Windows Phone 8.1 now available on Windows Phone Preview..

Starting today, you can update your personal dev phone(s) to run Windows Phone 8.1 using the Windows Phone Preview for Developers program . Along with the tooling delivered in Visual Studio 2013 Update 2 RC, developers can now get everything they need to start building and testing Windows Phone apps and universal Windows apps. Even better, Windows Phone Store is also starting to accept app submissions and to enable app linking today – enabling you to bring the universal Windows app experience to your beta users and consumers.

To update your Windows Phone 8 device to 8.1, you will need to download the app and opt into the program (the process is outlined on the Windows Phone Dev Center); if your phone is already opted in, then all you should need to do is head over to your phone’s settings and check for an update.

Windows Phone Preview for Developers program

The Windows Phone Preview program, introduced last October, gives our developer community access to prerelease builds of Windows Phone updates before the operating system updates are made generally available to consumers. We make these updates available to you to enable on-device testing, and to enable you to build and test platform capabilities not present in the emulator.

WinPhone81_2D00_ss_5F00_594E8024.png


For the majority of developers, we know that it is critical for you to see your app running on a physical phone prior to submitting to the Store. For me, I try to use my app on a device for 3-4 days before submitting updates to the Store. My emulator-based testing typically is focused on functional testing (does the code work as designed), while my on-phone testing tells me more about the app’s real-world usability (e.g., touch target sizing, load times).

Beyond testing, there are a number of app scenarios that just can’t be done using the emulator alone. Most of these scenarios involve device sensors like Bluetooth, NFC, and the camera. But these also involve scenarios including app-to-app communication (when integrating with third-party apps that you need to install from the Store) or using phone capabilities like voice.

Participation requirements for the Windows Phone Preview program are the same as last fall. In order to opt your phone into the program, you must meet one of the following three criteria: (a) you’re a registered developer on the Windows Phone Dev Center, or (b) you’re a registered developer with Windows App Studio, or (c) your phone is developer unlocked (which anyone can do using the developer phone registration tool, which is included as part of the Windows Phone tooling). As mentioned above, check out the Windows Phone Preview Program for Developers pagefor full details. If you have any further questions or encounter an issue while updating your phone, we have a team of update experts monitoring the program’s support forums – ask a question in the forum, and someone should be able to help you out.

New reference app: MSDN Voice Search

MsdnVoiceSearch_2D00_ss_5F00_1435B2EE.png


Speaking of voice (see what I did there?), the MSDN team released a new reference app today – the MSDN Voice Search app– that demonstrates how to integrate your app into the new contextual voice capabilities available in Windows Phone 8.1.

The app itself is very simple and straight-forward, surfacing the vast MSDN documentation library to you from the Cortana experience. Once you have the app installed, ask ‘MSDN, what are universal Windows apps?’ while in Cortana and she’ll launch the MSDN Voice Search app and help you find an answer.

For more information on integrating your app into the Windows Phone speech and natural language experience, check out the Speech Dev Center and the recorded session from Build. Additionally, the MSDN Voice Search app team will be posting the source code for the app so that you can see how they made the magic happen.

Start your app engines!

With today’s release, you now have everything you need to get started building for Windows Phone 8.1: the tools are live, you can update your phone, and we have a ton of great Build session content availableto help you get started. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you head over to the Download Center and install the new Visual Studio update tooling.

To help you cross the last mile getting your apps published to Windows Phone 8.1, the Store will be opening later today to link and publish your apps, and Windows is sponsoring over 60 //publish/ events hosted around the globe next month. The //publish/ events will be a great opportunity to be part of the global WPDev community, as well as get some last minute advice on your phone and universal Windows app(s). If you haven’t already registered for a local //publish/ event, check out the //publish/ website and find the one closest to you.

Source: Windows Phone 8.1 now available on Windows Phone Preview for Developers

See also: Give Windows Phone 8.1 a try via Windows Phone Preview for Developers
 
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So far, so wow! :what:

Lots of goodies I still need to play around with!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Love the update. Impressed with Cortana and she'll be used more often now. I especially like the new 3 columns on my 920. I've had a day to play with it and I think I've sorted all the transparent tiles I want on there to allow my wallpaper to fully show through. Awesome feature.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Dell Venue 8 Pro, i5 2500K overclocked PC
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4gb Surface Pro, 8gb PC
I'm still not sure about the three columns of tiles on my 920...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Got to love Cortana!
For shixxxs & giggles, you 'all probably read about this:

Ask her, 'Do you like Clippy...? lol

@Coke Robot, I agree, the 3 column look on a Lumia 920...at least for moi is just too small...I picked up and played with Lumia 1520, but I could not fit it comfortably in my jeans or shorts pocket...lol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Media Center X 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3rd Generation
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 (WXGA)
Didn't get to updating my phone yesterday. Will try again today.

How many original amount of columns on the smaller screens? Just 2? I have 3 on my 1520. I wonder if I'll get 4 with 8.1?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Didn't get to updating my phone yesterday. Will try again today.

