Why WP8.1 DEV Updates?

[Chris_Germany]

Hey, i just wonder, why there are 2 updates now for the dev preview?
I mean, they should care about the final wp8.1 version and push that to the public. I dont mind updates, i just dont understand why they try to make the Preview better...

 

[ncxcstud]

The preview is a BETA test. They release updates as things are fixed so that they aren't broken for people when 8.1 reaches the public.

We're still in testing - not final. Hence small updates to fix minor bugs...

 

[Ed Boland]

I just got the update notification on my 1020 as well.. curious to see what's new if anything.

 

[DTeKDeV]

Hope this fixes error when trying to install apps to the SD card.

 

[MikeSo]

, i just dont understand why they try to make the Preview better...

Because the preview is WP 8.1.

 

[Chris_Germany]

Because the preview is WP 8.1.

Is it? Preview is beta. So the final version is out since the 630 is in the stores...
So why do we still get updates? Why dont they give us just the final version `?

Know what i mean? Preview gets updated and is more up-to-date than the final? Dont get it...

 

[crav4speed]

Preview is final software but without firmware. So it's the OS only.

It's possible these small updates are manufacturer requested bug fixes so that their firmware and WP8.1 work in harmony before being released to devices.

 

[Chris_Germany]

Yes I know all of that. I just don't understand why they put so much effort in the non public preview.

 

[quantum tao]

Yes I know all of that. I just don't understand why they put so much effort in the non public preview.

i would say it is public, since anyone can get it.

 

[Pete]

To clarify. Windows Phone 8.1 is feature complete and it was at that state when the developer preview was started. The updates we're getting in the interim are bug fixes and minor improvements.

As well as giving developers a preview of the new software, the program also gives Microsoft feedback on any issues that may arise before the software goes live.

 

[MikeSo]

Yes I know all of that. I just don't understand why they put so much effort in the non public preview.

It's public. It's free to get for anyone that wants it and the barrier for Dev signup is extremely low. It's used by millions of people already, and is at this point for all intents and purposes the same as the 8.1 that is released. That's why they are updating it.

 

[v_emman]

Once again. The Developer Preview IS the 8.1. The "official" (and not "final", because there is no final version in software) version will come from the DP, not from some other forked version. So any update to the DP is an update towards the official release for current phones. 630 will also get the same update, if it hasn't had it from the start.

 

[Chris_Germany]

That's what I mean. If wp8.1 goes "live", 630 will get an update was well

 

[Joel S.]

The preview is a BETA test. They release updates as things are fixed so that they aren't broken for people when 8.1 reaches the public.

We're still in testing - not final. Hence small updates to fix minor bugs...

Is it? Preview is beta. So the final version is out since the 630 is in the stores...
So why do we still get updates? Why dont they give us just the final version `?

Know what i mean? Preview gets updated and is more up-to-date than the final? Dont get it...

The Developer Preview IS NOT Beta. That's not even remotely true.

 

[Joel S.]

Yes I know all of that. I just don't understand why they put so much effort in the non public preview.

Because it's the final version.

Look, when Windows 8 was finished, MS sent the OS to OEMs, and began prepping their servers and retail channels for release. They also continued making tweaks and fixes, which they release on "Patch Tuesdays", or faster if needed. It took about 2 months before they made the announcement after 8 went RTM, mostly so ads could be done, hardware configured and built, and CDs stamped, and during that time updates were made. Stuff like this is why you buy a brand new computer and immediately have updates.

When Windows PHONE 8.1 was finished, typically MS sends the OS out to the OEMs so they can make their firmware changes, but then they have to wait for the carriers to finish their testing before it actually goes live (the Carriers are the ones who send out the updates). MS doesn't control when we see the OS, or even if we WILL see the OS, the carriers do.

The Dev Preview shifts control of the OS update from the carriers only, to MS. So when WP8.1 was finished, they pushed it to OEMs AND released it through the Developer Preview. From there, they went back to refining and tweaking like they always have done. Considering we don't have the middle man (the carriers) in the way right now, they can accelerate their update cycle, so when they finish an update, they can push it out to us immediately. Once the carriers push it out, that changes. It's difficult to push an update for phones because they have to rely on the carriers, so that's why we see GDR updates.

There will likely be a version bump between what we have now (or what we have after the last update they squeeze in before carrier release) and what the carrier pushes because of things they need/wanted, plus if MS knows the carrier release is imminent, it would just be a waste of time to push the update through the dev preview channel.

There is a gross misunderstanding of what BETA actually means. The Dev Preview is not beta.

 

[Chris_Germany]

Sorry I know it's not beta. No idea why I said it...
IIt's not that important anyway. But thank you,for explaining!