14 DAY TRIAL // Nokia Lumia users rejoice, as the Finnish company has just announced that it has started the deployment of the highly anticipated Lumia Black update for all its branded Windows Phone 8 handsets.
However, the handset maker states that only two smartphones are eligible for the upgrade immediately, namely Lumia 1020 and Lumia 925.
The rest of Lumia smartphones powered by Windows Phone 8 will receive the update in the coming weeks. The rollout of the upgrade will also depend on network operator and region, so it may take even more than a few weeks for those own carrier-branded devices to get it.
The most important new features included in Lumia Black update have been detailed by Nokia in a pretty detailed post, but for those who want the quick version, here it goes.
App Folder is a new feature that will allow users to personalize and organize their Start screen in a more in-depth fashion. Basically, you will be able to group similar apps and settings into a single folder or a tile, and put it on the Start screen.
Nokia Glance screen is one of the most interesting new features offered by Lumia Black update. It allows users to keep track of information in real time and juggle with various notifications settings for phone, messages, email, outlook, calendar and any other supported apps (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp).
Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) is a handy feature that makes it easier to connect various compatible gadgets such as the Adidas MiCoach accessories with any Lumia device powered by Windows Phone 8 with Lumia Black update.
Nokia Refocus is a new feature limited to those Lumia smartphones that pack at least 1GB of RAM. It allows you to capture a picture first and choose what exactly you want in focus later.
Nokia Beamer is available only to phones with 1GB RAM and upwards and allows users to beam documents, presentations, pictures and other HTML5 content by simply scanning a QR code on the screen.
Nokia Storyteller is a brand new application that's already been launched on Lumia 1520 and 2520. It groups all photos by date and place, and works in close integration with interactive maps giving new meanings to your own pictures.
Nokia Camera is another application that combines all the good features of Nokia Pro Camera and Smart Camera, and makes it easier to take a high-quality picture.
The application has been available on the Lumia smartphones that pack PureView cameras, but now it will be available to all Lumia handsets with Windows Phone 8. Obviously, support for raw DNG for Lumia 1020 is included as well.
Other improvements and enhancements added by this update include safe driving mode, customized rings for each contact, the ability to close apps within the multitasking window, as well as the option to lock screen rotation.
In order to check if the Lumia Black update is available for your Lumia Windows Phone 8 device, simply go to Settings / Phone update and follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the screen (if the update is available).