser features! And I love all of these features, can't wait!
That was quick!
Yup
Now THIS is an "update". Congratulations MS. Amazing features. All things much needed.
Ye. Nokia must have helped them
No kidding. Praying preview will be available April 4. Two updates in a short amount of time is great.
Improved multitasking is nice too. The x to close apps is un-intuitive, and a swipe down like on W8 makes a lot more sense. Apps to SD is huge too! My friend can actually have more than 5 apps on his HTC 8S, and the action center is huge as well! System-wide search with Bing/Cortana is also huge!!
Fuck it .wp8.1 is huge
Lol
How huge we talking here? Will it be "uninstall all apps, update, hard reset, restore all content to SD" huge for the 8S?
Its all huge then I guess.
Windows Phone RT?
windows phone runtime
OMG...Just think where we'd be if all this was there at launch of WP. Regardless, so glad to se WP finally maturing
Imagine this if they had launched back it in 2007. No KIN, no Windows Mobile 6.5 fiasco. I would totally go back in time and show it to Ballmer, though it could probably cause a paradox and thus the destruction of the entire universe (worst case scenario) or it would probably just be limited to our own galaxy.
It would be too early in its time like most MSFT innovations. There wouldn't have been Windows 8.1 so people wouldn't have felt so familiar to the phone OS. Its all for the good. I say, perfect timing!
This should have been 8.0. Still, welcome changes all.
If it was in 8.0 then yes, would be handy but 8.0 was prepping the core to do this. That wouldn't have been possible given the time scale.
Any new solution for the "other storage" problem? I have 820 and mine is 2.1 gb now.
theres an option in the settings to clear other storage, but if thats not working, reset your phone and start over, thats pretty much the fix to all those issues lol. though i thought GDR3 fixed that problem.. have you rest it since gdr3? maybe the fix only stops it from happening, not reverting it once it has.
To reset is not a solution.we should be able to clear cache memory as lagdroid hve
It doesn't stop it. I've resat twice after GDR3, once after GDR2. 8GB devices are still plagued by this. Last time, pre-reset, I had 3GB+ in other. Funny how two "fixes" later and its still a problem. However, saving apps to SD will help.
Other storage is actively used by the system. The issue that was solved was that portion of the OS growing to 5 GB or even more. Around 2.1 GB is pretty much the norm on a WP8 device that has been used for any length of time and is NOT considered an issue by Microsoft.
So "actively used" means eventually there has to be a hard reset to clean the storage. And that's not an issue for Microsoft? Hmm...
I think he means that apps that are installed also use the "other" portion to store files and not just cache crap. Like adobe acrobat pdf files. Or beats music. So the solution to just clear the other storage really isn’t the right way.
Yea, people don't understand that. You can't completely clear "Other" storage, because there are files in there that are needed by apps. MS fixed the issue of the storage not cleaning up unused files. If your apps need 2.1 GB of storage, then there really isn't anything you can do about it.
I understand it completely. But when on an 8GB phone my ENTIRE media library is on an SD card, and I only have 3GB in apps, yet I only have 50mb free because of other, that's an issue. Furthermore, Apps do NOT use "other". App storage is included within the storage amount that apps take up. Other is System + Temporary Files.
Yea, looks like you are right. I believe it used to include some app data. On my 1520, "Other" doesn't even show on my phone storage. It only shows in Nokia's storage check, but the amounts vary between Nokia's and MS'. Also, I have had my 1520 for almost two months, and my "Other" according to Nokia, is 1.4GB. Which I don't think is too bad. According to windowsphone.com, Skydrive auto upload still causes an issue on low memory devices that aren't running update 3. http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/how-to/wp8/basics/other-phone-storage-faq
i didn't have big other size like others guys had....mine was just around 1.5 GB....i fixed mine by changing date....like i changed my year to 2025 and then clean temp files from storage check.....and restarted my mobile..my other storage dropped to 598 MB.....and it has been around that....hasn't increased since.....hope your problem fixes too by trying this....good luck..
Try clearing IE history , gives back huge MBs of memory.. Trust me.. I've done that..
A. It only had marginal affect last time I tried
B. I feign from doing so because it clears my cookies and the way I set up my verge account makes it a pain to login on mobile phones. Microsoft should really separate History, Cookies, and Temporary Internet Files
hmm, well i ahd the other storage issue, and GDR3 seems to of fixed it for me... i guess i was jsut lucky, but after this update I wont be installing anything on the built in memory ever again so... let windows take what it wants!
That's an impressive list and I'm sure its not a complete list either. I'm hoping we'll be able to use the audio equalizer without having to use headphones, but Bluetooth.
THAT TOO!
I want Bluetooth equalizer support so BAD!!!!!!!! My bluetooth headphones are terrible on my Windows Phone but when I switch them to a Android phone and use the equalizer, it sounds wonderful.
Looks awesome and cant wait to see this and be able to play with this on my phone ! And this is also why I wont buy another high end model UNLESS it has a MicroSD slot... The Icon/929 is a failure with out one..With the possablity of being able to install apps to SD, this would be epic for storage managment. As I am finding, and as many others are seeing, that 32gb is just not enough for a lot of people. This would allow the flexablity that people want and can use their phone how they need. I would love if they enhanced backups to backup app settings, esp game settings...One of the big things that I MISS from having a Rooted WP7.X device, as I could backup EVERYTHING including all app and game settings. Restore backup, install apps after all apps are reinstalled, re-run restore, and it restores all your app settings besides maybe passwords... At least that is how it worked on the 3rd party apps for WP7.X (rooted device, app connected to PC for restore)
Wow....cant wait for 2nd of April...
Same here man! :D
Can we get wp8.1 update all over countries at the same time????
Yeah, with the developer preview, on April 2nd or later that week.
"Ability to install apps on inserted SD Cards" Yay! :)
I can't wait to see al the reviews with newer phones to join!! The only thing missing on this (amazing!) list is the ability to interact with the live tiles in some sort of way (i.e. Pause/play, forward/previous song; refresh the tile without having to rely on the auto-updating, which usually takes 30-60min).
Other than that, loved to read about this; now I want to see it!
That seems more like a windows phone 9 thing hhhaha
Push can update the tile as often as is required and Apps while running can update tiles also as often as they want. Apps that don't use an online component but instead query the server for news from a background task have that 30 minute limitation. It's basically down to developers not wanting to run something on the server. Having the phone check a server every minute for news would really be a battery killer.
Whow this update is massive! Can't wait!
Guys, why didn't you mention the ability to install app on SD cards!?!?!??!?Its freakin awesome to be true)))
I guess you didn't read the list properly...
I did! And at that time there were no comments about this feature.... But who cares??)))
Skype+Messaging? Skype or Line or Whatsapp or fill-in-the-blanks takes agonizing seconds to load. How about integration with the Messaging like Messenger and Facebook Chat currently?
I've been wanting this for a long long time with Skype, especially since it doesn't even give me a notification for messages and calls.
Will Lumia 520 be able to get wp8.1...??
Sure it will
are you new here ?
Nope...just asked out of curiosity....
Also...for the reason that 520 is the lowest of all...n hardware issues with 8.1, if any
Yes!
