14 DAY TRIAL // One of the great features that Windows Phone 8.1 is set to provide users with is the support for installing and running applications from a microSD memory card, though it appears that there will be some specific rules set in this regard.
While any microSD should be compatible with devices running under the new OS version, only those that deliver specific performance capabilities will offer support for the aforementioned feature.
According to info coming from Chinese website coolxap (via NokiaPowerUser), Class 6 or higher memory cards will be required for the installation of apps.
Moreover, it appears that Class 10 cards are recommended for optimal performance capabilities. However, Class 4 and lower microSD cards will not offer support for the feature.
Windows Phone 8.1 will be capable of recognizing the type of external storage attached to the device and will automatically inform users on its compatibility with the aforementioned functionality.
Clearly, this rule was set so as to ensure that all apps will deliver the performance levels that users expect them to, minimizing impact on user performance.
However, it appears that this is not the only limitation that Microsoft might have in place when it comes to the new OS version. One that will impact the number of Live Tile columns on the Start Screen will also be there.
A certain “Show more Tiles” option was found to have been included in Windows Phone 8.1, allowing users to set three mid-size tiles in a row for faster access to a larger number of applications right from the Start Screen.
However, it appears that only devices that feature screens of at least 4.5 inches will support the functionality, as a tweet from @Nawzil unveils. This should include the upcoming Nokia Lumia 630 and Lumia 930 phones too.
Of the older Nokia models, only Lumia 625, Lumia 920, Lumia 925, Lumia 929 (Lumia ICON), Lumia 1020, Lumia 1320, and Lumia 1520 will support it. The Samsung ATIV S will also have it, it seems.
However, a great deal of devices will be left out of it, including the Lumia 520 / 525, Lumia 620, Lumia 720, Lumia 820 / 810 / 822, Samsung ATIV Odyssey, Huawei Ascend W1, Ascend W2, HTC 8X, HTC 8XT, and HTC 8S.
As PhoneArena notes, the problem here might not be with the actual screen size, but with the resolution that these phones can deliver. All of the above feature 480 x 800-pixel displays, except for the HTC 8X.
Windows Phone 8.1 is set to become official in about two days, and specific info on its capabilities will be unveiled at that time, including details on these two features. Stay tuned to learn whether the new reports are accurate or not.