Updates for WP8

[Dutchy-]

As I see in a lot of the threads (like this thread [REF] Possible OS Improvements and this MS-page: Feature Suggestions) I see a lot small irritations coming from the users.

Since I am new to the Windows Phone OS, i would like to know how the updates of Windows for WP8 are.
With the experience of the earlier WP-versions: Do you think some small, but highly asked for, functions are coming in the near future? Are some even coming or will MS be to busy with launching and debugging the current WP8?

 

[lonbraj]

With the experience of the earlier WP-versions: Do you think some small, but highly asked for, functions are coming in the near future? Are some even coming or will MS be to busy with launching and debugging the current WP8?

Based on the experience of the earlier WP versions i would say No and No for your questions but, I can see a promising future for Windows Phone now since they rebuild the OS from scratch they clearly ran out of time how you can see here:
Microsoft admits it 'ran out of time' on Windows Phone 8 notification center | The Verge

However don't expect any major update before Windows Phone 8.5, what should only happen a year from now.

 

[aubreyq]

I agree with lonbraj.

Wow, the OP's avatar scared me. That avatar is supposed to be used only on Halloween, LOL! At least it wasn't Windows Me (AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!)

 

[luckyhillkop]

Based on the experience of the earlier WP versions i would say No and No for your questions but, I can see a promising future for Windows Phone now since they rebuild the OS from scratch they clearly ran out of time how you can see here:
Microsoft admits it 'ran out of time' on Windows Phone 8 notification center | The Verge

However don't expect any major update before Windows Phone 8.5, what should only happen a year from now.

A year from now?! Sigh.

 

[a5cent]

Unfortunately (and very humbly), I disagree with lonbraj and aubreyq on this one. In fact, a whole host of features are in the pipeline this very moment, including some of those on the list you referred to.

IMHO, the biggest question at this point is not whether Microsoft has been listening, but with what frequency those updates will ship out to WP8 devices. If carriers are still h3ll bent on making Microsoft's life miserable, then it will take longer and we will just get one or two large updates during the next year. Otherwise we will get much more frequent but smaller updates. I don't know which.

WP8 will never be as feature packed as Android though, as Microsoft is attempting to strike a balance between configurability and simplicity that will be acceptable to most users (not just for the geeks)

 

[AngryNil]

I think you're going to see more substance to midyear, .1 updates. The groundwork is done now, they just need to flesh out the features.

 

[aubreyq]

If carriers are still h3ll bent on making Microsoft's life miserable, then it will take longer and we will just get one or two large updates during the next year. Otherwise...

This excerpt is exactly why I think the updates won't be as frequent as we'd like. Daniel Rubino replied to a comment regarding OTA, saying Microsoft hasn't talked about OTA updates for MONTHS. I mean, I want the OTA thing become a reality, but like you said, carriers HAVE made Microsoft's life miserable in the past.

Here's the comment and Daniel's reply:

Windows Phone 8 OTA update goes live, gets detailed and fails | Windows Phone Central

 

[a5cent]

Daniel Rubino replied to a comment regarding OTA, saying Microsoft hasn't talked about OTA updates for MONTHS.

All true, but OTA really has nothing to do with this. OTA is only an alternative delivery method. It's "how" they deliver. The question I'm asking is under which circumstances Microsoft can deliver. In other words "when" they can deliver.

My guess is that OEM updates will still need to jump through all the carriers hoops, but everything above that in the software stack Microsoft will be able to publish independently without carrier interference. At least that is what Microsoft has been trying to do, but I don't know if they've achieved that goal.