Windows Phone 8.1 is still in rumor lands but is very much expected soon. The OS is the major update over the WP 8 which in fact was a major update over Windows Phone 7. Windows Phone 7 users cannot upgrade to WP8 due to hardware restrictions and citing one of the most popular proverb here “History repeats itself” I say that that won’t happen here. Persons who use WP8 can upgrade over to WP8.1.
The OS is expected to hit devices this July or August. The features that are to be included in this version are as follows:
- Sharing secure WiFi Networks with contacts if they have WiFi Sense. No seeing shared password.
- Social notifications will now show up in action centre by swiping from the top of the screen. Only 4 allowable customisations.
- Operators can now control data sense limits remotely.
- Operators can also install certain applications once a SIM card is detected.
- Along with normal updates, there are now “important” updates much similar to Windows Update.
- Options to always download emails and pictures within them.
- Encrypted and signed email support.
- Change default SMS app. You can also change which SMS app will show notifications.
- Enterprise enrolled phones can have their passwords changed and remotely locked.
- Swype like functionality.
- Geofence monitoring support. Geofence is a boundary around a place of interest to you.
- Location services can monitor geofences to tell your apps when you’re entering and leaving them.
- Office Lens support. Will scan in documents and screens.
- The phone will have to update to the latest version before you can restore it to factory settings.
- Option to update store apps automatically.
- Option to update store apps when only on WiFi.
- App Suggestions by location.
- Manual App Update checks.
- Video Calling Support- Skype video calling will be default and built-in.
- Password protected Office document support.
- Trusted app list for NFC that will remove the need for asking whether you want to open a particular app.
- Incall speech commands. You’ll be able to say “Call Neha or Call Alex”.
- DoubleTap to unlock your phone (Feature from Lumia devices on Amber Update and newer).
- Lock Notification.
- Quiet Hours.
- Double Tap to Power Off.
- Notification if charger isn’t of adequate power.
- Screenshot button combination is now Power + Volume Up (Since the newer phones will have the start button on screen).
- Check disk for SD Cards essentially.
- Apps on SD Cards are only allowed from ONE originating phone. If it detects that apps from another phone are installed on the SD Card, then it will ask to delete those first.
- Voice Narrator for Accessibility.
- The Search button will be the new way to open Speech instead of the Start button. Much similar to Google Now.
- New Email sync options with accordance to usage patterns (i.e. If you get a lot of mail on particular days and if you don’t check mail every day).
- Change the size and amount of tiles on your start screen.
- Wallet supports tickets and membership cards.
- App Syncing.
- Backups now include application data.
- Screen Reader functionality.
- Screen Recording functionality.
- Inner Circle of contacts. Up to 40 contacts can be in the inner circle.
- You can favourite photos by tapping a heart icon.
- Virtual SmartCard support
These were the features that were available with the Developer SDK version. Here are some things which are expected:
Windows Phone now should support Finger print scanner and allows UI customisations like its Windows counterpart.
Here is a following text file which shows a private key being created on WP 8.1 after it senses them.
There is also a new way in which WP handles dual SIM. A following is a configuration of handling messaging service in dual SIM phones. SO that category should be taken care of.
We gave you a list of all possible features but we don’t know which will come in the official build. If all the features were to come, then it is mayday for Android! What do you think?
