Microsoft has an update in the works to be called Windows Phone 8.1 that will bring on a new Notification Center, as well as a personal assistant feature that will be much like Apple’s Siri technology. This new Windows Phone version is rumored to be launched around the company’s BUILD conference in April of 2014.
The new Notification Center will be accessed the same way in which iOS and Android users are accustomed to – by swiping down from the top of the screen. Definitely not an original idea, but familiar and safe nonetheless for those picking up on the Windows Phone OS for the first time. A short swipe will bring up basic Settings, and a long swipe will display full history of notifications.
Microsoft’s Cortana feature will offer much more toward personalization and interaction than the current Bing Search based on location and personal data to provide a more contextual learning experience with voice and text input. These new features are what will help make the new Windows Phone assistant more competitive to Siri and Google Now.
Other features in the works for WP8.1 are:
- Independent volume controls for ringtones and media
- Additional Enterprise support with VPN
- Facebook and Twitter support in the People Hub
- Bing Smart Search results
Source: The Verge