How many original amount of columns on the smaller screens? Just 2? I have 3 on my 1520. I wonder if I'll get 4 with 8.1?

I believe you just keep the three columns on your 1520. They added three column support for 4 inch screens and larger.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro Media Center X 64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55A
    CPU
    Intel i5 3rd Generation
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 (WXGA)
In this Dev Preview have Some Problem, my friend who is not getting feature Cortana when She Already settings Region to U.S :cry:
And Bing Vision to Read Barcode (QR) Must Manually Setting from Camera - Lenses - Bing Version

And For Lumia520 Now Support 3 Tile after Update to Dev Preview (Very Happy) :dinesh:
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-Bit Spring Update
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    Memory
    Intel (TM) Core i7 3.33 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NvIDIA 7200
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
In this Dev Preview have Some Problem, my friend who is not getting feature Cortana when She Already settings Region to U.S :cry:
And Bing Vision to Read Barcode (QR) Must Manually Setting from Camera - Lenses - Bing Version

And For Lumia520 Now Support 3 Tile after Update to Dev Preview (Very Happy) :dinesh:

You region, language, and keyboard must be set to US. You may also need to wait a few days I was having this same issue on my 920 with a French developer ROM I flashed onto it and set everything to the US. Today, everything is working just fine. Cortana and I are best friends. :geek:

A Bing engineer was mentioned in saying they are still working on the back end technical side of things with Cortana.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
In this Dev Preview have Some Problem, my friend who is not getting feature

You region, language, and keyboard must be set to US. You may also need to wait a few days I was having this same issue on my 920 with a French developer ROM I flashed onto it and set everything to the US. Today, everything is working just fine. Cortana and I are best friends. :geek:

A Bing engineer was mentioned in saying they are still working on the back end technical side of things with Cortana.

Thanks for Tips, fortunately the problem my friend

But I'm glad Lumia520 Can Support 3 Tile
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-Bit Spring Update
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    Memory
    Intel (TM) Core i7 3.33 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NvIDIA 7200
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Yes, Cortana is still full Beta release.
There may be a new update coming via Dev Preview to fix some things, no idea what is all in it
but the main thing is to fix the issue for people who are getting errors when trying to run the second part of update to 8.1

it is unknown if current successful updates to 8.1 will get this next one.
Nor is it know if there will be any other fixes in this update.

As Preview for Devs (this time around) seems more for all of us willing to take the plunge are actually beta testing 8.1
GDR3, was more complete.

that is not a bad thing, I don't mind doing it myself.

Also, see this...... and contribute as needed.... let's help make WP the best it can be.

Help make Windows Phone better with the Diagnostics app from Microsoft | Windows Phone Central
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
There are some updates to fix issues on, for example the Lumia Icon, where the power button doesn't put the device to sleep or anything.

Also, Xbox Music is to be updated on Tuesday and the Xbox team I believe stated they're going to shoot for biweekly updates of it. Good! Because it sucks more than a Hoover.... That's been my ONLY main issue with the Preview is Xbox Music. When I'm driving, I want to be able to quickly switch songs or artists and right now, that can be delayed by a whole minute and a half.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Thanks for the info,, and that is odd, I don't have that issue with xBox Music
also,, if you hold the search button and tell Cortana, Next Track, she will go to it.
If you tell her previous track, she will restart the current track you are on, bummer.

I do however,, have the issue with the phone not coming back on after it does sleep, or pausing for a moment to open
Also, Cortana for Time and Location based Reminders are not working for me.

It seems like people are having different issues across same model of devices as well, it really weird.
I wouldn't go back through even if I could, over all, so far, 8.1 is pretty dang sweet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
I concur, I wouldn't even consider at this point going back to 8.0. It's just like Windows 8.1.1. :geek:

I did have a problem with Cortana for the first day where she wouldn't even be alive and would just do Bing searches. Apparently it was an issue on the Bing back end servers that was resolved, now I have a cheeky and delightful assistant!

Xbox Music for some reason on my 920 is just poop. Cortana can play a song, but I think she also needs to know what artist as I have a couple of songs, one original and one cover song, by two different artists.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
hmmm,, that artist issue could be.
Maybe she doesn't pick up on conflicts with Music yet. I have not tested that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
I an going to keep watching how you guys make out. Your reports are very interesting. I will wait for the official release. I am in no hurry and don't want to play with a bets.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
I made a video with project my screen!

[video=youtube;iM6BY2jlcFI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM6BY2jlcFI[/video]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Dell Venue 8 Pro, i5 2500K overclocked PC
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4gb Surface Pro, 8gb PC
Absolutely fantastic, EMINENT! Excellent job! :thumbsup:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Absolutely fantastic, EMINENT! Excellent job! :thumbsup:

I really hope the Tilesparency developer makes a universal app for W8.1 also. It would alleviate some of the issues with tiles I have cluttering the start background.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Dell Venue 8 Pro, i5 2500K overclocked PC
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4gb Surface Pro, 8gb PC
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