- Sep 30, 2012
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So I bet you're wondering what's new in this update? Wonder no more. Here's a handy list:
Multicultural Cortana (China, UK and more...)
It's a big deal because it's potentially quite a large market for Windows Phone. Cortana has a new culturally-relevant look in this market and while it's only an alpha at the moment, it's important that she's making her way to China, the UK and users in other countries (currently India, Canada and Australia) can sign up for the alpha too, featuring support for regional voice, text and speech as well as localised suggestions for a variety of things.
Oh, and Cortana is continuing to get updated support in the US, with new natural language scenarios, more chit-chat and even hands-free use.
Smart Cover Support
This is going to be similar to what we see on some Android devices, taking your Windows Phone experience beyond your screen.
New Resolutions and Screen Sizes
This update brings support for qHD (960x540) and 12x800 - this will mean larger 7-inch screen support too.
Live Folders
Arguably the biggest new feature, simply drag and drop some of your live tiles into a folder (e.g. put all your photography apps together) and you can theme your start screen into groups. The best thing is that because it's Windows Phone, you'll still be able to see each tile's live tile notifications.
Xbox Music Update
The Xbox Music app gets a big update that fixes problems and adds new features such as Now Playing on the live tile (a long time coming!)
SMS Updates
Now you can select multiple texts (tap to the left of a message) and delete or forward them all in one shot.
Apps Corner
Businesses can use this to restrict the apps you can install (great for enterprise use) or it can be used to boot directly into an app, which is great for retail stores.
Consumer VPN
A great new feature. You can turn on 'consumer VPN' which will protect your phone and your data when you're on public Wi-Fi networks. If you're on your home network you can use this to make sure no peeping-toms connected to your network can see you or what you're doing.
Support for APTx Audio
This will allow for higher and better quality audio support over Bluetooth rather than the currently supported format, A2DP.
CDMS + GSM dual-sim support
Not useful for everyone, but this is a big deal in places like China where the biggest mobile networks use both network types.
Bluetooth Accessory Notifications
This will let you receive notifications on wearable devices and smart glasses etc.
Bluetooth Internet Sharing
Now you can share your internet connection through your Bluetooth connection.
Use SD Card in Update
Ever gotten an "out of space" error because your device is a little too full? Not anymore! Now your phone can use the free space on your SD card to update.
High Voltage Charging Support
This works on existing devices, so you don't need a new phone to take advantage of this. This will let you charge your phone quicker using the Qualcomm Quickcharge 2.0 standard.
Store Live Tile Improvements
When you display the store tile at medium size, it will become a live tile and show new apps, app of the day etc.
Of course, you're wondering how you can get this update on your device. You can get this NOW! You just need to sign up for the Developer Preview (learn how to here) and then go to settings>phone update>check for updates and download it!
Multicultural Cortana (China, UK and more...)
It's a big deal because it's potentially quite a large market for Windows Phone. Cortana has a new culturally-relevant look in this market and while it's only an alpha at the moment, it's important that she's making her way to China, the UK and users in other countries (currently India, Canada and Australia) can sign up for the alpha too, featuring support for regional voice, text and speech as well as localised suggestions for a variety of things.
Oh, and Cortana is continuing to get updated support in the US, with new natural language scenarios, more chit-chat and even hands-free use.
Smart Cover Support
This is going to be similar to what we see on some Android devices, taking your Windows Phone experience beyond your screen.
New Resolutions and Screen Sizes
This update brings support for qHD (960x540) and 12x800 - this will mean larger 7-inch screen support too.
Live Folders
Arguably the biggest new feature, simply drag and drop some of your live tiles into a folder (e.g. put all your photography apps together) and you can theme your start screen into groups. The best thing is that because it's Windows Phone, you'll still be able to see each tile's live tile notifications.
Xbox Music Update
The Xbox Music app gets a big update that fixes problems and adds new features such as Now Playing on the live tile (a long time coming!)
SMS Updates
Now you can select multiple texts (tap to the left of a message) and delete or forward them all in one shot.
Apps Corner
Businesses can use this to restrict the apps you can install (great for enterprise use) or it can be used to boot directly into an app, which is great for retail stores.
Consumer VPN
A great new feature. You can turn on 'consumer VPN' which will protect your phone and your data when you're on public Wi-Fi networks. If you're on your home network you can use this to make sure no peeping-toms connected to your network can see you or what you're doing.
Support for APTx Audio
This will allow for higher and better quality audio support over Bluetooth rather than the currently supported format, A2DP.
CDMS + GSM dual-sim support
Not useful for everyone, but this is a big deal in places like China where the biggest mobile networks use both network types.
Bluetooth Accessory Notifications
This will let you receive notifications on wearable devices and smart glasses etc.
Bluetooth Internet Sharing
Now you can share your internet connection through your Bluetooth connection.
Use SD Card in Update
Ever gotten an "out of space" error because your device is a little too full? Not anymore! Now your phone can use the free space on your SD card to update.
High Voltage Charging Support
This works on existing devices, so you don't need a new phone to take advantage of this. This will let you charge your phone quicker using the Qualcomm Quickcharge 2.0 standard.
Store Live Tile Improvements
When you display the store tile at medium size, it will become a live tile and show new apps, app of the day etc.
Of course, you're wondering how you can get this update on your device. You can get this NOW! You just need to sign up for the Developer Preview (learn how to here) and then go to settings>phone update>check for updates and download it!
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