In April, the software giant Microsoft (News - Alert) announced the Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, which was officially rolled out (OTA) on July 15 through the Windows Server Update Service or Windows Update Catalog. The release delivers new features (like Microsoft's Cortana digital voice assistant) for devices running Windows Phone 8, such as Nokia (News - Alert)'s new Windows-based Lumia phones. Moving from Windows Phone 8 to Windows Phone 8.1 update also brings a host of smaller refinements, the ability to create new folders (to drag one Live Tile onto another to create a folder) and utilize more entertainment apps (found on the Start Screen). In addition, the VoLTE standards were added to the mobile operating system.
VoLTE is a VoIP standard that brings a new era of mobile communications; it is considered the next major change in mobile phone high-definition voice calling. The technology brings significantly better voice quality for phone calls over LTE (News - Alert) services, anytime, anywhere. VoLTE support is included in the WP8.1 update.
Microsoft believes that the technology of HD Voice + VoLTE for mobile deployments will also provide higher quality calls, lower drop rates and increased voice bandwidth, in addition to faster voice call set-up for those making call connections via a 4G network.
The Windows Phone (News - Alert) 8.1 OS update - all Lumia phones run this operating system - provides the necessary drivers and APIs for specific Lumia devices, for instance. As such, it enables unique Lumia features that add so much usability to the OS. Updates are continuously made available based on network service provider or carrier and country/region.
The incoming Windows Phone update also adds support for interactive cases, which allows users to view notifications through the case, tells The Verge in a recent post; in addition, it will provide support for the 1280 x 800 screens and 7-inch devices. The latter suggests there could be some Windows Phone phablets (i.e., big-screened phones between a typical smartphone and a tablet) in the making. Nokia’s Lumia 1520 is an example of a Windows Phone 8 phablet.
As mentioned in The Verge post, “other improvements include a phonebook entry for Cortana to allow car owners to trigger speech within their vehicles.” Also new with the update will be “a medium Live Tile for the Store app, and support for Network Time Protocol,” noted a post by the Inquirer on Monday, July 28.
Microsoft plans to release Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 to developers (on its developer website) possibly this week or within August, as told the Inquirer. Users who will obtain the software upgrade to the latest version can activate the VoLTE function to enable intra-network calls; Lumia smartphone owners will then be able to place phone calls over a 4G connection.
Edited by Alisen Downey