Microsoft introduces Windows Phone 8.1

The moment has arrived. After months of talking about it, Microsoft has just presented in Build 2014 the most anticipated update for its mobile operating system: Windows Phone 8.1 And it has done so by complying with many of the characteristics that we expected to find in it.

Joe Belfiore has taken the stage to show off all the new features, including some long-awaited ones like the notification center; others focused on the look of the system, such as a customizable lock screen and improvements to the home screen; and, of course, the best-named personal assistant ever: Cortana.All of them demonstrated during a long presentation that we briefly summarize here.

Action Center: the notification center

Not for expected the announcement is less important. Microsoft has finally officially unveiled the notification center so much demanded by Windows Phone users. Called the Action Center, it integrates access to some configuration options, such as connections or phone modes, as well as additional details on the top icons, such as the battery percentage. But of course the important thing are the different notifications that the applications can display in an Action Center that we can access by sliding a finger from the top edge of the screen.

Customizable lock screen

Microsoft has decided to improve the possibilities of the Windows Phone lock screen by adding a more careful design and a greater level of customization To To achieve this they have implemented a whole series of new APIs accessible to developers. Microsoft has also collaborated with Rudy Huyn, the well-known developer of applications such as 6tag or 6sec, to design some of the new lock screens.

Extra tiles and backgrounds on the home screen

Another significant novelty in the appearance of Windows Phone is the modifications included by Microsoft in the start screen From now on We can anchor one more column of tiles by increasing the applications shown in it. Furthermore, many of them will appear as transparent if we choose a background for our home screen, adding even more customization to the system.

Cortana, the personal assistant for Windows Phone

One of the most anticipated new features in the update was the new Windows Phone personal assistant known as Cortana Relying on the Bing engine And all the information that we decide to share with her, Cortana will be able to learn about us and answer all the questions that we ask her. Cortana will de facto replace voice search on Windows Phone, allowing us to use a more natural language to ask questions and give orders.

News for the business environment

Continuing with its intention to provide the most suitable mobile system for the business environment, Microsoft has added important new features to Windows Phone with its update.Secure environments, improvements in data and email encryption, VPN, application control, etc. Everything to continue ensuring a relevant role in the business market.

Windows Phone Store Changes

In its strategy to improve Windows Phone Microsoft knows that it needs developers and their applications. That's why they've decided to improve the Windows Phone Store with a number of changes that should help us find and discover the best apps, including more precise search, increased app relevance, user opinions and more personalized recommendations.

More news and availability

All of the above are the main novelties of an update that introduces many more changes to Windows Phone 8. Microsoft has also shown other elements such as a new new calendar, a WiFi Sense function or a faster keyboard with a concept similar to that of Swype.

Once presented, it remains to be seen when we will be able to access the Windows Phone 8 update. Joe Belfiore has confirmed that we will begin to see Windows Phone 8.1 on new devices starting from the end of April or beginning of May Smartphones already on the market will have to wait a little longer, as the update will reach consumers in the coming monthsIn the case of Nokia Lumia, Stephen Elop has confirmed that it will be available for all Windows Phone 8 in the family. The Developer Preview version will be available throughout this month of April.