I don't like the auto update feature xD.
I'm sure you could disable it.
It will be an option u can turn off just like in Win RT/8.1. But it'll be on by default and u can go into settings to put it off.
Awesome (can't wait).I'm Passionate to try the cortana on my wp ;) . I wish that, there was some tweaks & new features for Xbox music/video hub (because they were changed in win 8.1 with new looks and sexy features)
Hope they enable full VPN.( Realy want hotspotshield). If music and video hub will disappears it will affect User that are outside of supported areas? Also I wish, an improve in playback codecs such as MKV and DIVX.
I was thinking about the same. What will happen to users who live outside the supported regions?
I love ur tip
GG
a lot of awesome stuff!!! c'mon wp8.1 !!!
Hope they integrate Skype into the os. App is slow compared to using messenger, l
That would be nice for sure. I hope they at least add support for file sharing.
Skepe needs a BIG update and a good integration into the system ( Maybe in the phone app and messeging app)
the UI of FM radio needs revamping, one can not name the radio stations.
I dont care about radio
(Maybe because I use a lumia 620)
Can't wait Cortana... Come soon...
Swype! Atlast :)
I hate swype on android. Hope it has an on/off and/or is better than Droid.
Maybe it will be as in Symbian.
I always used it on my Nokia N8.
Simply put... I CANT WAIT!
I want to see new video player. Right now we can not drag to desired location of video.
Yes, that is coming. Like in the picture.
Oh my freaking God, now I'm excited to have this on my 920. Can't wait to get the 8.1 developer preview!
I'm sooooo excited!!!! Must make sure my phones are ready!!!
Can't wait till BUILD!
Hope Nokia releases 8.1 for my Nokia Lumia 520 :D
It will Microsoft said every windows phone will get supported for 18 months.
Fucking awesome if these features really coming to WinPhone 8.1. For me the SD Card feature would be really great, could jizz in my pants. Since my HTC 8s doesn't have much memory space this would be such a savoir so I could install more apps. No bounds are known for my love for MS if they do that. ^^ Can't wait for the final release... It's so exciting.
Gamers....Xbox Hub redesign......yaaayyy
Hope it includes access to xbox one stuff now
That's sure to come....I know that :-)
"back button suspends apps"....isn't that what the start button is for? So now we have 2 buttons that basically do the same thing?
We don't know all the details yet. It could mean that tapping back takes us to the multitasking screen giving holding back a new function
excellent thinking
Start moves you to the Start screen suspending the App. Back moves you to the previous page suspending the App. The previous page might be some other App like e.g. IE after you have downloaded a file that was opened in the App.
No, "Back" brings you to the page previous to the page you were looking at, "Windows" brings you directly back to Start.
File manager is also needed so we can attatch files using web browser..and also ability of email clients to attatch non media files is also needed
No, you don't need a file manager for to do this, you only need a file picker.
exactly
+8S
+820
Bing Health Fitness app is also coming.
Wow!
Gapless playback ?! Still not ?!
And give ie some more functions like forward button please, worst browser ever...
Live tiles must be more live... Or else there is no meaning for them to be called as live tiles...
yea...and a replay/highlighs too ?
This is gonna be so freaking awesome!!!!!!
They're removing the music+video hub? How will they sync with other media apps then?
Now I can't wait at all. I NEED THOSE ALL NEW FEATURES NAAAAAOOOWWW
Wow, that is one hell of s list. Sounds great!
AWWW SHIT.. HERE WE GO!!! = ) .... pretty sure it'll be worth the wait!!...
Facebook account removed...?!
I think it is because the integrated facebook is behind on all the new facebook features, so it's better to just remove it and have an app instead.
I don't agree that's better. I would prefer the option.
I think the integrated way should stay, just make it so that it can be updated on the server side (assuming that's possible) the way that Bing search has been updated/changed without complete OS changes.
Little bit aroused right now.
Now here is something I wonder from the experts here (why I created another post). As Apps can go to SD now, does Windows Phone force you to re-parition the SD card for apps or is it dynamic (just a folder on the drive with permissions set). As re-parition would mean you would have to flag XX amount towards apps and cant use that space for other content unless you reformat the card and reinstall all your apps. I know as MS changed the marketplace to be more secure, I wonder how they are going to do apps on SD card. As hackers already figured out how to work around the encryiption in the marketplace (instal a demo to a rooted phone, run a script to unlock the app, then download it from the phone to a XAP), I wonder what MS is going to do to combat this.... Just Hope MS has a plan to secure the apps on the card but, will not force you to re-parition the card so you can have all the space available for everything you need.
Either repartitioning or encryption. Encryption itself so far has not been broken but if you have an unlocked device you can gain access to the files after they were decrypted. If they go for encryption they'd likely only store the data encrypted to the card so removing the card would not open another way to gain access to those files. Microsoft will have to plug the current way though - or rather: Samsung has to as the issues seems to be a result of Samsung System Apps being exploitable.
haha at xda dev they found out that the boot loader on the ativ S is just copy & paste from some other nokia device :D http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2497156
Any kind of dedicated messaging system? :/ rest of update looks awesome tho
http://stadt-bremerhaven.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/WP8_1_screens.jpg choose your favorite messaging app + new bing apps revealed in this shot
So Cortana is a form of naked girl..LOL
Need glance screen on l520:P nd equalizer also
Yes exactly. I don't understand the technology that the Asha phones use to enable Glance screen although they lack CBD or an OLED screen. If they can have, why can't the Lumia 520 have it as well?
could all this be the work of Mr. NADELLA "Nutella"!?!?..... if so.. WOW... pretty excited to see these features come to fruition if they are indeed true!..
This is the work of balmer. He's been behind unification of windows and windows phone team from a year ago
Technically Terry Myerson...he is the team lead ! his vision..
Lol. He coded all these on his first day in the CEO office. :P
On his lunch break too.
LOL
If Swype input is as good as it was on Symbian (and presumably is on Android), this will be utterly amazing to type on the keyboard...
And it leaked..... Lmao
No skype integration like facebook and twitter has?
Would be nice to use the message menu to skype your contacts
Guys don't look at the leaked features! I wanna be surprised on April.
Should the tiles be transparent and their edges have a curve finish?
Lol.. :) God I would vomit so bad if they did that.
No way...it wld luk ugly like hell
Removing Facebook intergration is stupid. I like commenting on status updates without opening up Facebook apps. I also like having a live tile with friends and family so I wont missed the important stuff.
well this is not confirmed..MS will have thought about this///.may be ur FB a/c is linked to ur Live a/c ???????? (thought)
They did the exact same thing with winodws 8 to 8.1 Removed facebook so people will have to use the facebook app however I prefer message hub to chat with my facebook frineds (even other 3rd party like wechat ,whatsapp , viver and SKYPE!!!)
But the same basic functions are still available on W8.1 in the people hub. Hopefully this remains in WP8.1 as well.
More integration, less "apps".
+1 The hub vision was great and seperated the OS. I hope there just changing stuff so it will still work, or its a step backwards.
