It has been nearly 18 months since Windows Phone 8 was released on October 29, 2012. In that time, Microsoft’s mobile operating system has seen three minor updates. That all changes today. Windows Phone 8.1 was has finally been announced by Microsoft. We go hands-on with Windows Phone 8.1 to give you a first look at the new operating system.
Windows Phone 8.1 builds on the NT kernel that was introduced in Window Phone 8. Users can expect to buy devices loaded with Windows Phone 8.1 later this month.
The introduction of Cortana and a notification center are by far the biggest headline changes coming to Windows Phone 8.1. Although you will find plenty of smaller fixes that all together add up to a substantial new experience. Check the video out above and let us know what you think.
Have any questions about Windows Phone 8.1? Hit up the comments below.
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Exclusive - Video hands on with Windows Phone 8.1!
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Tks. Panca70@outlook.co.id panca_assaaf@yahoo.com ricoafrizal71@gmail.com panca70@outlook.com ricoafrizal71@gmail.com
How do i turn off the container on this phone
I think I'm right - http://www.windows10zone.com/what-is-cortana/
Hi there. Dear win.central I need a defragmenter and my computer menu to my 8.1 phone. Do will have it ?
Best & most precise preview I've seen so far, thanks and congrats.
Now I really have a need to get that update asap (however, how would it look like when I'm on my phone all the time on my vacation ).
Anyway, any informations about the date? (Europe, Vodafone, Lumia 820)
can i download this on my lumia 520. if so how?
Can anyone send me the wallpaer on the background on the first picture of the lumia phone with the wp8.1? The light green blurry one...tnx, email: majikmarek@gmail.com . I want it badly
hi,
I'm looking for the background used in the illustration below. I kinda like it. Anyone? can you share it to me, por favor.
Also, I would like to enable the swipe, how?
Definitely, I want it too, people send: email: majikmarek@gmail.com
Nice features. I hope it will come soon. I read in a previous article about bluetooth HID support being available. Haven't seen anything tangible yet. It's still on the feature list in the microsoft suggestion box. Also found this post and added a comment on the microsoft website:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/winphone/forum/wp8-wpnetwork/is-windows-phone-8-has-a-update-plan-to-support/1556ed31-b3bc-4832-80ad-2b922b911635
they have added support for usb on the go .. saw in a review video for the Lumia 930 .. looks great
but still no sign of any file manager ... MS should have really added a file manager in this update
8.1 update is available for Lumia 920 or not ?
can we modify wifi network in windows 8.1 os for mobile phones
Guys guys guys! The official release date for the U.S. Is on April 8th of 2014. For anywhere else I can't help you. I'm sorry. Some areas in the U.S. And Mexico will differentiate. Canada will have to wait for another few days but it is finally here.
So... will Cortana Beta be available outside of US?
Hi i heard that windows phone 8.1 update will come to all windows phone 8...
then what about the onscreen keys?
already we have a onboard keys, if we update to windows 8.1 means will this feature is going to remove for the existing windows 8 phones???
When the developer preview version will be available in India!!??
Windows Phone major draw back is that it does not support usb tethering , there is no file manger .
with out these two things this phone is useless .
Never buy windows phone , i am regretting after buying , its useless
- Usb Tethering not supported
- No File manager (it seems a desktop window with no drives view)
- call gets picked up when the mobile is in pocked
- after the call gets disconnected the phone does'nt gets locked automatically
- if new messages comes then on touching the message the lock opens automaticall , so the phone gets unlocked in the pocket itself if a new message is received.
-after rebooting the phone the ringtone volume automatically sets to 15/30
- if we increase the music volume the the ring tone volume gets change so the ring tone volume should be separated and shoul be given in the settings .
- usually when the a call comes the phone gets hanged up and we are unable to do any thing with the call neithe attend the call nor ignore the call. and needs to take out the battery f the phone.
- unable to reboot the phone if hanged because process of switching of the phone involves swipe of the screen down.
