Microsoft has confirmed that all Lumia handsets are getting the Windows 10 upgrade. For the first batch, the company has named at least 10 Lumia models, which include the Lumia 430, Lumia 435, Lumia 930, Lumia 532, Lumia 535, Lumia 540, Lumia 735, Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL and Lumia 830.
Older Lumia models are said to also receive the update, although it will be at a later date. Microsoft seems to be balancing the rollout to premium and non-premium models as it plans to include at least one non-premium and a pair of premium smartphones released in 2015 to get Windows 10 Mobile.
While Microsoft is busy rolling out the Windows 10 update, the company is also gearing up for the release of a pair of flagship smartphones either at the IFA or at a special event that will be held at least before the year ends. The phones will have the names Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, which are otherwise nicknamed Talkman and Cityman respectively.
According to Microsoft, Windows 10 Mobile will bring in a number of new features that include new Office apps, a smarter Cortana, a refreshed Action Center, support for universal applications and the browser called Edge. This new browser will allow users to view notifications and respond to or dismiss them across several devices, such as their tablet, PC, or handset.
"The all-new browser designed to go beyond browsing to help you do more on the web," said Microsoft on the Windows blog page. "With inking capabilities built in, you can write or type directly on webpages and share your mark-ups with friends, family, coworkers or anyone you'd like. If you value a premium reading experience, there's a feature that allows you to clear away distractions from your online articles and a reading list that organizes your favorite reads to enjoy later."
Microsoft further touts the Edge as the only browser that allows users to "directly" write or type on webpages.
With 10 Lumia models set to get the upgrade earlier than the rest, it would be interesting to know how users take advantage of the unique technology solely offered by the new Edge browser.
Microsoft has already fully integrated the Edge with Skype and SMS and plans to add other popular messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp and Facebook messenger. Since the rollout involves only the first batch of Lumia models, it is therefore expected that Microsoft will be announcing the second batch of Lumia to receive the upgrade anytime soon.
Photo: Vernon Chan | Flickr