Wow... Why are they going to remove facebook? That makes me not want to update =/
ok dont !!
second that. The facebook integration is what i love the most on windows phone 8, if anything i wanted MORE integration, not less.
This^
Wow, really?
If leaks are accurate, you can't use WP 8.1 apps on WP 8.0, so..
Want so bad!
SWYPE SUPPORT!!!!!!!! YALL ARE GONNA LOVE IT Posted via the WPC App for Android!
Add File Manager would make it perfect
The Verge said something about file manager...
As long my Facebook contacts still show up on my People tile, then it's okay...
Why are they removing fb integration. Posting is so fast from it. Is Fb releasing their app on wp?
I want to know also.... What's the deal with Microsoft?
You already have fb app...
posting using current built in people hub is far much more faster than using an app. It's even faster than iOS or Android FB app... Unless FB can somehow speed up their app's startup or resume time in order to post news. Other than that I'd say it's a lost
word
What is file picker?
Place where to choose a file maybe?
Choose a file to do what?
A way that WinRT app already has to pick up files from other location (in others app or system location) ;) this will avoid complaing on missing a file manager
Wait wait wait... No Facebook? Am I missing something?
Separate app.
Shows in People Hub.
I want to be able to scroll with slider during video or playing music, when will they give that option, and why dont they put tabs like chrome or dolphin
I dont think it will fit on phone screen
"Facebook account option REMOVED " i dnt know to others, but for me this is one of the best feature we have in windows phone. i think they should keep this. an update to this would be nice
Thank you for w8.1 multitasking! Been bitching about it nonstop. Lord heard my prayers, I mean MS. Now if they could fix their music player.
Im currently using a WP 7.8 device. I was considering buying an android, but now im definitely getting a new WP in a couple of months! :-D
I'm personally not a fan of them, but anybody disappointed that they didn't include an OS level option to make app folders? I thought they would have.
Apps to SD :D
Yeah
Whats that with removed Facebook option (Updated)? Did they give it up with the Facebook chat?
Else it's a cool update!
Separate app.
Horrible idea.
If this is "Highly accurate"....why give it 9/10?
Because its not coming from a direct source I guess
They haven't completely confirmed the entire list. It's just what they've heard from developers.
The list is too short...
I wonder what Nokia will add to these features
Ok most of that list is pretty awesome and stuff I really was hoping to see, but some of it needs more explaning for me lol. Why is the facebook account option being removed? I assume this refers to the adding of your FB account into the accounts list to get FB notifcations in your Me tile, and FB contact info in your contact list. Also, the post says the action center is different from the notification center, but from the post the other day it seemed like the action center was the name for the notification center. Someone want to explain the two for me?
Exactly my thoughts.
Well at least I am not the only one wondering these things :P Also, to the WPCentral guys; whenever I get an email about a comment reply the website URL is not a link (I have to copy and paste it in the browser address bar to get to the comment), but the link to the app url is a link.
"Facebook account option REMOVED (updated)" What does this mean? No more Facebook integration for Windows Phone 8.1? So, we can only depend on the crappy MS made Facebook app in the near future?
No.... it's the opposite actually. Official social media apps can now INTEGRATE into the system hubs. There will be a new official "Facebook Blue" app, and when you log in to it, it will connect itself to your account. Similiar to how Windows 8.1 does it. Other official apps will do that too. Pretty cool!
Great outline. A lot of features which I've been waiting for for a while. Yay.
IE 11 should have more features like download Manager.
Great update still it is just filling the missing gap of features.... It should also introduce some new and unique features also.. Native codec support, improved speed, messaging bugs, start screen customization, start design, more colours, saved game data, improved lock support people hub what's app integration with messaging hub... And many more.... Using wp's uniqueness
+1
Waiting for task manager as well
I'm sure a lot of that is actually included in this update. remenber that this is a DEVELOPER preview... everything that's not related to developing apps for the system is either hidden/disabled/unfinalized... so there's lots more to come according to Tom Warren :D
I do believe I've relieved myself into my pantaloons after reading all of this.
So what's the point of having the back button that put apps on "background" when we already have the star button?
People click the back button to go back to an app, not intending for it to close and then it does (now you don't need close app confirmations, you close it from multi-task which doesn't happen accidently). So it is a quick way to access last used app and to access the multi-tasking (hold back button).
Yeah! I made a right choice to choose windows phone!
I wonder what you will say after about 15 months from now...
Separate ringers and apps on the SD is freaking awesome
So does that mean Music + Video will be removed, or just no longer updated? Because I'm not going to be getting an Xbox Music subscription just to have a music player...
I recall an earlier WPcentral post noting that the music & video apps would be installed & updated separately in future as opposed to being baked into the OS.this would allow them to update on a more frequent basis rather than waiting for revisions to the OS
The Music+Video hub is removed and repaced with native apps. According to some, it will be the official Xbox Music and Video apps from Windows 8.1... except better. You don't need a subscription obviously, but if you have one it'll be integrated in automaticaly since it's single sign-on now :D
I knew I should have ignored this post...now I'm too excited. Gimmie all the updates now!
Same,here
YES! A SLIDER FOR THE VIDEO PLAYER
Cant wait for this now I need to decide on if im going to get the 929 or wait on the 8.1 phones
Want file manager.thats important
It's there... in the native OneDrive app. Just like in Windows 8.1, you can view your OneDrive and local files in the OneDrive app.
that would be great then
EAP-TTLS?!
I just want to see how Cortana looks like O_O, in "Blue", please :'(
No Facebook integration? Bad move.
Facebook integration is there, it's just implemented in a new and improved way. You simply login to the Facebook app and it integrates in. It's part of the new universal app model. see WMPoweruser.
Awesome looking list of updates. Looking forward to this and whatever new devices they come up with.
Aww yeaa
This is the only reason i am keeping my 620
+620, We haven't even got the black update yet in India.....
Windows phone is finally getting me interested in it. It has pretty much every app I use except Google apps, but Google is just being a dick about those. Can't wait to see how WP market share is affected by 8.1 in late 2014, early 2015. Posted via the WPC App for Android!
Im very excited to grab update, and format my phone before updare for put simply fresh copy of all the stuff :D
Let the leaks float in.
Nobody seems to be freaking out that Cortana is definitely a thing. I wonder what has Jen Taylor been doing in the last couple of months ?
What you mean? "Cortana" is absent in this build. Has it been verified that'll be the final name though?
I hoped they would make a way for all messaging apps(Line , skype , viber , whatsapp and so on) to integrate themselves into messenger hub but apparently they even disabled facebook chat!!
Still a lot of good features looking forward to it
Windows Phone 8 was certainly "meh" in regards with highly-anticipated, end-user-worthy updates. Since this IS a major update, regardless of the x.1 increment; I for one REQUEST a video showing it off like so http://youtu.be/cBISUhRIiSE . That video still gives me goosebumps
HOLY MOTHER MACCARONI!! Isn't it everything we hoped for? *-*
Please Microsoft dont remove the Facebook Integration..Its the most coolest and handful Feature of WP.I can literally show off to my Android and IOS frnds.If its removed then you would disappoint a lot of users.Many rely on it for checking notifications and posting status.
totally agree
it just makes no sense to do it unless they are going to allow other apps integrate themseleves into message and people hub which from my experince with windows 8 to 8.1 is not the case at all
Facebook integration is not removed, it's just integrated in a better way. See WMPoweruser how.