- separte option should be given to backup the contacts to skydrive
Windows Phone major draw back is that it does not support usb tethering , there is no file manger .
with out these two things this phone is useless .
Never buy windows phone , i am regretting after buying , its useless
What about file manager and usb otg???
My biggest wish:
A smaller keyboard for phablets.
Would be neat; that way you can see more of the screen when the keyboard is displayed.
Has Microsoft Added Support to HID in windows phone 8.1??
Can anyone plz tell me
Yeah, +1 that one, and the usb on-the-go issue too...
i could not find an answer while searching so i am asking here. Is there any change about vibration settings? Is it still vibrate then ring or will there be also vibrate and ring choice in settings?
bring it on!!!... WP8.1 FTW!!... waiting patiently!
I CANNOT WAIT! My inner fangirl is going to blow up social media with an influx of happiness when Windows 8.1 releases. ^__^
I'm also glad I didn't replace my broken Lumia 928 with the Icon now that 8.1 adds the extra row of icons. I got another 928 and will wait out getting the Icon until my upgrade next year.
count ma' inner fanboy along!
When this update comes to my phone? And I add one thing I live in Finland.
guys, one of the features im looking for is the ability to play media using my micro-USB port, such as connecting to a car aaudio system, which does not have BT. Is that feature enabled in WP 8.1
When will be this available offically? NOT the developer preview...
where is the slide down to close an app
Ah, finally! A magniying glass to search through the music library in the Music app.
Does Cortana work offline?
Storing apps on SD card is the biggest reason why I'm considering switching back to WP from Android! WHOOOOOOOOO!!!
Also, when are the Lumia 630/635 coming to the US? Are those under-$200 prices off contract?
It will probably be a separate app and isn't ready yet.
No File Manager in WP8.1?? Some features have been left out of the leaked sdk. Why?!!
but where is integreted "File Manager" in WP 8.1?
can we create proper playlist on music hub? please someone answer, i really dont want to carry iPod in my pocket anymore.
Hello Guys.
I'm Hiago Lúcio and I have a group on WhatsApp for discuss about Windows Phone and Build 2014.
Please follow the group for more news.
+5521997558167
Well I was wrong, I thought that Nokia would at least stay true to having the camera button but since this phone does not have it, its all over folks :( RIP dedicated camera button!
When is the update rolling ?
Posted via the WPC App for Android!
did not cover the Calendar app tho?
Daniel any sign of the file manager at all?
pls tell when a developer preview wp 8.1 will be available?
Joe Belfiore did said the three column live tiles will be available to all screen size right?
Anyone know if we can finally save cuss words in the dictionary?
Sooo awesom!! Only one bugger.. I hoped they would update the xbox live tiles so they could match colours :(
Better late than never. These features were long awaited.
Really nice tour as well. Thanks.
Very nice features, here are the list im wishing they could have included. But im happy with wp8.1, maybe theyll include this soon.
file manager
universal search
multitasking/multiwindow for 1520
updated office
cortana to work on a bing background and not on a black plain background
data toggle on quick access. I wish i just missed it
actionable notification , clicking email notification will open outlook
usb on the go
Great video - but why the heck was Daniel filming it in Westborough?! I saw the Starbucks location and was like why does that address sound familiar - oh cause its down the road! Want to toss me that Lumia haha
At minute 17:02 in Daniel's video you can see they have split up "music + videos." It's only "Music" now. No more hub I s'pose. I guess my gut feeling was correct...Music and Xbox Music appear to be separate.
I like this NL630, but 512 mb ram is small.
People where like many features are coming.
But where is the File Manager and Wifi Direct? Ability to store apps on SD card?
When I first read about the swipe feature for the keyboard, I wasn't really all that interested but after watching the hands-on demonstration, I'm definitely looking forward to trying it out. And Cortana looks like it will learn and become more self-aware..., I mean useful, as time goes on. Hopefully, Verizon won't hold the 8.1 update back too long for "testing."
