After numerous leaks, rumors and speculations; Microsoft has finally revealed the next generation of its mobile operating system Windows Phone 8.1.
Here is a list of some of the new features and the improvement made in the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system.
Actions Center:
The new version brings lots of new features and improvements. Starting with the notifications center, called (Actions Center). As the name suggests it is the place for your notifications and toggles. Pretty much a standard in other mobile operating systems but was missing in Windows Phone.
General User Experience:
It now supports setting a background image for your live tiles, and three column support. The multitasking interface has been simplified and now the back button doesn’t close apps but suspend them. You can close applications but swiping them down in the multitasking menu.
The keyboard and messaging application has been revamped. Now its supports swipe option and muting threads.
Windows Phone 8.1 brings a more customizable lock screen, which developers can now tweak in many ways. You can double tap to power off/on the screen. It also features on-screen software keys – Search, Start and Back.
Cortana Assistant:
The highlight of this new version is Cortana, a voice search tool powered by Bing. Like Siri & Google Now, Cortana can handle the usual tasks that you expect of a modern digital assistant. It can make calls, send texts, take your notes, set alarms & reminders and search the web for you.
Cortana will supposedly get smarter over time, learning about your interests and usage of application. Third party developers can also make good use of Cortana, which is still in the beta for now.
Camera:
The camera interface has been revamped, now it gives you quick access to the image gallery and sharing tools. Smart shots, Cinemagraphs and Refocus functions are directly accessible from the new camera roll. A burst mode has been embedded in the camera with an option to quickly delete unwanted photos.
Internet Explorer 11:
Windows Phone 8.1 comes pre-installed with the newest version of Internet Explorer (IE11). It brings new features like reading view, inPrivate browsing and support for WebGL and HTML5. IE 11 can now save and remember your password for websites and you can also upload files.
Enterprise & Office:
The new version of Windows Phone OS brings many improvements and new features for enterprise customers. Enterprise phones can now be remotely locked with password protected office document support.
It offer VPN and encrypted email and the ability to deny installation and use of certain applications.
Sense Applications:
Microsoft has added some pretty cool features to the sense applications, such as the batter power sense monitors which apps draw the most of power. The Wi-Fi sense allows you to share secured Wi-Fi networks with your contacts without having to give the password.
Availability:
The good news is that all current devices running Windows Phone 8 will get this update but an official date hasn’t been set and you might to have to wait for a couple of months to get it.
Update:
If you want to get the taste earlier, try the developer edition which is going to be released on April 14th. Microsoft’s developer preview program is a simple application that unlocks latest updates. Although it is designed for developers to use, anyone with a Windows Phone 8 device will be able to use the process to upgrade to Windows Phone 8.1.
