Windows Phone 8.1 discussion thread

jonmorris · 02-04-2014, 16:06

Given today is the day that Microsoft unveils Windows Phone 8.1, I thought it worth creating a thread to discuss what is announced.

Anyone wishing to watch the stream can do so from 4.30pm UK time:

http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Build

Given all exiting Windows Phone 8 users will get this update (not sure when, but hopefully that's part of what we're going to be told) it's far better news than from Windows Phone 7 to 8 when realising you'd need a new device!

As a long-term Android user who likes Windows Phone but has never been able to make the switch because of all the things I'd have to give up, anything that can improve Windows Phone can only be a good thing for the whole industry.

paulsalter · 02-04-2014, 16:09

Looking forward to see what Cortana is like (hopefully equal to Siri/Google Now)

Notification centre should be a nice addition also

Thanks for link, going to try and keep up on what is happening

Zee_Bukhari · 02-04-2014, 16:22

This is the ultimate site for news on Windows Phone.

http://www.wpcentral.com/

Really looking forward to v8.1...

IvanIV · 02-04-2014, 18:33

I wasn't a fan of those new tiles with background picture, but the picture DS has actually looks quite good. I hope they will release the developer's preview soon so I can properly "test" it

ETA: April 10th.

Air Resistance · 03-04-2014, 07:40

Really looking forward to it, especially cortana

daleski75 · 03-04-2014, 07:46

I think Windows 8.1 is finally catching up to iOS and Android and by Microsoft dropping the license fee's for any devices below 9" should mean cheaper hardware for all of us.

Will definitely be keeping more of an eye on Windows 8.1 in future.

klendathu · 03-04-2014, 08:04

I like the look of the Lumia 930

Looks splendid in white . Launches in June

daleski75 · 03-04-2014, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by klendathu

I like the look of the Lumia 930

Looks splendid in white . Launches in June

That looks like a nice phone and a very nice upgrade from the 920.

IvanIV · 03-04-2014, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by klendathu

I like the look of the Lumia 930

Looks splendid in white . Launches in June

Looks pretty much like Lumia 1520, specs-wise, except smaller screen and no SD slot. The latter is a shame IMO.

jonmorris · 03-04-2014, 11:05

It's more or less the Lumia Icon, which was released in the USA. A far more practical phone than the 1520, which I have but never really use as Microsoft failed to make it easier to use on account of its huge screen (such as allowing you to reduce the size of, or split up, the keyboard, as many tablets do).

I can say that the camera on the 1520 is excellent. Not quite as good as the 1020 because you have less ability to zoom and there's no Xenon flash, but still VERY capable.

The 930 should be a very, very nice phone.

IvanIV · 03-04-2014, 11:22

Personally I am quite happy with the 1520. Having Flash in IE from Windows RT in WP8.1 would be nice, but maybe next time.

binary · 03-04-2014, 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleski75

I think Windows 8.1 is finally catching up to iOS and Android and by Microsoft dropping the license fee's for any devices below 9" should mean cheaper hardware for all of us.

That's a pretty significant step, is it not?

Might increase the appeal of WP to manufacturers wary of a Google-dominated Android OS?

daleski75 · 03-04-2014, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by binary

That's a pretty significant step, is it not?

Might increase the appeal of WP to manufacturers wary of a Google-dominated Android OS?

I hope so as I do have a soft spot for windows phone (owned a 920) but it was the lack of timely updates for the o/s and also the lack of developer support which drove me back to iOS/Android.

IvanIV · 03-04-2014, 12:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by binary

That's a pretty significant step, is it not?

Might increase the appeal of WP to manufacturers wary of a Google-dominated Android OS?

They should have done it from the beginning. They want to catch up, Android is for free, iPhones will be purchased no matter what, they had to do everything to be more interesting/competitive.

Air Resistance · 20-06-2014, 11:39

http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/w...g-within-weeks

windows phone 8.1 now with us in a matter of weeks

IvanIV · 20-06-2014, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air Resistance

http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/w...g-within-weeks

windows phone 8.1 now with us in a matter of weeks

That's just Cortana for existing WP8.1 phones. Although Nokia/MS should start releasing their updates at the end of July, which actually _is_ in a couple of weeks now

Tidosho · 21-06-2014, 10:58

Have had 8.1 for about a month now and definitely a major improvement. I've not tried to fool the phone into thinking I'm in the USA so not tried Cortana but the option of 6 instead of 4 on the tile screen gives far more options and the notification/status bar is really good. Closing open apps also much better, in fact for me the best improvement, or was I just a numpty before and not doing it correctly?

Not sure if the plethora of updates relating to camera apps were just a general update or specific to 8.1 but overall much better.

Nokia 920 btw.

Edited to add that the Swype type text function for messaging etc worked especially well, even for me as a casual user of texts.

