Microsoft may launch Windows Phone 8.1 later this month

Although the code-named “Blue” updates were supposed to modernize virtually all products and services offered by Microsoft Corp., the Windows Phone still has not received its updates nearly half a year after the launch of Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1. However, the wait seems to be nearly over as, according to a media report, Windows Phone 8.1 will be released later this month.

Starting Wednesday, the 23rd of April, new smartphones running Windows Phone 8.1 will be available for sale, reports WPCentral. At present it is expected that such smartphones as the Lumia 630, Lumia 930 and Samsung ATIV SE (for Verizon) will become available late this month. What is unclear is which existing smartphones will be the first to receive Windows Phone 8.1 updates.

At present smartphone makers who offer handsets based on Microsoft Windows Phone are developing over-the-air updates for existing phones. Official updates for different handsets are to some extent more difficult than release of brand-new models due to the matching firmware that needs to be developed and the additional hurdle of carrier approvals. As a consequence, in the worst-case scenario it will take months before the Windows Phone 8.1 will be available for some customers.

Microsoft may officially introduce Windows Phone 8.1 at this week’s Build conference.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

KitGuru Says: It is noteworthy that the list of updates due to be implemented into Windows Phone 8.1 is still not known. It is unclear whether the new version of operating system will significantly improve Microsoft’s competitive positions against Apple iPhone and Google Android operating system.

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