Excited for the new update. With VPN support,does this mean the ability to install/use VPN apps like Cisco AnyConnect?
Interesting that in the pic the X is still there altough you can now swipe down to close. Hope they remove it and just make it "teach" the new user by having an on screen instruction (similar to what Windows 8.1 does for some of the gestures).
I think the X only appears WHILE you swipe down to let you know you're closing it.
I hope you are right and that the swipe down to close is actually coming (although the X would seem utterly redundant and inconsistent in comparision to Windows 8/RT). However, I woudl not be surprised if someone has just misinterpreted this screenshot and nothing is changed compared to what it is now in Black.
All good ideas, but June seems so far away. By then I feel like they release this they will already be behind. From the perspective of someone like me who is already happy with WP and planning to stick with the OS, this is only going to make the experience better. From the perspective of someone on iOS or Android though, they are problem thinking "so what?". Swiping apps to close reminds me of WebOS. Actually so do the javascript/html support. I really liked some of the features of my Palm Pre, so if they implement those I would be quite pleased.
How will the behind? The update cycles for iOS and Android are MUCH slower than the pace we're getting. They're catching up and going beyond faster than the others. The only slow thing is the carriers.
One other feature I'd like to see is for WP8.1 FULLY support screen rotation in all apps including the main screen. I use my phone in landscape mode in a car mount and would like to see the tiles and apps accommodate this orientation.
Can anyone please explain to me the:
A. Navigation bar colors.
B. Chat notifications ( how does it different from what we have now).
C. USB ( can we now add/remove files to the phone from Pc? ). Thank you
Even I don't understand the navigation bar colour changing options.
What is navigation bar?
The bar at the bottom of the screen in the browser/IE.
This is a hallyu term but........... I'M SLAIN
My body is ready!!
ROFL! My phone is ready
Which one is the navigation bar?
Yeah...slightly confused on this too...
Sweet
Everything is confusing.notification center(different from action center)?.close apps by swiping down ,then why does the picture show x button......and many things....hope Daniel writes another blog on this clearly
I believe Action Center is a partial swipe down. You get the ability to shut stuff off or change basic settings such as volumes, bluetooth, wifi, etc. Notification center is a full swipe down and lists your notifications in addition to the action center stuff.
Nobody knows if the new version 8.1 will be available HTC 8X?
If you let someone answer me... Thanks :):):)
It will.
Thank you very much for the reply :-)
Everyone can get
What is the difference between Action center and Notification center then?
It is very confusing. Some of the features need further explaining. Can any of the WPCentral guys turn saviour?
They've probably told us what they know. These are leaks.
Action center is just a name, means it includes the notifications along with the quick settings. You can see in IOS 7 the notifications are on top and the settings can be accessed by swiping from bottom .. In WP 8.1 its all in one place.
All in one place as in Android you mean?
Why not .. I think that android has the best notification hub system I've ever used.
The notification centre is bit laggy . Only good for switching on connections
I don't think notification centre can be laggy at all. It is embedded into the OS.
Action Center = the 4 quick action buttons + battery meter + date
Notification Center = the Action Center + The notifications when you swipe down further
Week View? Swiping in IE left/right for back/forward? IE browser sync (Chrome does that since ages)? favourites when tapping address bar? Tabs when swiping up?!
Take it easy.. We didn't have costume sms notifications till last few months .. So these enhancements could take some time l.
Calm down. It might be there - this preview only includes DEVELOPER specific features. Everything else is hidden/disabled.
USB ON THE GO?!!!!?!!?!?!?!?!?
These things are so GREAT!!!! :D There's a File Saver too?
Battery sense! Youtube player! Waaaahhh! Hurry up!
hey, only one noticing battery power sense, sounds like much better power management! This is gonna be awesome!
Awesome
So, wpcentral has wp8.1 ?
So...you read the article, right?
LoL
These features r provided by MS in blue.Wat Nokia is going to give with blue?? Like it gave GS2.0,double tap awake etc cant wait
"Facebook account option REMOVED" ????
Facebook integration is improved in 8.1... see WMPoweruser. WPCentral made it sound confusing.
So they removed Facebook from People Hub integration? Will I no longer be able to post from my Me Hub? That's not smile inducing. I assume that Skype is not being integrated, since there is no mention. Maybe they'll add file/picture attachments for us WinPholk I hope to see some other tweak like better attachments to email. I wouldn't be upset if they gave developers more access to video files, so maybe we could get a basic video editor like the other kids have. Of course, these wishes are just the "more" that is always wanted. This is still a significant update, as currently described and most of us will be quite happy...ecstatic even...with it. I can still dream for more, right? :)
The connected services implmentation is new. According to WMPoweruser, Facebook will have a new app that will show the new model... i.e. you login to the app and the all WP8.1 hubs will integrate it in. Pretty compelling stuff. :D
Sounds messy, and unappealing as hell. If this is the case, chances are FB is worried that they don't have enough branding within the OS... they might want to make sure people *know* they are using FB. :-/
AWESOME!!!!
Does VPN support means that we will be able to connect to static ip connection??
I love all of these features! I'm extremely excited about push notifications!
It was about the time we get all of these!
In addition to my previous post. WP needs to add more functions or features that ios/android doesnt have. That would make them ahead and not following their footsteps.
Yeah cortana may be already behind siri, but, cortana needs to do something that siri cant do.
Also, how does WPCentral have their hands on 8.1 already? I can tell because some of their pictures show that they copyrighted it.
I just need a gapless music player. :s
Who else saw this feature leak coming?
All of this sounds BEYOND amazing-- April can't come fast enough! The part about the removal of Facebook from the People Hub kinda confuses me, though... it's not a total dealbreaker, but if that function is indeed gone, it's a bit of a shame.
Cant wait for the blue :)
I hope the file selector is like that of Windows 8 and nothing more. I hate the thought of a file browser. I prefer the current method of file management (per designated app) more.
I agree.
Guys, they removed the option to manually add a FB account, for my understanding. I guess will be work like Skype in Windows 8: when you download and login for the first time the app connects with People Hub and add the contacts and other things there. When you install the FB app I'm guessing you will have the same behavior.
Yup this is exactly it... exciting :D
Dude, that is horrible! That's making WP way too app dependent. Why would you want that? Especially when it comes to contacts, I don't want to have to download/install anything just to have all of my contacts.
Bad idea!
Where is WhatsApp integration?
install apps in SD and USB tethering .....Awesome..can't wait for it..but i have no idea about mirror..Can anyone explain what it is?
Let the leaks begin! :) That's what I said yesterday :-)
Dope as hell. Hope you can download music from our OneDrives to our phones, that would be sikh also I want to be able to sort music by date added, date released etc and the ability to make auto playlists
im excited. I certainly won't be the one leaking anything via my dev access, but its definitely an exciting leap in functionality that Windows Phone sorely needs.
why did they remove facebook?
