Microholmes Windows Phone 8.1 leak reveals new messaging, storage settings

[newarkhiphop]

Up until now, the most we'd heard about the next rumored update to Microsoft's Windows Phone OS centered on two features:Cortana, the company's Siri-like digital assistant, and Action Center, its native notification center. Today, however, we have a clearer idea of where Windows Phone 8.1could be headed thanks to a Reddit userwho's allegedly gained access to the new SDK as part of Microsoft's developer preview program.

Despite both Cortana and Actions Center reportedly being marquee features of the new WP OS, neither are present on the leaked list of new WP 8.1 tweaks. That's likely due to secrecy surrounding the features and Microsoft's desire to unveil both publicly atBUILD this coming April 2nd, a date the dev mentions quite often in the thread. What this leak does give us confirmation of is how Microsoft is working to unify development between Windows RT 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 on the back end; something it's calling Universal Apps. Developers using the new SDK will be able to create applications for both app storefronts using a shared JavaScript/HTML code and provided templates.

Windows Phone 8.1, which according to the provided SDK documentation has been relabeled WinPRT, also ushers in a critical change to SD card functionality that should please longtime critics of the platform. Namely, users can now install apps to SD card and not just sideload from it, thus freeing up internal storage. Bing apps are now apparently pre-baked into the OS, as are a trio of "sense" apps to monitor battery power, data and storage. SkyDrive, as previously reported, has been rebranded toOneDrive and there's even a new Music app on deck (said to resemble Xbox Music) to replace the former Music+Video.

One of the more surprising changes Microsoft's made to the Windows Phone platform focuses on how it handles SMS receipt and delivery. With WP 8.1, text messaging will no longer be restricted to the native SMS app. The messaging settings submenu includes the ability to specify which third-party app routes that communication by default.

Users expecting new live tile sizes will be disappointed since this update doesn't include any options beyond the three already available in the OS. Although, there are apparently plenty of minute cosmetic overhauls packed into the 8.1 update. Among these are new default transitions for moving between apps and homescreens, anavigation bar with color settings to match backgrounds or accents, gestures to hide and reveal the onscreen navigation buttons, as well as the addition of Windows RT's progress ring. Back button functionality now also falls in line with WinRT in that it simply sends applications into a 'suspend' state, as opposed to terminating them. To actually close apps out, users will have to enter into multitasking view and swipe down to end the process.

This long list certainly represents a heady mix of some overdue and even unexpected OS tweaks; tweaks that could help Microsoft catapult its struggling mobile OS to prominent market share. But it's likely just a preview of what Microsoft has planned for WP 8.1, so don't expect this to be the last we hear of the platform's next iteration. We've still got a couple of months to go before Microsoft BUILD can reveal most, if not all of Windows Phone's new direction, leaving ample time for like-minded devs to pull back the curtains even further.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/11/leaked-windows-phone-8-1-developer-build/


starting to shape up over there

 

[B86]

I've wanted a Windows phone for a while now, but I swear I've never saw one in real life (outside of a phone store). Like I can't just tell my friends "hey, play this game with me" or "try this app" because everyone is IOS or Android

 

[newarkhiphop]

I've wanted a Windows phone for a while now, but I swear I've never saw one in real life (outside of a phone store). Like I can't just tell my friends "hey, play this game with me" or "try this app" because everyone is IOS or Android

I've said this before but when I got my S3 a few months back manager at the Verizon store told me they had sold 2 Windows phone all year and one had gotten returned lol and this was a Verizon store not no mall booth

 

[Golayitdown]

I've wanted a Windows phone for a while now, but I swear I've never saw one in real life (outside of a phone store). Like I can't just tell my friends "hey, play this game with me" or "try this app" because everyone is IOS or Android

Hopefully it's better now, but i was using a WP8 device as recently as early November and sometimes it was a bytch trying to find comparable apps/games outside of the top titles. Some of the top apps also weren't as feature filled/fleshed out as the IOS/Android alternatives....


That camera though (no sarcasm)

 

[Tunez]

I cant wait to buy one, Unless LG revives webos on phone

 

[Golayitdown]

I cant wait to buy one, Unless LG revives webos on phone

Never got a WebOS device, but I bought a TouchPad and that shyt was as far as the fluidity/design and ease of use. I would definitely give an up to date device a chance. Their design language was amazing and the OS was just a pleasure to look and use.

 

[B86]

I've said this before but when I got my S3 a few months back manager at the Verizon store told me they sold 2 Windows phone all year and one had gotten returned lol and this was a Verizon store not no mall booth

ive heard similar stories. Its still retarted that its been at least 5 years and MS has really gained no steam towards trying to catch up to Apple and android

 

[B86]

Hopefully it's better now, but i was using a WP8 device as recently as early November and sometimes it was a bytch trying to find comparable apps/games outside of the top titles. Some of the top apps also weren't as feature filled/fleshed out as the IOS/Android alternatives....


That camera though (no sarcasm)

I figured it would be hell trying to find apps. Ive also heard the cameras on some of the phones are great, but its like how often do ppl really take pics? So that's not even a selling point for most ppl

 

[Golayitdown]

ive heard similar stories. Its still retarted that its been at least 5 years and MS has really gained no steam towards trying to catch up to Apple and android

Yeah they moved 3 or so years too late in getting their OS out to the masses. They would have had a decent chance if they would have came out with this version of WP in 2009/2010. By the time they finally released it, they were too far behind.

They don't seem to be offering anything to make people want to leave the IOS/Android ecosystems. Some people who do make that move love WP, but getting others to do it is where the problems start.

 

[Tunez]

Never got a WebOS device, but I bought a TouchPad and that shyt was as far as the fluidity/design and ease of use. I would definitely give an up to date device a chance. Their design language was amazing and the OS was just a pleasure to look and use.

co sign

 

[Golayitdown]

I figured it would be hell trying to find apps. Ive also heard the cameras on some of the phones are great, but its like how often do ppl really take pics? So that's not even a selling point for most ppl

The app situation was bad when I first got it, but it wasn't unbearable because I knew what I was getting into when I got the phone. Most of the major apps looked better than their counterparts on other platforms but some of them didn't function as well. I LOVED the offline download for Nokia Drive/Maps though. Wish Google would adopt that shyt ASAP.

As for the camera, I have a Lumia 920 and the camera on it is still killing the cameras on new phones. I also loved the design and feel of the phone in my hands. Just couldn't get with the OS.