Woooowww! Love WP8.1
The Most important question and the most important feature I want to know if they finally added: IS THERE NOW A SMARTDIALING OPTION in the phone? For the Love of Kittens, it's a phone first, can it do that well first? Please let us know, does it now support smart dialing?
Thanks.
3 tiles for all screen sizez yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When does windows phone 8.1 one come out as an update for Nokias running windows phone 8? (Pls spare me sarcasm, I'm not a techy).
Great video Daniel
I hate the seperation into multiple apps, especially if they don't even have the same functionality as they did way before. Like the "swipe to skip to the next song" which isn't there anymore. Great feature implemented by Microsoft, used by others, dropped by Microsoft...
Just had to say that.
Show us screen projection. Is it mirrorcast?
Get a hair cut man! ;)
am I the one one who would like to have a picture-password...? like windows :)
Still can't attach multiple files to emails,can't attach PDF files.
So you have the update already or are you just assuming?
Will it come for L520????
in storage section, does "app" means both apps+gmaes which we can store to SD card right???
Street date?
there is no chance I'm letting my carrier take their sweet time giving us the official update...an update of this magnitude! I made that mistake for GDR3, but not this time. Just signed up for the developer preview.
Such a revolutionary update. The video kept making my pants tighter and tighter.
When this update is going to hit the devices? lumia 820.
Posted via the WPC App for Android!
Does it come for Lumia 720
What about yellowish pics? Is that fixed??
no file manager? come on MSFT.
Is it also gonna be available for Lumia 620?
how about the resuming of apps? still on wp8.1? or is it gone?(even on older phones with less ram like l520)??
I really like the Windows 8.android update. The notification center is identical to the Samsung variation of the notification area. And its really the only thing I missed coming from android, so glad that Windows phone will have it now. It was inevitable, but I understand Microsoft's hesitation, they wanted to be different. Now they're still different with the standard interface and unique wallpaper.
"If you want to try out Windows Phone 8.1 and you are a registered developer, you can update your phone as part of the Developer Preview Program in the first part of April."
http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2014/04/02...
I believe it was the 10th to be exact. That's the date they announced a while ago anyway.
@danielrubino preview for developers release date??
Well Daniel could you also please do a review on email functionality? I am eagerly looking forward to feature like multiple email attachments.
If you have physical capacitive buttons, do the on screen buttons still show?
ofc not...
Dev. Pre. Release date??
What about the WhatsApp update!!!!??? It ll b irritating if it still crashes on wp8.1!!!! N Facebook app by Microsoft corporation is bullshit!!! It doesn't have many features like upload photo comments etc etc.. Please concentrate on these issues n fix them...
so, will cortana be available in the dev preview outside US?..
coz in the announcement joe told that cortana will first be available in US then UK and Canada and then rest of the world!...
What happened to actionable notifications?
Support to install apps on SD... ?
I had the same question and got a yes but nothing to back it up. Dan didn't say anything about in the video so I'm on the fence
He did say that in the video, so why don't you watch carefully next time.
Yes watch the full video, there is an option to install apps on SD card.
Shitt no,one is answering
So RT apps can be re-coded to use as a universal app on WP8? or can be used as-is on WP8? i was waiting for Build to help be determine whether i'd ditch the 1520 for a Surface LTE, but if RT apps are coming to WP8, then i might just stay with the 1520.
Hy all. When 8.1 is gonna be available for download??
Over the next couple of months if you have the developer preview app installed and sign up for it.
Can you install games on SD card?
Yes
When are we getting the update tho?
When it wil get to the wp8 phones (update) ?
Patience fella. Read though the comments, over the next couple of months for developers. And its easy to sign up as one without being a developer.
This month for developers.
Like i said, its very easy to register as a developer and get the updates quicker.
So dont forget to tell us what happens with things like Bing vision and music now that cortana takes over the search button
I wish they add a Q (quick bar) from the bottom and swipe up to quick view your favorite or most used apps like phone, messaging, email and other apps you prefer. Easier to access your phone/email/messaging instead of pressing the window key or scrolling back when your doing something like watching a movie or playing a game or browing the web. So whatever you're doing you can launch the Q to make a quick call without leaving the app that you're on. Just a thought.