Because of the new integration, the new Facebook app will be able to integrate into the system. Other official apps will be able to do the same... it'll be pretty awesome :D Currently only Skype can do this in WP8.0
And again, it's a bad idea. Horrible idea, actually.
Webgl , apn...... bla bla bla . Youtube player , IE 11 .....ya ya ya :D
And bug fixes! A ton of bug fixes!
AUTO UPDATES? Good, I hope they make it work properly then !!!!
Are they not in good relationships with fb? There's no fb official app and and now removal of fb acc. Wats going on fb??
It's the opposite. The official app is coming AND with deeper integration. Once you login to the new app, it integrates itself into the OS. similiar to how Skype does it today in 8.0.
I can imagine google directors going "what the f***".. That's a truck load, hell, a whole train load of features!
Moving closer to OS parity.. :):).. Apple and Google, Watch your backs!! Fyi, the sd card app installation is missing..im ok with it though.. :)
That's pretty much all I wanted. And WebGL... And... Ohh, awesuuum
If this is a sign of things to come, I'm pretty excited
Still no custom tile colours... :(
Is there an option for videos from apps to be transferred to PC ?
Android and ios are now fucked up
I'm going to miss the Facebook integration so much... But the YouTube player is awesome! Also, the camera design is cluttered to me, I dunno.
FB integration is still there... just better and different!
That's not a YT player, it's YT playing in IE using HTML5.
No news on deep Skype integration? WTF! I am going to buy an Android if that doesn't happen.
we both know you're bluffing ;P
Looks like this waiting is all about to pay off...I'm having to contain so much excitement it's ureal...
So much happiness. So much. Brace yourself up. BLUE is coming. Yay!
Can't wait. This is a massive update.
Man, I wanted a fully featured file manager too :/ Currently,we can't save or access files downloaded via IE.
This is a DEVELOPER preview... only Dev related things are showcased here... all other features are hidden/disabled. That might be coming too. File Explorer is in the OneDrive app where you can see local and online files.
That's not true at all...
What's that Facebook account option removed??? :-o
It's removed because the new offiical FB app will integrate itself into the OS once you login (similiar to how Skype does it in 8.0). Very aweesome :D
I keep seeing your posts regarding this, and I gotta ask you to back it up... where are you seeing this at? And no matter what, "deeper app integration" is not better at all. It's messy.
what i think action centre is just a small scroll from top bar to get quick settings of wifi,location,data connection,Bluetooth etc while in notification centre when we do a long scroll from top we will hav a long display of all notification as we hav seen in one of the leaks!! hope this is what it should be!!
Well, Microsoft finally did it. A good update full of useful things - something we haven't seen since Mango days.
Still no audio scrubbing? Wow... I don't even.
It might be there... only dev-related features are showcased here. Everything else is locked/hidden
PLAYTO! This is huge. I hope they also give us the option to browse the network on wifi. I download movies to my Nas and on my desktop i rightclick the video and play to my xbox one. Would be great to be able to do this on my phone without turning on my computer!.
Please include a stopwatch in 8.1 update
Sounds great. My only concern is that they will remove the current music and video hub and we will only have the Xbox apps, which do not allow us to play media from our SD cards or even our phone storage. I do not want to have to buy all my music online. I want to put my CDs on my phone. I hope they back off on this one and add such functionality to the Xbox apps, but I have a horrid feeling they may just want everyone to buy media through the MS store just like the force us to buy all apps from MS store. If this is the case, I won't update my phone and that'll make me very sad.
Do you seriously think they would remove the Music+Video without updating the Xbox versions with the ability to play local files? I mean, I know they've done some dumb things with their music apps in the past, but thinking they would stoop that low is just crazy. They wouldn't just ignore something like that.
They changed the way native apps work with the system, so they can be deeply integrated. You don't need a subscription for the new Xbox Music app. It's basically the Win 8.1 Xbox Music app but better.
Facebook account option REMOVED (updated) First windows now WP, why??? That was on of the main features why i choosed WP, jesus christ stop removing and start improving!
I don't think it's needed anymore. They baked this into linking to your Microsoft account in Windows 8, so it probably just pulls it all down from that, rather than needing a separate account setup for it. Don't think they removed the integration itself.
yeup
I'm hoping for this. The other crap about "deeper app integration" does not sound good to me.
Yep, a real problem. Finally they get it to work properly, then they go and remove it? I hope they allow other apps to send SMS texts and access the People Hub data so someone can make a replacement. What with this and the removal of any ability to play media from our phones' internal storage (Xbox apps don't support this) I'm getting worried about this update. A double edged sword. If I have to stay on 8 to keep my music and my address book I will not be very cheery.
IT'S NOT REMOVED... just improved and implemented differently! Stop freaking out until they officially announce stuff.
I.... came.
B R I N G I T O N ! !
Finally javascript and VPN... How about rules for the mail app? And how about zoomable calendar? They should just merge windows RT and windows phone. Windows RT is acually very powerful compared to windows phone. I'd be happy with Windows RT on the phone (of course with all the phone and mobile features added from the windows phone OS.)
It is an error to talk about a <em>Windows RT and Windows Phone</em> merge.
It seems that the way is to uniform the platform under the hood.
The core are just now the same, now, whit this update the store, the Subscription for the developer and the framework is most equal between WP and Windows then before, but the interface remain different and Window Phone mantain the proper optimizations for the smartphone.
This^^ It is a common misconception that Windows Phone and Windows RT will be merged. Thats impossible, because Windows RT is on the source level Windows. Merging these 2 OS would in fact mean merging Windows Phone with Windows (as you could not possibly merge specifically Windows RT without merging Windows). What was always meant is merging WinPRT with WinRT and this is becoming more clear with this update. And yes, Windows RT is very powerful, mostly because it _IS_ Windows.
1. Why are they removing FB account integration? I rely on that, LinkedIn and Twitter being fed into the Me tile. I use the Me tile a LOT, and it seems to make no sense to de-couple FB. 2. What's happening to the FM radio? It's accessible via the Music & Video hub, but NOT via the current version of the Xbox Music app. Yes, some of us still need to use that--particularly if you are dealing with severe weather and need local info. 3. So, while the Action and Notification Centers are mentioned in the SDK but not actually in the SDK, there appears to be no mention of Cortana. Does this mean that the Action & Notification Centers will ultimately be in 8.1 and Cortana won't?
Microsot take the best thing for the Build
1) So, do we have the ability to move files from one folder to another or not? By files I mean pictures.
2) Do we now get the ability to and download the same and attach existing videos & audio files in all messaging apps (n not just on Whatsapp)?
For the first question the respons is might not.
for se second question is yes
Impressive list!
Yesterday itself, when i heard the news microsoft released sdk to devs, I made a list of must-have's next update to have, for me to make up my mind to buy the windows phone 100% with out any regrets against 90% ;).... Notification Center, Upload Multiple docs, pdf's via email, Folder Grouping or filtering, Seperate volume controls, a calendar app(for this i have found some good alternatives, but wish microsoft made changes similar to cal app). Now it seems like my wish is going to be true. I am really happy that microsoft is truly listening to customers feedback and making necessary changes to software. All other "new" features are like nice add-ons to me.
