Windows Phone 8.1 - all new functions
The update to Windows Phone 8.1 contains some new functions. So that you can use your smartphone to its fullest extent, we present you everything new here.
New feature: Windows 8.1 Cortana voice assistant
With the new update, Windows Phone 8.1 offers a voice assistant called Cortana.
- The competition to Apple's Siri understands voice commands and can also be controlled via keyboard input.
- Tasks such as navigation, calendar entries and calls can be set.
- You can access voice recognition by pressing and holding the search button.
- Unfortunately, Cortana is not yet easy to use in Germany. But with a trick it works - in our video we show how it works:
New homescreen for WP 8.1
The new Windows Phone also offers a new homescreen.
- The background offers more space for tiles: three instead of the previous two rows can now be used.
- You can also personalize the start page with your own photo. The picture lies on the individual tiles and moves slightly with the scrolling.
- You can access the new settings via "Settings"> "Home + Design"
Windows Phone 8.1: Info Center
With Windows Phone 8.1 comes the long overdue notification center.
- In the notification center, you can see app notifications, new calls, emails and SMS, as well as the time, battery status and date at a glance.
- You also have quick access to functions such as flight mode, WiFi, brightness and Bluetooth.
- You can reach the message center by swiping anywhere on the screen from above.
New text input: Swype reaches Windows Phone
Microsoft has developed a new way of entering text: the Swype keyboard.
- Instead of typing in the letters one by one, you can now swipe your finger over the keyboard and the predictive text will put the letters together.
- You can switch the Swype function on and off under "Settings"> "Keyboard"> "German".
Windows Phone Update: WiFi optimization
The new WLAN optimization automatically detects open networks and registers itself. This saves you data volume and time.
- You can modify the WLAN optimization under "Settings"> "WLAN"> "WLAN optimization".
Fancy new calendar on Windows Phone 8.1
The calendar has been completely revised.
- You now have a weekly view and can tap individual days in the monthly view to see appointments.
- The weather forecast is also shown for each day.
Windows Phone 8.1 brings other small improvements such as the ability to establish a VPN connection, the wallet app and improvements to Internet Explorer.