Google and Apple aren't the only smartphone makers expected to release an updated version of its OS in the next few months. Microsoft will too and new screenshots of Windows Phone 8.1 have just leaked.
Microsoft will be releasing a major update to Windows Phone with the release of Windows Phone 8.1. The new OS is expected to be available on new hardware and current devices running Windows Phone 8 are expected to receive an upgrade to the new OS. Some of its features focus on bridging the gap between Windows Phone and iOS and Android. To that regard, Microsoft has given Windows Phone 8.1 a digital assistant by the name of Cortana. The virtual assistant is said to have a similar personality to Siri and offer the accuracy of Google Now.
Microsoft has also added a notification center, finally. LiveTiles are great to see what's going on in your world, but nothing beats a one-stop-shop centralized area to access all of your notifications. Windows Phone users will finally be able to use a feature iOS and Android users have been enjoying for years.
New images of Windows Phone 8.1 have leaked, and the images show off a re-designed Windows Phone Store. The site notes that "Store" is now capitalized and a new "Featured" pane has been added, there are also "Quick Links" that include featured apps, games, entertainment, lifestyle, and more. The "Categories" section now offers users general games, entertainment and lifestyle apps. "Personalized" uses app recommendations based on your history and are also based on likes, history, and interests. Microsoft is making sure it gets to know its users better through collecting this information and use it as recommendations.
Windows Phone 8.1 is expected to officially be shown off by Microsoft at an event it is holding in April. April is also rumored to be the same month Nokia will announce a new flagship Lumia 930 smartphone that will ship with the new operating system pre-installed. Microsoft is rumored to release Windows Phone 8.1 to all current Windows Phone 8 users soon after its introduction in April.