IvanIV · 21-06-2014, 14:27

Closing apps was there before, too, but you had to tap the (x), now you can just swipe the app down. Similar to closing apps on W8.

finbaar · 22-06-2014, 09:18

I had to wipe my Ativ S last night because it kept freezing. I think it is down to my SD card was not man enough for the job of app storage, you obviously need a fast card for this. It's not really a problem though as the Ativ has 16gb internal and I never use more than about 8 anyway. It is a dangerous thing to allow app storage on SD cards as users can end up with a very bad experience. Perhaps the phone could test the card speed before allowing app storage to protect idiots like me.

data123 · 16-07-2014, 12:21

Nokia Lumia Cyan firmware upgrade rolls out, this website will tell you if its available for your phone

http://www.nokia.com/global/support/...ity-in-europe/

gomezz · 16-07-2014, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by IvanIV

Closing apps was there before, too, but you had to tap the (x), now you can just swipe the app down. Similar to closing apps on W8.

Which unfortunately does not fully closedown all apps correctly. Here Maps used to be a problem (but now appears fixed). The recently launched BBC iPlayer Radio app is one currently giving me grief with this (turning Airplane mode on then off again appears to force it stop guzzling battery).

AKW · 17-07-2014, 10:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by data123

Nokia Lumia Cyan firmware upgrade rolls out, this website will tell you if its available for your phone

http://www.nokia.com/global/support/...ity-in-europe/

My 625 is updating as I type. looking forward to it.

gomezz · 17-07-2014, 11:16

Having followed the discussions over on WPCentral I am not so sure I am. I hope my fears are based on no more than having to get used to the new way of doing things and not that some stuff I do now will no longer be possible.

jonmorris · 17-07-2014, 11:32

For people like me that opted in to the beta version of WP8.1, will we get the official Nokia update now or be on another 'line' of beta releases?

gomezz · 17-07-2014, 11:42

From what I have read you will get the official 8.1/Cyan update as normal without having to do anything special..

02-04-2014, 16:06	#1
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Windows Phone 8.1 discussion thread Given today is the day that Microsoft unveils Windows Phone 8.1, I thought it worth creating a thread to discuss what is announced. Anyone wishing to watch the stream can do so from 4.30pm UK time: http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Build Given all exiting Windows Phone 8 users will get this update (not sure when, but hopefully that's part of what we're going to be told) it's far better news than from Windows Phone 7 to 8 when realising you'd need a new device! As a long-term Android user who likes Windows Phone but has never been able to make the switch because of all the things I'd have to give up, anything that can improve Windows Phone can only be a good thing for the whole industry.

02-04-2014, 16:09	#2
paulsalter Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: UK - Bilsdale Posts: 11,435	Looking forward to see what Cortana is like (hopefully equal to Siri/Google Now) Notification centre should be a nice addition also Thanks for link, going to try and keep up on what is happening

02-04-2014, 16:22	#3
Zee_Bukhari Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,319	This is the ultimate site for news on Windows Phone. http://www.wpcentral.com/ Really looking forward to v8.1...

02-04-2014, 18:33	#4
IvanIV Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 25,199	I wasn't a fan of those new tiles with background picture, but the picture DS has actually looks quite good. I hope they will release the developer's preview soon so I can properly "test" it ETA: April 10th.

03-04-2014, 07:40	#5
Air Resistance Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire Posts: 5,008	Really looking forward to it, especially cortana

03-04-2014, 07:46	#6
daleski75 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northampton Posts: 1,014	I think Windows 8.1 is finally catching up to iOS and Android and by Microsoft dropping the license fee's for any devices below 9" should mean cheaper hardware for all of us. Will definitely be keeping more of an eye on Windows 8.1 in future.

03-04-2014, 08:04	#7
klendathu Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 10,726	I like the look of the Lumia 930 Looks splendid in white . Launches in June

03-04-2014, 09:15	#8
daleski75 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northampton Posts: 1,014	Quote: Originally Posted by klendathu I like the look of the Lumia 930 Looks splendid in white . Launches in June That looks like a nice phone and a very nice upgrade from the 920.

03-04-2014, 10:53	#9
IvanIV Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 25,199	Quote: Originally Posted by klendathu I like the look of the Lumia 930 Looks splendid in white . Launches in June Looks pretty much like Lumia 1520, specs-wise, except smaller screen and no SD slot. The latter is a shame IMO.

03-04-2014, 11:05	#10
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	It's more or less the Lumia Icon, which was released in the USA. A far more practical phone than the 1520, which I have but never really use as Microsoft failed to make it easier to use on account of its huge screen (such as allowing you to reduce the size of, or split up, the keyboard, as many tablets do). I can say that the camera on the 1520 is excellent. Not quite as good as the 1020 because you have less ability to zoom and there's no Xenon flash, but still VERY capable. The 930 should be a very, very nice phone.

