04 November, 2014

Microsoft has detailed the Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 plus Lumia Denim upcoming firmware release. It is going to roll out by the end of this year and will be available to all Windows Phone 8-running Lumia phones.

The Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 brings these new features:

Cortana: Updated in the US; Beta in the UK and China; Alpha in Australia, Canada and India.

Folders on the Start screen.

Apps Corner mode - very similar to Kid's mode - a separate and secure Start screen with customized access.

SMS merge and forwarding.

Consumer VPN.

Faster Internet Explorer.

Naturally all of these enhancements will be available to all Windows Phone 8-based smartphones, not just the Lumia range.

The Lumia Denim update is exclusive to Lumia devices though and also brings lots of new features:

Better and faster Lumia Camera app.

Faster photo snapping (not available on Lumia 1020, Lumia 920 and Lumia 925).

Moment Capture feature shooting 4K@24fps videos (sensor-dependent, may be limited to 1080p).

Rich Capture - Auto HDR and Dynamic Flash.

Improved image processing for even better photos.

"Hey Cortana" - voice activation (Lumia 930, Lumia Icon, Lumia 1520).

Better Glance Screen with Bing Weather, Bing Health & Fitness.

So, Lumia Denim running on top of the Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 will be coming before the end of the year. Not all features from Denim will make it to all devices, but at least Microsoft is doing its best to keep everything up to date. Are you excited about the new update?

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