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
Many of 2018's most dangerous Android and iOS security flaws still threaten your mobile security
Bypassing passcodes, malware-laden apps, and inherent design flaws exposing almost all known mobile devices made up part of the security problems found in iOS and Android. ...
Pictures: Inside Lenovo's new Beijing campus
Lenovo showed journalists around its recently opened campus in Beijing, which aims to create a 'Silicon Valley environment' for its 10,000-plus employees. ...
Apple iPhone XR Case-Mate roundup: Vibrant colors and designs with drop protection
Not all cases have to be boring and when you want to head out after work and show off some fun colors and styles then you may want to consider something from Case-Mate ...
Apricorn Aegis Fortress L3 portable storage drive
If you're looking for a fast, ultra-rugged, secure encrypted portable storage drive that's available in both HDD and SSD flavors, look no further than Apricorn's new Aegis Fortress ...
How to secure your iPhone from hackers, snoopers, and thieves (iOS 12.1)
Your iPhone and iPad is likely packed with important, valuable, and even sensitive information that you might not want others to be able to access. Here are the steps you should take ...
After being disappointed with the S9 Plus Juice Pack, the design updates Mophie made for the Note 9 Juice Pack are exactly what I wanted to see. It's now an essential accessory for multi-day ...
Caudabe Apple iPhone XR case roundup: Minimalist perfection
With iPhones being the most expensive phones available today, a case to help you hold onto it is a smart purchase. Caudabe makes some great options that add minimal weight and size to ...
Join Discussion