Microsoft announced the Windows Phone 8.1 and the Windows 8.1 OS (Desktop) at the Build 2014 Conference. They have also partnered with Micromax who will soon start selling windows powered handsets.
XOLO, Lava and Karbonn had already partnered with Microsoft and now Micromax joins the bandwagon. The reason why many phone manufactures were opting for android instead of the Windows phone platform was because the Android OS did not cost them anything. Now things have changed and Microsoft is offering windows phone OS for free to these manufactures.
The Windows Phone 8.1 (WP 8.1) will be rolled out on selected models and new handsets will come loaded with this new version. The WP 8.1 comes with some new features like the Halo inspired Cortana that is Microsoft version of Apple Siri and Google now. Microsoft has also added Cortana integration support for 3rd party apps.
The Lock screen and the background plus themes have been updated on the WP 8.1. Users can now select the lock screen themes and also add (home screen) wallpapers with transparent live tiles. Other features added on WP 8.1 are Action Center – that gives notification of battery, apps, short cut to enable / disable services (Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth etc), revamped Windows phone store, Wi-Fi Sense with efficient hotspots and better management, IE 11 browser, tweaked calendar and word flow keyboard – users can swipe characters instead of tapping (Swype style).
The Windows Phone 8.1 will be rolled out soon and the Windows 8.1 desktop version will be available for free for windows 8.1 and 8.0 users.
Tip: Mayank Bajaj, Raj.