What's the benefit of having APPX instead of XAP
A more easy sharing of apps between Windows and Windows Phone
Facebook account option REMOVED (updated) ??????????? WHY ?
How about live tv streaming support and ability to send multiple docs in one email? IF this two are not comming i'm forced to move back to Android
amazing changes! i cant wait for the preview :) i fell like getting a new phone. i hope the 1GB phones got all the stuff and not need to cut some out because of not enough memory or because of older specs
Why does it say 'Facebook account REMOVED'? I like the fact that the phone syncs to the Facebook account directly and I don't have to use the app. I seriously hope that is not the case and the Facebook account stays in the Settings.
All of this news about WP8.1 is giving me "blue" balls. I wonder if all of this will make the cut...
Wow! Very impressed with this update!
I wan't to know if the new youtube player will replace the old video player in instances other than youtube, because the video playback on WP8 is god awful. It lacks the seeking features that are necessary for music playback and video playback. I was also hoping for some Cortana news. Too bad.
Regarding - Bing Smart Search: Will it be able to find text messages and e-mails and present those as results ? E-Mail: Is there improved navigation and network/account syncing: I believe the most efficient way to a user would be to make the metro design, have ALL: UNREAD : SENT : URGENT - headers as the default or customizable setting for reading one's inbox / folders. In addition, I hope that all of my Gmail that is not sent from my device will sync properly. Now i can only see the messages sent from my account - authored on my device.
Searching through email with universal search is a good idea... I hope they take this idea... The present email search is not useful at all.. its a very basic search, i hope they implement advance search through email: like from, subject etc..
What about Office? And tile improvements?
I was wondering this myself with regards to Office. More specifically, I'd love to hear if OneNote has any new functionality.
It must, considering they revamped the Windows 8.1 app and the online web app. But what I really want improved is Word!
I want.......NOW!!!
I always wanted IE to have a home screen with full of favorites. Learn from UC Browser Microsoft.
Now....the waiting game.
Well, i really hope it is as good as it is promising to be.
And also, i don't see the point of altering some features, like removing the Facebook integration from accounts and not allowing the back button to close the apps.
They need to quit the stupid Windows Phone layout. I love the Modern UI, but it's extremely outdated compared to even the old Windows 8. Why can't they just pick one design, and use it throughtout their product line? It's a scalable design, so it shouldn't be too hard to downsize or increase it depending on type of device.
But the ModernUI concept under Windows Phone and Windows are the same!
The only difference is that Wp is optimized for vertical small screen, in Windows the ModernUI is optimized for orizzontal more big screen...
What about Kid's Corner having screen lock code ? Did they remove that in WP Blue or not ?
What about File Manager?? n apps on external storage ?? :(
Can`t wait anymore!!!
Omg this list is just building up... Can anyone explain wi fi direct.... Will it work like android's direct feature and transfer large files in a minute.... 3d stereoscope??... Should reveal more... Cant wait for this huge and huge update..... Seems Microsoft was so much silent... And was just working very hard towards wp8.1 ... Just awesome.... Appreciate ms... Ms rocks... Lumia.. Rocks... Nokia.... Just speecless... They are the best
If i have 10 new emails and only read 2 will the tile show 8 or go back to having no new emails. That bugs me.
So is FACEBOOK actually removed? Because in next to it in parentheses it says [updated], kinda confused haha
Editing videos awesome
It's not a YouTube player, but HTML5 player.
Wow.... The list is growing! I like :-D
Fffg
Is all these softwares works on lumia's with 512mb ram & with dual core processor like 720,520etc. Plz reply ..................
Hopefully this is what T-Mobile is waiting for...maybe this is why we are not getting the updates on out L925's. I bet they are waiting for 8.1 to release new devices rather than update current phones. We will have to wait and see I guess....
Is that swipe down to close ?
And what about : - Clock/time synchronisation with NTP ?
- The very annoying Bing button (buttom-right on the screen) that pops up Bing by just looking at it.
- Printing pictures, e-mails, pdf files, Office files, etc ?
- A real file manager
- And not to forget : a better jpg-compression for pictures taken with the camera
Finally.... But better late than never... These features are more than what android and iOS brought in their last few "incremental" updates.... COMBINED...
I'm fine with the removal of Facebook. Their own app is one of the best on the platform. It looks and works great. The Twitter app however, is nothing but a mess. It's not very well designed, it's terribly slow and just inferior in every way to the website.
Is there news on more colors for the startscreen? Or those nice simple backgrounds for the startscreen like Windows 8 has? I want to see some screenshots of the startscreen, some websites say that tiles have become smaller to make place for more rows (on all devices).
APPX? More secure than XAP maybe for the SD installs? Oh, and will we get start screen backgrounds? Ot at least custom accents?
Can someone explain why they are removing the ability to close apps with the back button? I use this all the time. It's an easy and quick way to make sure everything is shut down. Is there going to be another way that works just as well? If not I sure hope they add something in the settings that will allow one to turn this function back on.
I think the new way might be a swipe gesture, similar to windows 8.1.
Sounds a bit cumbersome if you have to swipe the entire length of the screen as you do on Windows 8.1. The way it is now you can close apps with one hand with a few button presses. I don't think my thumbs are long enough to swipe from top to bottom without holding the phone in the other hand.
And you are wrong!
The best thing is to not close the apps, both for speed opening and for power consumption
Ha! Yes that's it. I can leave Waze running and get one of those pocket fires that iphone users love so much!
The GPS navigation apps (and also Waze, if developer are good developers) is deactivated and no more run in the background when the traking of the position is not performed (and if the apps continue to run is because the developers are not so good).
You can also prevent the background execution of apps that use the GPS by disabling the backgrond agent in background task setting page
What about upload video from gallery? Rudy says that is the only thing holding back uploading saved videos to instagram.
My fav installing apps on a sd card :)
I'm exited for Wi-Fi direct !!! Hated when my android frienda had this to share large files fast and I couldn't...
Gonna sell my BlackBerry Z10 and buy a new Nokia Lumia 1020!
Don't like removing inbuilt Facebook integration!! A cool unique feature of WP!!
What is the audio/video transcoding used for?
So excited for April 2nd... It can't come soon enough!! I love technology. :)
What does it mean that Facebook Account will be Removed?
Facebook account option REMOVED.......... What does this mean???
Wow. If this update is such a baddass, wait and see what they come up with as the next hardware. Ooh kill 'em, ooh kill 'em, ookh kill 'em...
I would love to see the phone app updated with a combo box that filters contacts as the user types the number. Its really hard to check the contacts list for a number. And I dont wanna pin too many third-party apps like Rap-dialler for those simple activities. And yes Password manager completes IE. Plus gesture interactions to go forward or backward as in WinRT's IE. Facebook app must be taken alot of care as it is now an integral part of teen's life.
already now you can filter the contacts!
Hey guys. Sorry, but Im l'm a bit confused. Removed Facebook Intergation means? Wont I be able add Facebook to an OS Level account? Will I not get my Contacts from Facebook on my phone anymore?
