Windows Phone 8.1 Update Review

 Though there is a overwhelming response for android and iphone, Windows phone has a special place in the mobile world. The cool look, effective touch, decent multitasking makes the Lumians feel happy for their phones. But on the down side, Lumia phones have a remark of supporting only few apps compared to that of android and iphone. Also, there are many issues to concern with the windows phone 8.0. So, Microsoft has came up with Windows 8.1 update. Addressing the shortcomings, windows 8.1 update has got many interesting features in it's hood that Lumians will be sure waiting for.

Microsoft has released the preview version of windows 8.1 update which is now available only for software developers. Later in coming months, it releases the phones with the updated version and existing Luminas can download it after few months. So, before directly experiencing  windows 8.1 update, it's better to know the cool features that it has got and the issues that it has addressed. Let me give a detailed review of Windows 8.1 update. So, here we go...

•  Cortana - a new virtual assistant

 The updated windows phone has got 'Cortana', a virtual assistant that serves you better than Apple iPhone Siri and Google Now. Taking the best features from them, Microsoft added it's extra features and made this virtual assistant. Cortana combines the Siri's personality and Google Now's knack. It anticipates what you need before you ask making you to feel much better than with Siri and Google Now.
The key differences between Cortana and Siri,Google Now includes,

• Cortana asks rather than assumes.
• It asks you follow-up questions.
• It lets you to set reminders in more ways.

• Action Center - cohesive and faster

Now, Lumians need not to hunt for the settings to adjust the brightness. Action Center is provided in windows 8.1 update as in android, iphone that lets you to get notifications from various apps by swiping from top of the screen. It took this much long time for Microsoft to include it whose lack has been a serious drawback in previous version that Lumians have been concerned with. But now, no more worries, Action Center also has 4 more buttons at the top for frequently used tools and settings. It lets you choose the four most frequently used options rather than picking up itself.

• Quiet Hours - stay calm

Windows 8.1 update has an interesting and useful feature that asks you to block any unwanted calls, texts and notifications for specific period of time. Otherwise you can simply turn on the feature  whenever you are in movie, concert or at some private parties. Rather than shutting down the phone completely, this feature will be more helpful which concerns for your privacy. Aslo, it allows you to set exceptions such as to receive calls only from family members etc.,. 

•   Keyboard swipes - no lifting, no tapping

As in most of the Android phones, now windows phones has also got the keyboard swipes with windows 8.1 update. Instead of tapping each key character seperately, you can just swipe on the keyboard. Without lifting your finger, now you can enjoy the effective touch of the windows phone which  helps in fast typing of the messages.

• WiFi Sense - sharing without a password

This feature surely makes windows phone unique and stand top above the android and iphone. It surpasses the iOS and android by letting you to connect with the WiFi-hotspots automatically. It logins, accepts terms and conditions and everything which needs your involvement.

WiFi Sense also lets you to share the home WiFi  connections without any password. From now on, you need not to feel for asking your friend's WiFi connection password, when you visit their home, your windows phone will be automatically get connected as long as you are on his/her contact list. But, on the flip side, you cannot connect an iPhone or android phone even a tablet or laptop that runs on windows OS.

• Universal Windows - one in all

Windows OS can be classified as two categories, one is the windows phone for smartphones and other is the windows that we use in tablets, laptops and pc's. They both are going to be united making windows universal and one windows for all. This has yet to be arrivied.

The other features include,

+  A battery saver that monitors which apps use the most power and removes them from running background.

+ Windows 8.1 update lets you to add the background to the start screen that adds more style to your phone.

+ Much improved Internet Explorer 11.

+ Data Sense that tell you how much data you are using and alloes you to set a limit.

+ Storage Sense, which makes it easy for you to free the memory by deleting unnecessary files.

Final Verdict

Windows phone 8.1 update makes the windows phone singular, unique and more powerful. In very near future, more apps will be supported by it. In simple words, windows 8.1 update is just preview of future in present.

But still, more has to come. It's just a beginning from Microsoft and now it can feel safe in the race and can expect more number of people to become Lumians. This update will sure make the existing Lumians happy and makes it's peers to start thinking to get on in the race. Though the game has not yet completed, Microsoft has proven that it can make the game more tougher than what Samsung and Apple are thinking.

Let me know your views on this article through the comments section below.