Hasta La Gadget!

Earlier this week Microsoft released Windows Phone 8.1 developers preview. The software itself was unveiled at BUILD 2014 and even though its not going to officially roll out until summer, Microsoft is letting developers and anyone with a compatible device toy around with the preview. Those who had installed it felt that the Xbox Music app needed some work. Microsoft has heard them. Redmond has confirmed that an Xbox Music update for Windows Phone 8.1 is going to be released next week.

Over on Microsoft Answers the company has even posted a changelog of the update. First and foremost it will come with numerous stability fixes which should take care of the many reported black screens. Cortana integration in the app will be improved and it will support playing playlists by name. The user interface will be polished, with improved transitions and animations between UI views. Other improvements include background initial sync of local and cloud content as well as improved messaging for encountered errors.

The company has also confirmed that bi-weekly updates will also be released after the first update is rolled out next week. These will include Live Tile integration, user experience and Quickplay improvements as well as continued focus on stability and performance. Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore has already confirmed that this updated app will be available for all users of Windows Phone 8.1 developer preview.

Xbox Music Update For Windows Phone 8.1 Coming Next Week , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Microsoft, windows phone 8.1, Xbox Music,

I have to admit, Clippy makes me feel nostalgic. It takes me back to the days when I get my very first computer. Clippy would always show up if I needed help in Office programs back in the day and would present a laundry list of solutions. As Microsoft moved into the future, Clippy was removed from Office programs, even if it etched a permanent place in our memories. At times though the company has brought it back. As part of its April Fools’ Day prank this year Microsoft put Clippy in Office Online. Now it has brought it back as an Easter egg in Cortana virtual private assistant on Windows Phone 8.1.

At the BUILD 2014 conference Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 8.1. The much awaited software brings Microsoft’s own Siri competitor called Cortana. Yesterday Windows Phone 8.1 developer preview was released, even non-developers can load it on their Windows 8 devices. A lot of people have since been toying around with the software and most have discovered that Clippy exists as an Easter egg in Cortana.

A member of the WPC forums asked Cortana if she liked Clippy. The virtual assistant had a few responses to that query, including “What’s not to like? That guy took a heck of a beating and he’s still smiling.” The circular Cortana avatar then morphs into Clippy. If you’ve loaded up Windows Phone 8.1 developer preview on your device, why not give this a go and take a walk down memory lane?

Clippy Lives On As Cortana Easter Egg In Windows Phone 8.1 , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Cortana, Microsoft, windows phone 8.1,

A special preview of Windows Phone 8.1 has been released this week right on top of the developer-preview review series. If you’d like to have a peek at our Windows … Continue reading

Windows Phone 8.1 is no point update. In fact, if it wasn’t so keen on keeping in naming step with Windows on the desktop, Microsoft could probably have called its … Continue reading

Earlier in the week Microsoft finally unveiled Windows Phone 8.1, the major OS update we had all been waiting for. There were a lot of rumors and speculation about the features expected to come with the update, now that everything is out in the open, we just have to stay put until summer because that’s when Windows Phone 8.1 drops. Among the various improvements and features is Miracast support. While it will make beaming content to a TV and other gadgets easy, there is a hardware limitation to keep in mind.

Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore, who runs the team that does Windows Phone product definition and design, was asked on Twitter if Lumia 1520 will support Miracast sharing after its updated to Windows Phone 8.1. Belfiore replied that while WP8.1 does support Miracast, “it will require new HW.” He said that maybe the Nokia Lumia 1520 “is new enough,” but adds that “most WP8 hw’ won’t be.

While Belfiore’s statement rings true for the entire Windows Phone ecosystem, Nokia has already detailed what features owners of its handsets will receive after the update drops. The manufacturer confirms that Lumia 1520, Lumia 930 and the Verizon exclusive Nokia Icon will all support Miracast sharing after being updated to Windows Phone 8.1. Users on older devices may very well be out of luck.

Windows Phone 8.1 Miracast Support Has Hardware Limitation , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Microsoft, windows phone 8.1,