EDIT PLAYLIST: "oops. fixed, thanks. I meant is there an API for managing playlists in the new SDK"
What about new or custom accent colors?
I think I got wood reading this list.
all d updates of wp 8.1 are very nice but i also want "flash transfer"(like android)........by this we can easily transfer large files in just few minutes,using WiFi, its really very useful and must required
Everything looks great but don't remove FB Integration but rather the is should be integrated with more accounts, chatting apps etc. I don't wanna have to wait for the Facebook app to load so I can see in there what's going on.
Action centre separate than notification centre? And nothing about notification centre? Will they even put up the notification centre? I am getting worried now. :s I seriously hope they don't mess up about the notification centre this time. I've wasted a lot of money on Windows phones 7 & 8.
I just hopeold yourube will work
Holy mother of god , I cant believe I am getting all these features on my phone.MARCH!!!You have done nothing wrong but I hate you.
I just hope that this update doesn't mess up the qi charging like amber did. When I had amber and my phone was on my qi pad, my phone would make the tone that it was starting to charge. Which is fine when you first put it on the pad, but it would make the tone every time it filled the battery full. It drove me crazy because it would make the tone about once every 5 minutes after it was fully charged. I usually would take it off the pad in the middle of the night, while I was asleep, and find my phone had no power in the morning. I didn't have this issue before amber or after amber. I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me.
No more facebook contacts in the phone :(
What about gapless playback for audio?! This is one of the most annoying shortcomings in Windows Phone for me.
Wtf is the "navigation bar?????"
Sweet !!!
Fantastic!!! Where do I sign?
WHAT? They removed facebook integration? WTF.. especially since the app is still mediocre the integrated facebook service is extremely helpful. It turns the people app into more than just a contact list. Not to mention its much easier to link a facebook profile to my contact list so my contacts have a picture. If this is true than that is a major step back. Even bigger than removing facebook support from the picture app in Windows 8.1 which already was a stupid thing to do. Microsoft is again taking one step forward and two steps back. The are improving in areas where they were lacking but are removing what made them stand out in the first place! The end result is a copy of the competition that arrived much too late.....
As whiney as this sounds I have to agree 100%.
What about a color wheel to be able to pick whatever color you want your live tiles to be!!
That's probably there but just hidden. Anything that's not App Developer related is hidden/disabled... so there's LOTS more updates to be announced according to Tom Warren :D
I am excited about Keyboard.. Wanna see swype, it's so hard to live without it.. Makes you life 10x easier. All thing are good, I am really closer to my first WP.. Just give me updated 1020 with 5" 1080p and I am IN! Now WP will look like a OS. Hope they will destroy Android.. :-)))
Head to zdnet and it mentioned smth about facebook blue
Windows Phone 8.1 will include New Facebook 'Blue' app developed for WP8.1. May be use new features to be introduced with 8.1 update.
Very excited for this wp8.1. The long wait now feels it was worth it.. Now the wait to get my hands on it....
Brilliant job MS!!
Damn, gonna need an ET thumb to swipe top to bottom on my 1520 ;-)
Holy frijoles! Let's get it on... My HTC 8x haha
Can't wait!! +1020
This update is coming from Microsoft is the biggest update till now
Can we download maps on to SD card for offline?
I'm drooling.... 50 days? I can hardly wait 50 seconds for this! Gah!!!!
This is getting better and better
What are these things called "updates" you speak of? -T-Mobile users
Why only non-Lumia phones to get the Bluetooth 4.0 LE??
Becouse alredy now the Lumia phones gust have the BT4 LE driver... :)
I'm curious about the WinPRT part.
I know they are merging the two & all, but what does that mean ?
WinPRT is probably just the current phase and WP9 will simply be WinRT (or simply Windows) and desktop simply Windows Pro.
Please open file access to other and even native apps! I need to be uploading things not just to SkyDrive! Please especially documents... Dumbo phones can do that! Open your API or whatever, stop copying iPhones philosophy coz they're number 2! At least ucweb lets me update pics... Fire everyone who is under I.E development you're just forcing mediocrity on us with that thing.
Based on the File Picker screenshot, I think that's happeneing.
Boner!
this cant get any better for me ! worth the wait ;D
It's... Beautiful
Much beautfiul. So update. Very want. wow
I hope pinned sites will work like they do on Windows 8.1. :)
PUT PEOPLE FIRST promotion fails if they remove Facebook.
LOL man, it's so like microsoft to do just that.
Why are they calling it windows phone 8.1? I've used the OS since 2011 when it shipped, and this feels like windows phone 2012 edition. In other words, in 2016 we'll be where iOS and Android are today feture wise.
Grow up, you. Anyway, this is an SDK and onl contains developer-related features, nothing that's only for the OS, etc. What leaked today is far from everything.
I'm an old timer WP user. when wp 8.0 shipped its SDK, which btw was late and devs were pissed because they couldn't make apps, the feature set that leaked was basically what shipped. so pretty much this is all there is minus possibley the assitant feature as that likely is so late, the bakend is probably struggling to make release date. and the notification center is probatly not finished either, but yeah, what you see is about all you're gonna get if history is any indication.
What no Crush paah not worth updating
I think the best of the new features is to install apps on SD card, so after this update i can install asplhalt 8 without removing most of my app on lumia 520. Though there is no mention of an file explorer yet.
There is a file explorer... it's in the built-in OneDrive app (similiar to how Windows 8.1 Skydrive app has it). You can switch between viewing your local files and your online files.
I'm not feeling the new Xbox music layout, too much crap on the now playing screen. I just want something that looks like what we currently have,with more features. Also will MPATools be supported. Most of the music I listen to are independent stuff, no artworks on the Xbox music servers. MPATools takes care of that.
Where's the new Xbox Music layout??? I don't see any screenshots of that. If you're talking about the current Xbox Music app for WP that was released recently, that's not the same as the one for WP8.1. The one for WP8.1 is the same as Win 8.1. I just haven't seen any screenshots yet.
Also by separating the Music app & making it a stand alone, how will that effect apps like MPAtool & Hey DJ ?
Why did they remove facebook integration from people hub ??
They didn't remove the integration, it's just integrated differently (and more better). According to WMPoweruser, there's a new official Facebook 'Blue' app included, and once you log in to it, it integrates itself system wide. Other official social media apps will be able to do this too (similiar to Windows 8.1). :D
That is not how Windows 8.1 works. Right now W8.1 works a lot like WP in that social networks are integrated into the people hub. Only difference is there is no FB account login on W8.1, it's based on what networks you have connected to your live account. If it's this I will be okay with it. If it is going to become more app based then they can keep that shit. (until further notice)
Disappointing that people don't understand what an NDA is.
THIS. I hope they get penalized somehow.
Nice list :D hope mwc brings new wp's that will ship with this update I need a upgrade my Ativ S is on its last legs. Also a few small things that would be nice is Custom Notification Sounds and more background colours other than just white/black :)
This is all very promising, very excited for this
I wonder if there is anyway to make the phones compatible with more headsets with remote functions? I would love to be able to use the remote, but most of them are compatible only with Apple products.
