The 8.1 update for the Windows Phone 8 running devices has arrived. The update seems to be very fruitful for the next series of the devices based on it. The update arrived secretly on Saturday, the 16th of this month and many active users have made their way to the same. The update has avalanched great features which were required and expected from most of the users. It may also barrier the Windows Phone user from switching to other operating system based devices.
The update includes many fascinating features with varied scope of application. The update has arrived to all Nokia Lumia and other smartphone devices. Being a Windows phone Nokia Lumia 720 fan, here’s what I got after updating my gadget.
1. Live Tile's Background:
The Live Tiles won’t look boring any more. This new feature will place a background image, making most of the tiles transparent. While scrolling, the image moves with a slightly slower pace than the complete menu.
2. More Live Tiles:
In the earlier version, Only 4 small tiles or 2 neutral sized tiles or single major scaled tile in a row can be accommodated. The after update scenario facilitates to add two small or single medium sized tile in both; row and column pattern.
3. Action Center:
Action center is the notification panel, which was previously available in Android OS and Apple iOS. This panel keeps the track of recent activities like WhatsApp messages, text messages, Missed calls etc. along with some shortcut options for WIFI, Bluetooth, flight Mode, Rotation Lock and all settings. The shortcuts can be managed by the user as per their convenience.
4. Files:
This is one of the most anticipated options, which was greatly missed by the Windows Phone users. The Files is the file manager for the phone and its external memory. Now user can check, play, delete, mange and do several other tasks with the data stored in their smartphone. It allows a good extent of freedom to administer with the same. It also displays the amount of engaged memory. But the bad thing is, it needs to be downloaded separately from the windows phone store.
5. Storage Sense:
The worry of having less internal memory for apps has been brought to the end with the Windows Phone 8.1. The compulsion of installing new apps to the phone will not be a big deal now, as they can be installed in the memory card as well. The user can now perform various memory management tasks avowedly.
6. Data Sense and WIFI Sense:
While using the data facility, it happens that we cross the provided limit for the internet. The Data Sense and WIFI Sense manage the amount of data usages for a particular time. They helps in limiting ourselves from the excessive usage.
7. Battery Saver:
With this option, as the name suggests, user can allocate the power saver mode for installed apps and distribute rights to run in the background. The pre assigned apps for the same include WhatsApp, Music, Here Drive+, One Drive, Podcast, Store etc.
8. Project My Screen:
The newly added factor can project smartphone’s screen on TV, Monitor or Projector. This can be executed either wirelessly or via a USB cable. It is a good thing to see your phone doing tasks on a big screen.
9. Device Hub:
Connecting NFC and Bluetooth devices will be a lot easy with Device Hub. It manages well with the wirelessly connected devices and to assign tasks at the same time. It keeps searching for the devices roaming around with similar connectivity.
10. Calendar:
The calendar can be synchronized with the user’s mail account. This aspect lets them to support Google Calendar. Apart from this, it also shows weather and special dates. The week view has also been enabled.
11. Swipe Keyboard:
Convenience of typing and intoxication of chatting would now be more relaxing with Swipe keyboard. Albeit, the feature is previously available in Android operating system’s Kitkat version, but for Windows, its better late than never. The Swipe keyboard senses the related words by moving the finger over the keyboard letters. It forms a set of most relevant words, of which the best can be chosen by the user.
12. Some Other Add-On:
The windows phone 8.1 is garnished with Bluetooth 4.0 LE, virtual Smartcard support, Stereoscopic 3D support, CHKDSK, etc.
