Windows Phone 8.1 hands-on

Tom Warren takes a look at Microsoft's latest Windows Phone 8.1 update.

[Groanola]

I won't lie, Windows Phone 8.1 looks beautiful and I like what it has to offer, although it has been lacking in the app department and the features have been a few years late. Better late then never though.

[talaltashkandi]

I don't understand people hating on the WP . I mean do you have money invested in iOS or Android or something ? More choices on the market are better, I use Android but I know some people who love their WP .

[timstring]

I installed the 8.1 update on my Lumia 520 yesterday and it is like my phone's rebirth.
Absolutely amazing update from Microsoft thanks and cheers 🍻 .

[reloaded]

a modern, clean and beautiful o.s. live tiles are gorgeous. ios and android have nothing on the Metro design. ton of apps now. that argument is old. Lumia phones are the sexiest phone out now. love my 1020. best camera around. cant wait for this update.

[Ricky]

I like how people who have used WP7 and obviously ended up hating it as it was a nightmare come back speaking at every MS update about the WP7 shortcomings already fixed. WP8 is great and smooth, apps are there, and WP8.1 will surely be greater. People just don't like trying new things and insult what they don't try as if they were paid. To each his own. 

[Devmer]

thanks for the hands on looking forward to the update!

[Spark]

Im liking what windows is doing. They are now really taking the right steps to be a real contender. Im seriously leaning towards windows phone for my nxt phone. Definitely, it has got to be nokia!

[SimFloydJr]

It looks amazing.  I love that new homescreen.

[BenyongShi]

Hmm..
When Skype replaces current Messaging app, integrates with SMS (like the way iMessage does),  
When Xbox brand covers all its entertainment services (music, video, games)
When Office can do more (and Outlook app and Mail app should merge into one)
When OneDrive open up API,  
When WindowsPhone store and Windows store are unified
and
When Google services are available,  

I will switch 

[GamerofGamesGG]

"You can now sync Internet Explorer...." Wait, what's an Internet Explorer, can't remember using that before?

[monstercameron]

know what the background needs? a Gaussian blur...

[dhaoracle]

I would have liked Microsoft use the notification panel like they did in the Zune HD's history view. That looked so much better than this. 

[Semikami]

Huh, they did exactly what I would have done and wished they would do with the backround image/transparent tiles.

[darkane]

Developer preview (every one with wp8 can get) should be up tomorrow :)

[mxbblife_mu]

@Faisal Basareh Cortana has many new ideas that are not on Siri or Google like People reminders and the fact that can customize and control what Cortana can and can't do.

[MrKingman]

Does windows phone have the YouTube app yet? That's the only reason why I would buy one.

[iron]

Could have gotten swipe typing earlier if WP allows 3rd party keyboard apps.

Perhaps up next it will be swipe typing in iOS (with another silly name?).

[salpanahi]

I have a lumia 925 T-mobile and I was wondering if by updating to windows 8.1 developer's edition I would loose my Network bands like LTE settings specific to the T-mobile? Also, if I update my phone, would I still be able to receive official updates from T-mobile later on?

[hololab]

How about the completely white background ?

[Arcadium]

God, can't wait to get this on my Lumia 928