What is the danger/downside of creating a dev account and downloading WP8.1?

[himmatsj]

I am super-excited to get WP8.1, but am wondering, will there be any repercussions whatsoever down the line should I get a dev account (I am no dev).

Also, downloading the update itself...is it dangerous? Would it conflict with OS updates from Nokia? Is getting this update from MSFT as good as getting it from Nokia?

Thanks!

 

[SwimSwim]

Virtually no risk at all. Take a look at this post, comprehensive guide on everything you need to know: All you need to know about the Windows Phone 8.1 'Preview for Developers' | Windows Phone Central

I personally would highly recommend going for it. The benefits outweigh what few (if any) risks there are. Live a little, and take the plunge!

 

[himmatsj]

No clonflicting with any future updates from Nokia?

 

[himmatsj]

Also, is there a quick breakdown of all the changes with WP8.1 (as well as there built-in apps)?

 

[SwimSwim]

No clonflicting with any future updates from Nokia?

None. You'll still receive all OEM specific firmware updates when they become available for your device on your carrier. It's simple: just a normal OTA update when it's made available, nothing special. So yes, you'll receive Nokia Cyan and all firmware updates thereafter (assuming your carrier plays nice, that is).

Also, is there a quick breakdown of all the changes with WP8.1 (as well as there built-in apps)?

Windows Phone 8.1 Features | Windows Phone Central

 

[himmatsj]

Hey, I did all the required. Downloaded an update. Surprisingly, it downloaded in 10 seconds. Then took 10 minutes to install completely. Turns out, NOTHING!

Now I check for updates and there are none.

Any idea what the issue may be?

 

[SwimSwim]

There is pre-update to 8.1. Your phone needs to download this smaller update to prepare itself for 8.1. It's basically a buffer type update.

Just keep checking for updates, and you should see one available, and then can go on to install 8.1.

 

[himmatsj]

How long is the actual update?

After the first update, I had to power off myself and turn on again to get another update. This one also finished downloading in 5 seconds. Can't be WP8.1. What's the issue?

 

[SwimSwim]

If you just now enrolled in the Developer Preview, it's possible you missed yet another small update that was released in December. While some carriers rolled it out for some devices, it was mostly ignored, and mostly only adopted by users running the Developer Preview. As such, it's likely that:

Small OS update released back in December, mostly only received by those enrolled in the Developer Preview > Small buffer update for 8.1 (what you're seeing now) > Then finally, you should be able to download and install 8.1. Hang in there, 8.1 is well worth it.

 

[himmatsj]

You might be right. This time, it says I am ready for WP8.1. But no update shows up.

Thanks for helping me man!

 

[himmatsj]

Ok nvm got the update. It's a big one this. Cheers!

 

[SwimSwim]

No problem. It'll likely take somewhere between 30-60min for everything to finish, but trust me: it's well worth the wait!