All I need is a better music app. A fast foward/ rewind feature would be nice. A little bit of visual tweaks would be nice as well
It's the same as Windows 8.1 music app now. I hope it has gapless playback and the heart button funcaiontlity returned :D
Agg my comment is gone!? Can't be bothered typying that again anyway - bring file access!!!! Support webkit!! Survive!
File Access is there via the new OneDrive app (same as Windows 8.1)
No thanks to Webkit. See previous comments as to why.
Brace yourselves android & iOS as windows Phone rises!!!
A lot of good stuff, but also some disappointing stuff. Facebook removed!?!? To little to IE11, Skype integration? Xbox music removed from hub. There slicing the OS and its not encouraging to see them leave this "intergration vision" that made the use of WP so special.
My first reaction is, cool but supriced. Now I'll wait and see. But in a future vision I actually see my self less likely to upgrade to a new phone when I am forced to leave my L1020.
I think you're simply not understanding the new concept (which is actually much better than you think): Facebook isn't removed, it's implementeted differently. If you read WMPowerUser, official Social Media apps can now INTEGRATE themselves into the system. There will be a new official Facebook app, that once you login, it connects your WP8.1 to it all around. Xbox Music and Xbox Video are separate and now the same as the Windows 8.1 version now so it allows them to update both versions more faster. Just because they separated them out, doesn't mean it's 'less integrated', in fact these apps get special integration with the deep OS-level changes they made that the official apps now have access to. Pretty awesome stuff :D
So we'll still be able to have our Facebook messages and SMS messages in the same place? :D
Almost had a heart attack when I read that the new apps were not compatible until they upgrade. I read too fast lol
I'm pleased EVERY Windows Phone will get 8.1. The only problem I have is with the carriers. No more carrier testing anymore and no more allowing them to block updates! We want our updates like they come on a Windows PC: when Microsoft is ready to push them out. Also after 8.1, I want to see deeper integration of WP into X1 (being able to stream music from WP to your X1 while you play, for example).
You can already do that with the PlayTo app (which is now deeply integrated according to the article).

The carrier thing... I agree I hope that changes, but that probably won't happen until WP gets a bigger marketshare.
Facebook account option removed. What would happen to the facebook chat in messaging?
Nothing. It'll still work as long as you're logged into the official Facebook app (similiar to Win 8.1) .
do you have WIN 8.1 ?
if so do you have Facebook app installed ? is it working ?
the app won't make any notification :\
Say what? Yes it does...
Why did they remove the Facebook account ??
Because social media outlets change their back end all the time, it doesn't make sense for Microsoft to remove it. Instead, they are doing what they did with Windows 8.1. The new official Facebook app is able to integrate itself into the system... pretty cool!
What do they mean by 'Facebook account option Removed (Updated)'? Does that mean Iveont have my Facebook contacts in my peoples hub? Wont I be able to link fab contacts to similar contacts cause that would Suck.
I ONLY DOUBT HOW MANY OF THESE FEATURES WILL GET DELETED FROM THE LIST TILL 2nd APRIL...
I hope "file picker" means we are getting a video picker... will be so ticked if we don't...
What does this mean?
Any word on whether there will be C++ support for XAML? Right now you have to use a C# shell around your C++/Direct3D code in order to use XAML. Thanks.
Finally
http://www.porndig.com/videos/13396/london-reagan-wants-an-orgasm.html
I don't know about anyone else, but I LOATHE that when you drag an app down to close it in Windows 8.1 that it really doesn't close, & continues to run in the background. And to fully close it you must go to the task manager. If what this article says about that coming to Windows Phone is true, that will be horrible! When I back out of or tap the X on an app, I want it FULLY CLOSED! I don't want it to run in the background & have to go to a task manager to shut it down! That's too much like Android, & I hate Android!
I think you're confused... swiping down in the App Switcher completely FULLY CLOSES the app... pressing the back button now puts it in a frozen state (similiar to Windows 8.1). Swipping down in the app itself won't shut down the app beacuse Action Center (notification center) will come down. I'm sure once Windows 8 gets the notification centre as well, it will be a similiar model. This is much better.
That is completly different than Andorid because the apps are not in execution the brackground (in both Windows ad Windows Phone gust from WP7), now when you press start botton (or leave the apps in some other way) the apps go in a state calle dormant an is like in coma don't do noting, don't use processor, don't use connection, don't use GPU. It is like closed.
And this is the better thing because the apps are opened more quickly and you have minor power consumption (when you open an app, it goes to be load in RAM and load in RAM an apps involves an increasing power consumption, consumption that you don't have if the apps is already in RAM)
Does this mean the current Windows 8 Facebook app which is published by Facebook Inc will work on Windows Phone 8.1?
Lets say evleaks was right about "3D Touch", does that mean we'll be able to use hand movment similar to kinect? Just saying, stereoscopic = Stereo=three dimensional, Scopic=an instrument that helps you observe something.
I don't really get the Facebook one. What does it actually mean? Will FB be completely removed from people hub? Can I still have a quick access to my friends FB information such as latest wall post or their photos? Will the photo hub still contain FB albums? The last time when I update to W8.1, they removed the integration of Flickr and FB photos in photo hub and that made me sad very much :(
No, it simply means social media outlets now get to update the settings themselves. Similiar to Windows 8.1. For example, if you want to use the Share charm in an app it'll open that app up with the linked information to share. It's pretty awesome :-).... Also, according to WMPoweruser, there's an official Facebook Blue app that will be included to showcase this! But this new API allows ANY social media outlet to integrate themselves into the People Hub :)
Thanks for your clarification. But does that mean whenever I need to view FB albums or make a quick status post, the FB app need to start or resume before I can do so? or it can be as quick as it currently is? I'm totally fine until it can be as fast as current people hub :)
Does this mean that the Facebook app for Windows 8 which is published by Facebook Inc will work on Windows Phone?
According to WMPoweruser, there's a built in "Facebook Blue" app. I think it maybe from Facebook Inc!
I neeed a time machine.....BADLY...
Wow wooooow
dying for this, can't wait! no more complaints MS
I seriously can't wait till this update gets released! SO MANY FEATURES!
Microsoft pls pls pls for god sake upgrade the music player!!!
What's wrong with the music player? And it is updated (hence why it says new Xbox Music - same as Win 8.1)
Love what I'm seeing here!! Now the real question... Will this update make it to my att 920? Or are carries gonna block the update cause its not an Apple update....smh
All WP devices will get this update.
I hope your right but but it seems like the carrier always gets the last say when it come to WP.
nokia710 not getting 7.8 and now a Nokia WP8 not getting GDR3...
http://wmpoweruser.com/t-mobile-not-planning-to-update-nokia-lumia-810/
so question microsoft, why does the NES from the 80s have a wider color palete than windows phone?
what ist 'gatt characteristic notification'? all in all it looks to be a really awesome update! can't wait :) so many new possibilities :) i hope a lot of developers will include semantic zoom...i love it on win8.1 hopefully we can still get usual facebook messages right into the messaging app ... and hopefully they integrate skype properly ... anyway...looking forward ^^
I really do hope L620 will at least get Black update before Build. It is taking like forever.

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