As expected, Microsoft announced the Windows Phone 8.1 update, which can safely be touted as the biggest update to Windows Phone platform. The update now brings customisable Live Tiles with an option to customise the Start background and even add a third column on devices with any screen size.
The lock screen has become more interactive and aesthetically pleasing with the Lock Screen Themes while the Action Center is the notification panel for Windows Phone.
The biggest inclusion however, is Cortana – Microsoft’s answer to Siri and Google Now. This new personal digital assistant is able to do things you’d want a real assistant would do and it even scans the phone for a more personalised experience.
Other new features in Windows Phone 8.1 includes Word Flow Keyboard, updated Skype with better Windows Phone integration, new calendar app, Wi-Fi Sense that will automatically connect the phone to a free Wi-Fi hotspot and if enabled, share the home Wi-Fi connection with family and friends, improved enterprise features and IE11.
Windows Phone 8.1 will be released as a free update to existing Windows Phone 8 devices in the coming months.
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