Pressing the window key is now disabled so make something out of it to make it useful and user friendly. Hold the window key and launch the Q to view the phone/messaging/email or whatever app you want.
What about File Manager.. This is what I expected Most.....
Why did you expect that? There has not been any indication or hint of a file manager. I doubt there will ever be one.
Is windows 8.1 going to be on the Nokia Lumia 521 (t-mobile)
Yes.
When do the wp8 devices can update to WP8.1?
Quick question, will I lose my warranty if I use the developer preview? 'Cause I don't want to wait for stupid carriers, but I also don't want to lose warranty.
I think you lose carrier warranty, but not OEM warranty
Go to Nokia Care and revert it back to black. Carrier won't even know. You can do it yourself too - Use Nokia Software Updater for Retail.
When it available for phone in india
if u r developer, then 10th april, otherwise after 2-3 months
Can we call cortana with any name?
no need to call cortana, u can start ur question directly.....
Seems faster
yes please
Does the os have file access to all offline files please reply !!!!!!!!!
What does that even mean?
lol I think he's asking if there's a file manager?
Any idea for the size of the update
Awesome!!
Is it possible to have the menu background photo adapted to the Bing photo of the day? Like you can have now with your start screen with WP 8.
If not now, I really hope that comes later. Bing photo of the day is a great feature.
That is a brilliant idea! I really hope they add it as a feature.
Haven't seen the contest says that it is only for the US residents.
God, i can't wait this so much to look for! Please be available as soon as possible!
I have a question. Do developers finally have access to recorded videos in WP 8.1? I have been patiently waiting for a video editing app to come along.
Can't wait to hit my 925!!!!
I'm happy that they keep the "hub" integration of social networks, even if it's in a new form. Looks good.
So if I get the preview version on my 1020 will I lose the amber and black updates that are on my 1020?
Yes
you will get the NOKIA BLUE update
not 100% sure
Looks great, although not liking too much how e.g. in the photo gallery there is no longer one of the face pics on the background, and in store no app picture/grahpic on the background. Looks a lot more bland/boring now.
LOVE LOVE LOVE that the space key is a little more to the right. As it is now, I VERY often tap the comma instead.
Agreed. The photo "hub" looks very boring now. Why did they change it? That was one of the nicest areas of the OS.
I loved the new lockscreen layout Joe showed..
Everything seems smooth and fast!
Is it FINALLY possible to add files/attachments to an existing email thread WITHOUT using a damn link to the file?
Can some one answer this man please?
Seriously - I'm a broken record... Been asking this over and over since WP7!
LLLLLLLLOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEE IIIIIIITTTTTT!!!!!!!
Any news on the availability of developer preview?
Looks like on screen buttons stay even on video playing.
Yes, thats lame.
He pulled up a movie to watch on his phone. Is that something that will require an Xbox or will our WP be able to download and play movies independently from Xbox?
The service is called Xbox Video. It doesn't require an actual Xbox for use.
Does it get a file manager?
Looks more complicated but really usefull
Complicated? What exactly?
Does Win phone 8.1 bring three tile option to lumia 9XX devices...??
If your watching the video joe said yes. it will be an on/off switch in the settings.
It looks like Skype still really isn't integrated into the OS.
Maybe, WP9?
If it's treated like a third party service, what was the point of buying it, again.......?
It is more integrated, hence the Cortana control of it.
Its also much faster, and you can uplift a standard telephone call to Skype, the Skype video.
(It will also auto login now based on your MS account)
Its all good now.
Only available by Nokia? not other brand?
It should be available to all manufacturers that want to make a WP. There are talks that Samsung's bringing us a WP 8.1 device.
Every Windows Phone 8 device will get Windows Phone 8.1.
Do they removed Facebook chat intergration?
Mother of update, I can't wait...
infinite orgasm
*faints
Gotta rush to a sperm bank asap...lol
May we know what devices would be compatible for 8.1 update?
