Microsoft has announced that Cortana and more is available to download as part of the Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1.
The Windows Phone voice assistant Cortana is finally making her way to the UK with a brand new update to Windows Phone 8.1 devices.
Originally launched in the US, the Cortana beta is now available in the UK with a few location-based tweaks – not to mention a change of voice.
Along with Cortana, the update offers Windows Phone 8.1 users the option to group their apps into folders on the Start screen. These new Live Folders show your app tiles within the folder tile, meaning you won’t miss updates.
To create a Live Folder, simply drag a tile on top of another and then give the newly created folder a name. You can always change the name afterwards, and you can change the size of the Live Tiles within the folders too.
The Xbox Music app has also been updated with better performance, background sync capabilities and the option to swipe to skip songs. In the next month, Microsoft also promises that you’ll get support for Kids Corner with Xbox Music and an overview of your recent playback activities.
Microsoft has also tweaked the Microsoft Phone Store Live Tile. If you have it pinned to your Start Screen, it’ll show you the latest titles added to the store, with the content refreshing every 6 hours.
App Corner has been given a mini upgrade too. You can now specify which apps are displayed in a special sandboxed mode, restricting which apps can be used.
“This feature is for businesses so they can allow access to select apps in cases where a full MDM solution isn’t required.”
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
