Windows Phone 8.1 leak shows updated messaging and storage functions

Looks like the Windows 8.1 update is going to be bigger than expected. A Reddit user has revealed certain features derived from their SDK. What's coming? A Siri-like digital assistant named Cortana, a souped up Action Center for notifications, possibly the ability to install apps on SD cards and improved system-wide SMS handling. Looks like Windows Phone 8.1 will be getting better, I wonder if there will be new hardware to showcase the new features.

Source: Engadget

Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 reportedly moving from capacitive to virtual buttons

Image source: @evleaks on Twitter

The upcoming Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 update is reportedly introducing big changes next year. Among them is the use of virtual buttons instead of capacitive buttons for the Back, Home, and Search options. This refresh will help OEMs to repurpose some of their Android devices to Windows Phone and perhaps introduce a whole slew of new smartphones.

Source: Ubergizmo

Microsoft developing Siri-like personal assistant for Windows Phone, dubs it ‘Cortana’

Microsoft is testing and preparing a Windows Phone 8.1 update that will supposedly have a personal assistant with Siri-like features. It has been codenamed “Cortana” after the Halo character and will help Windows Phone users interact with their smartphones using voice commands. There is already a basic voice command feature for Windows Phone but Cortana is expected to have a system that will learn user’s preferences and adapt accordingly.

Based on additional screenshots obtained by The Verge, Microsoft is testing the feature’s ability to pull in weather info, notifications, and events into a central interface. Other features seen on the interface include location information and access to Bluetooth controls. It is expected that Microsoft will roll out the new operating system update in early 2014.