All wp8 devices
Fantastic run through of the features there, Daniel. Thanks. Impressive updates.
Don't you guys think, the next 8 days are gonna seem the longest 8 days in your life?? Sure like hell they are gonna be in my life.. ;)
All thes articles with ", we go hands on". I WANT TO GO HANDS ON! NOW!!!
When is the dev preview expected
They didn't say that yet, but i'll Tell you if They mention it
Ten of this month.
Is wp8.1 will be available for devices like L520..
Yes.
Yes......
Every WP8 devices will be able to get WP8.1
Nice! Pull down notifications, independent volume controls, wallpaper, voice assistant! Welcome to Android, circa 2009!!!
Minus the whole be being a terrible OS running terrible virtual machines thing.
Did you say ADdroid
I think that's still Android in 2014 actually.
I want 8.1 NOW!!!
+920
Swype, a notification center and personalized start screens are what I thought Android had over WP. Now that 8.1 is on it's way and it's right around the corner I'll not be needing my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 anymore. It's going up on eBay as soon as I can update my Lumias 1020 and 1520.
Ok, but first I'd love to get Lumia black update by end of 2014 ! Is too much to ask??
We already got it months ago...
I just went into Phone Update and it's downloading something. Have they pushed this for devs already?
Can't watch the video at work, YouTube is banned!
Woah Nelly. Here we go
Eah eah i am crying..
I was wondering whether T9 is really included?
Expected release date?
2015 ;)
Hahaha...
Read the article, at the end they say: users can expect to buy phones loaded with wp 8.1 at the end of this month
I think he means for *existing* devices out in the wild, i.e. when will a downloadable update be available.
Considering that most carriers' goal is to get you to buy a new phone, or re-up your contract, the roll out will probably be slow for carrier branded devices. Yes, probably end of 2014 or this time next year.
They said the update is arriving 'in the coming months'
This is why I'm not leaving android. Until the WP world has something equivalent to the nexus line I wont jump ship. I've been following the development of WP since it arrived and now with 8.1 it looks really attractive. My next phone will probably be a WP device but it wont happen until there's a device that receives all OS updates straight from MS like they do for Windows. I think a lot of people, especially those who like me are long time windows users but with android phones, feel the same.
You can get Developer Preview independent of carriers intervention. Only phone specific firmwares have to be approved by the carrier
you seem to know a bit, does carrier refer to network, I have a sim free Nokia what does that come under?
well we already have that capability...its called developer preview..many expect we will be able to download winphone 8.1 next week. Looking forward to it on my lumia 1520.
Soon this will happen. Nokia's phone division will belong to Microsoft possibly at the end of the month.
Same for me. I actually owned a Nokia 920 but switched over to the LG G2 because there was just so much more things on Android compared to WP8, so now it is going to be my travel phone when i go out of country. I was VERY optimistic, maybe even too optimistic, but i was sure that MS would make sure that WP8 would not be left behind, but look where we are now. There's definitely been improvements since launch, but those improvements are almost nothing really. Nothing to the average consumer at least. Remember, you have to appease them not the people who are already sold onto the platform
I really agree with you and it doesn't necessarily have to be just straight up MSFT to do the update, they just need someone who is going to be pushing updates fast. My LG G2 came with 4.2.2 and LG announced that in Q1 i would get 4.4.2 and on March 14, i got the update. Hell Nokia should sell the phones like Google and update them the same way Google does to Android. Once they have that, then we can see something.
To the people that are just going to say developer preview is the way to get it. The people who are reading this are probably not the "average" consumer. There needs to be a way to get these updates without having to do some workaround. This is what WP needs, a dedicated line up of devices that are guaranteed to be getting the latest and greatest updates straight from MSFT/Nokia
Really? Wow. That was today? Lol
i am the first guy to comment on the official announcement of Windows Phone 8.1 on wpcentral
i think i deserve a new lumia hahahaha
Nope.
How about nope?
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