Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 8.1 at Build 2014 earlier this month. The latest version of the mobile operating system will come preloaded on new phones as early as later this month or early May. An update for existing Windows Phone devices is to follow in the next few months as well. But developers can begin to play with Windows Phone 8.1 as of today as Microsoft has released a Windows Phone 8.1 Preview for Developers to allow them to test their apps to ensure that there are no issues.
To be able to download this preview or any other for that matter, you need to either be a registered developer or be running a “developer unlocked” phone. Microsoft also points out that the preview update could void your carrier and manufacturer warranties. It is also a process that cannot be reversed so you will not be able to downgrade back to Windows Phone 8 if you suddenly need to do so.
Despite being a point update, Windows Phone 8.1 comes with a number of new features that Android and iOS already have. Key among them is the Cortana digital assistant and the new Action Center with access to often used toggles (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc) as well as new lockscreens and changes to the Start screen. It also comes with a number of enhancements geared at business and enterprise customers.
Let us know if you’ll be installing the Windows Phone 8.1 preview on your smartphone.
Source : Windows Phone Dev Center