Update for Windows Phone 8.1: improved folders, new features and much more

    While the Lumia Cyan update is going through the final stages of local testing, and now it’s rolling out to users ’devices, the official Windows Phone blog has announced details about the latest update for Windows Phone 8.1.



    Among the most notable improvements are the appearance of native folders for applications, updates in a number of pre-installed applications and proprietary services, as well as the enhanced voice assistant Cortana. We will try to tell you a little more about all the pleasant changes in our today's post.

    Enhancements


    We already somehow reported that for Lumia smartphones it became possible to organize applications in folders. However, then this function was implemented as a standalone application (developed by Nokia and available only on our smartphones), and to place application tiles in a folder, users had to go to the utility menu.

    The new folder interpretation for Windows Phone 8.1 is completely different. Now this function is integrated into the OS interface initially: just move one tile to another on the start screen and the folder will be automatically created. It remains only to give her a name.



    Now the dilemma when you have to choose between a perfectionist’s nightmare and quick access to frequently used applications will be solved. When expanded, the folder resembles a section on the start screen of older Windows 8.1. And when minimizing, the entire contents of the folder are added to a tile of a large, standard or small size at the user's choice.

    Thanks to the VKontakte client, from where, unlike the iOS application, they didn’t make music, and the MixRadio service, many in Russia may have forgotten that Windows Phone has a standard Xbox Music music player .

    In the update, he also underwent significant improvements. For example, performance has been improved in areas such as downloading an application and scrolling through playlists. In addition, features that were not available in the early updates of Windows Phone 8.1 Preview for Developers returned.



    As for the new additions to Xbox Music, something new came out every two weeks in the past, from synchronizing music collections in the background to switching tracks using swipes. In the near future, the Quickplay function will also be added, which will allow you to view the recent actions of the player, as well as its own "Children's room", which will restrict access to certain types of content.

    Interesting features have appeared in other native applications. So, for example, the "Application Store" received a live tile. When installed on the start screen, it will show the latest news and store updates.



    It has become more convenient to work with Messages. In each separate conversation, you can now select several SMS or messages from social networks at once for subsequent forwarding or deletion.



    Security


    The update for Windows Phone 8.1 has also improved security settings for working with public networks. For example, the ability to transfer data via VPN when connecting to Wi-Fi was added, which will make it possible to secure the connection to public hotspots.

    With the new Apps Corner feature, users will be able to place applications on a special closed start screen (sandbox) that will be available when this mode is turned on (other applications will not be available in this mode). This function can be useful, for example, for the corporate segment to create a pool of business applications for work in cases where full-fledged MDM solutions (solutions for managing mobile devices) are not required.



    This feature can also be useful for the retail segment and cultural centers as an ideal solution for demo applications and guides. However, ordinary users will surely be able to find many applications for her: for example, adapt the phone for an elderly person, protecting him from accidentally getting into settings and other “difficult” places. Those who love the Kid's Corner feature, we hasten to inform you that it has not gone anywhere and is still available.

    An Apps Corner profile can be exported from one device and imported into another. Developers can also access application usage data within Apps Corner.

    Cortana


    Cortana's worldwide rollout continues at a steady pace. Unfortunately, nothing is known about the exact timing of the appearance of the intelligent assistant, but with the update, Cortana will become available for China, the UK, Canada, India and Australia. For the last three in alpha status.

    In China, Cortana, in addition to the local working name “Xiao Na”, received support for the Mandarin dialect both in spoken language and in the text, as well as, for the sake of cultural features, animation and sounds that are different from the main version. The Chinese guise of Cortana is a pretty, animated, big-eyed creature of oval appearance. Master Chief would not recognize.



    Xiao Na, despite the change of nationality, will also share up-to-date information with users: for China, for example, information about air pollution, traffic conditions, and (suddenly) the latest news about pop culture, Chinese celebrities and TV programs . Another difference: Cortana in the Chinese version can help users tighten their English by spying on words in the Bing English Dictionary.

    In the United Kingdom, Cortana will have, of course, an English accent (although it is not yet clear whether it will sound more like Mary Poppins, or Margaret Thatcher), and will also support British pronunciation and grammar. It will also show information designed exclusively for residents of the UK, including: news from the London Exchange, information about busy highways (in the UK, many people go to work daily from the suburbs to major cities), news from the Bing search engine about teams in the English Premier League and other sports.

    The American version of Cortana will also receive a number of updates: new language scripts have appeared, the possibility of a delay for reminders and the ability to call an assistant through the car systems with Bluetooth support.

    An update for Windows Phone 8.1 is already available for installation for those who take part in the program for Windows Phone 8.1 Preview for Developers (and participating in this program is not at all difficult, but it is worth remembering that you do this at your own peril and risk) . For the rest of the owners of Lumia based on WP 8.1, the update will begin to spread in a few months, after receiving Lumia Cyan.

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