14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Phone 8.1, the latest mobile operating system from Microsoft, is not generally available as of now, but it seems that the Redmond-based software giant is already hard at work to release an update for it.
The company has already been rumored to plan the launch of two updates for the platform later this year, with the first one supposedly set to arrive sometime in summer, and some more info on what we might expect from it is now available.
The info comes from Reddit, where a user claiming to be a Microsoft employee has leaked a list of alleged upgrades planned for the next Windows Phone 8.1 update, as mynokiablog has found out.
Of course, nothing has been officially confirmed on this, and you should take the info with a big grain of salt, despite the fact that some of the features said to come with the update have already been rumored to be included in it.
For example, the OS upgrade is said to come with interactive Live Tiles, which seems rather unlikely, although Microsoft Research teased the functionality not long ago. It was only a project, and there’s little chance that it will actually make it in the platform so soon.
The update, supposedly called Windows Phone 8.1.1, is rumored to arrive with new features in Action center, including music controls, detailed notifications, and dividing lines, as well as with Lock Screen applications built inside the code system.
Moreover, the OS should come with updated applications, including a new Xbox One app that will offer access to avatar, messages, and other features, but will lack the functionality of the current Games app (each game to appear as a separate app).
Windows Phone 8.1.1 should also come with a new YouTube client, built entirely with HTML5 coding, as well as with an Instagram app with direct messaging and improved video uploading.
The platform’s camera should be enhanced with features coming from Nokia Camera, and Skype is expected to get a major UI overhaul. KIK Messenger is also said to be included in the OS, in a final version (expected to be completed in late June, with new looks and HTML5).
Facebook Messenger will get better notifications, it seems, along with a new design and video chat capabilities. OneNote should taste new features as well.
Windows Phone 8.1.1 might also bring along new lock screen gestures input, a better calculator app, a stopwatch app, a new voice memo application, a unit converter app, and the option to favorite applications in store.
The month view in calendar should receive an upgrade, while Cortana, the digital personal assistant that debuts in Windows Phone 8.1, should come out of beta in the aforementioned OS upgrade.
Users might also receive keyboard personalization options, with the possibility to change its color to black, white, or gray without changing the background too, and they should also be able to save wallpapers from featured apps.
The word suggestion bar in the keyboard will remain hidden until the user actually starts typing, music volume controls will be centered, photos will get a description (including name, place, and time), and Tiles will update every 30 seconds if the developer sets them to do so.
Some other enhancements are also said to be included in the update, such as a Facebook app coming from the social network giant themselves, Internet Explorer applications, or the possibility to delete the Podcasts application.
All in all, these improvements seem very appealing, maybe too good to be true, and it remains to be seen whether Microsoft will indeed include them in this update or in a future version of the platform (provided, of course, that it plans on adding them to its mobile OS).
As mentioned above, you should take the info with a grain of salt, at least until some more confirmation on the matter is provided, especially with WPCentral saying loud and clear that this is fake. Stay tuned for more on this.