Microsoft is actively rolling out Windows Phone 8.1 after three months of being in preview mode. The Lumia Cyan update is also coming to supported Nokia devices.
The Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview launched in April and I loaded it up on my Nokia Lumia 1020. My awesome Nokia Lumia 1520 just received the official Windows Phone 8.1 and Nokia Cyan updates yesterday morning and it looks like the Lumia 1520 is my daily driver again .
The major new feature of Windows Phone 8.1 is Cortana and I have come to find it much better than Siri or Google Now over the past couple of months. I especially love the location-based reminders that let me make shopping lists appear when I arrive at the specific store applicable to that shopping list.
In addition to Cortana, Windows Phone 8.1 brings:
There are many more improvements in Windows Phone 8.1; check out the Microsoft announcement with all the details. After using the Developer Preview, I just couldn't even use my Lumia 1520 again when I took it back to 8.0 as I waited for the 8.1 update to hit my device. Check out my screenshot gallery to see how some of these improvements look on a Nokia Lumia 1520.
Most Windows Phone devices are Nokia Lumia devices so most of you will also see the Lumia Cyan update. Windows Phone 8.1 provides backend support for some of these improvements, while others are related to Nokia's work to make their devices even better.
Lumia Cyan improvements include:
I am particularly interested in checking out the improved camera software and Bluetooth LE support that will finally allow me to use my Fitbit, and hopefully Pebble, with my Windows Phone devices. WPCentral has more details on the Lumia Cyan update.
Caption by: Matthew Miller
ESR HaloLock MagSafe stands for Apple iPhone 12 review: Affordable, functional accessories
MagSafe is one of the best Apple technologies that combines wireless charging with the ability to easily and securely mount your Apple iPhone. The latest accessories from ESR and ...
When phone brands meet photo brands
The combinations of companies known for imaging excellence and those known for covering every base in a smartphone can be a picture perfect match or ruined exposure. ...
Apple's new iPhone 12 devices have some cool color options and the best way to enjoy the colors is with a clear case. Speck also offers a compelling glass screen protector so together ...
Diamond Dog screen protector for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max: Affordable, clear, and easy to install
While today's modern glass displays are designed to handle more abuse than in the past, they can still scratch or break so the first thing I do with a new phone is to install a screen protector. ...
Mous cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21: Drop protection and magnetic accessory features
Mous has a couple of case options for the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup. Both models offer AiroShock drop protection while the Limitless 3.0 case includes strategically placed magnets ...
Incipio and Survivor cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Dual-layer and compostable options
Wrapping your expensive phone in a case is a good way to provide extra protection. Dual-layers, enhanced grip, and even cases you can easily recycle are available from Incipio and ...
Gear4 and InvisibleShield for Galaxy S21 Ultra: Impact protection and anti-microbial treatment
ZAGG has Gear4 case options and InvisibleShield screen protection for the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Various levels of drop protection are provided in different case models. ...
Join Discussion