03-04-2014, 11:22	#11
IvanIV Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 25,199	Personally I am quite happy with the 1520. Having Flash in IE from Windows RT in WP8.1 would be nice, but maybe next time.

03-04-2014, 11:25	#12
binary Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 636	Quote: Originally Posted by daleski75 I think Windows 8.1 is finally catching up to iOS and Android and by Microsoft dropping the license fee's for any devices below 9" should mean cheaper hardware for all of us. That's a pretty significant step, is it not? Might increase the appeal of WP to manufacturers wary of a Google-dominated Android OS?

03-04-2014, 11:30	#13
daleski75 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northampton Posts: 1,014	Quote: Originally Posted by binary That's a pretty significant step, is it not? Might increase the appeal of WP to manufacturers wary of a Google-dominated Android OS? I hope so as I do have a soft spot for windows phone (owned a 920) but it was the lack of timely updates for the o/s and also the lack of developer support which drove me back to iOS/Android.

03-04-2014, 12:45	#14
IvanIV Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 25,199	Quote: Originally Posted by binary That's a pretty significant step, is it not? Might increase the appeal of WP to manufacturers wary of a Google-dominated Android OS? They should have done it from the beginning. They want to catch up, Android is for free, iPhones will be purchased no matter what, they had to do everything to be more interesting/competitive.

20-06-2014, 11:39	#15
Air Resistance Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire Posts: 5,008	http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/w...g-within-weeks windows phone 8.1 now with us in a matter of weeks

20-06-2014, 15:32	#16
IvanIV Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 25,199	Quote: Originally Posted by Air Resistance http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/w...g-within-weeks windows phone 8.1 now with us in a matter of weeks That's just Cortana for existing WP8.1 phones. Although Nokia/MS should start releasing their updates at the end of July, which actually _is_ in a couple of weeks now

21-06-2014, 10:58	#17
Tidosho Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2,422	Have had 8.1 for about a month now and definitely a major improvement. I've not tried to fool the phone into thinking I'm in the USA so not tried Cortana but the option of 6 instead of 4 on the tile screen gives far more options and the notification/status bar is really good. Closing open apps also much better, in fact for me the best improvement, or was I just a numpty before and not doing it correctly? Not sure if the plethora of updates relating to camera apps were just a general update or specific to 8.1 but overall much better. Nokia 920 btw. Edited to add that the Swype type text function for messaging etc worked especially well, even for me as a casual user of texts.

21-06-2014, 14:27	#18
IvanIV Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 25,199	Closing apps was there before, too, but you had to tap the (x), now you can just swipe the app down. Similar to closing apps on W8.

22-06-2014, 09:18	#19
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	I had to wipe my Ativ S last night because it kept freezing. I think it is down to my SD card was not man enough for the job of app storage, you obviously need a fast card for this. It's not really a problem though as the Ativ has 16gb internal and I never use more than about 8 anyway. It is a dangerous thing to allow app storage on SD cards as users can end up with a very bad experience. Perhaps the phone could test the card speed before allowing app storage to protect idiots like me.

16-07-2014, 12:21	#20
data123 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leeds Posts: 145	Nokia Lumia Cyan firmware upgrade rolls out, this website will tell you if its available for your phone http://www.nokia.com/global/support/...ity-in-europe/

16-07-2014, 22:19	#21
gomezz Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Buckingham Posts: 28,590	Quote: Originally Posted by IvanIV Closing apps was there before, too, but you had to tap the (x), now you can just swipe the app down. Similar to closing apps on W8. Which unfortunately does not fully closedown all apps correctly. Here Maps used to be a problem (but now appears fixed). The recently launched BBC iPlayer Radio app is one currently giving me grief with this (turning Airplane mode on then off again appears to force it stop guzzling battery).

DS Forums

Windows Phone 8.1 discussion thread

17-07-2014, 10:37	#22
AKW Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Honiton Devon Posts: 595	Quote: Originally Posted by data123 Nokia Lumia Cyan firmware upgrade rolls out, this website will tell you if its available for your phone http://www.nokia.com/global/support/...ity-in-europe/ My 625 is updating as I type. looking forward to it.

17-07-2014, 11:16	#23
gomezz Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Buckingham Posts: 28,590	Having followed the discussions over on WPCentral I am not so sure I am. I hope my fears are based on no more than having to get used to the new way of doing things and not that some stuff I do now will no longer be possible.

17-07-2014, 11:32	#24
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	For people like me that opted in to the beta version of WP8.1, will we get the official Nokia update now or be on another 'line' of beta releases?

17-07-2014, 11:42	#25
gomezz Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Buckingham Posts: 28,590	From what I have read you will get the official 8.1/Cyan update as normal without having to do anything special..