Improved user experience and the release of even more sophisticated devices for all "balances" are the two "weapons" that will be used by Microsoft, in the "counterattack" he plans in their area smartphone.
While Apple's and Google's share of the 95,7% share in the last quarter of 2013, according to IDC, Microsoft's goal is to end the ghosthood of the two giants.
For this purpose, through the new version of Windows Phone 8.1 from Microsoft, from the beginning of the summer it will offer upgraded functions both to those who already have a device with the Windows Phone 8 operating system, and to those who decide to buy. Especially the latter, in fact, within a few months they will be able to choose between several new smartphones, from all economic categories. In addition, these models will not only come from Nokia, now a subsidiary of the American company, but from 16 other manufacturers.
Το λανσάρισμα των Windows Phone 8.1 της Microsoft θα αρχίσει σταδιακά από τις 24 Ιουνίου, ημερομηνία που ξεκινά και η επίσημη υποστήριξη της καινούργιας έκδοσης από την εταιρεία. Συμβατή με όλα τα υπάρχοντα μοντέλα με Windows Phone 8, η αναβάθμιση παρουσιάσθηκε στις αρχές Απριλίου, ενώ η καινοτομία της που προσείλκυσε τη μεγαλύτερη προσοχή είναι ο «ψηφιακός βοηθός» Cortana, ο οποίος θα καταλαβαίνει φωνητικές εντολές και θα ανταποκρίνεται σε αυτές, με βάση τις προηγούμενες προτιμήσεις του χρήστη. Παρόλο που σε πρώτη φάση το Cortana θα είναι διαθέσιμο μόνο στις ΗΠΑ και μόνο στα αγγλικά, ειδησεογραφικά πρακτορεία όπως το Associated Press εκτιμούν πως, ακόμη κι έτσι, το «οικοsystem» της Microsoft κλείνει σε μεγάλο βαθμό το χάσμα που τη χωρίζει σήμερα από τις πλατφόρμες των Apple και Google.
Although officially the "digital assistant" will not reach users' phones in Greece with the upgrade, in reality Windows Phone 8.1 brings many more changes, which make them more "friendly" to use. Among the most important, the Action Center, a menu that will be displayed by swiping from its top screen and will include notifications from apps and social networks, also enabling quick access to key phone functions.
Παράλληλα, η νέα έκδοση θα υποστηρίζει κινητά με δύο κάρτες SIM, θα δίνει περισσότερες επιλογές για παραμετροποίηση της αρχικής οθόνης και θα κάνει πιο εύκολη την αποθήκευση των εφαρμογών και των αρχείων multimedia στην κάρτα microSD για όσα μοντέλα έχουν αντίστοιχη υποδοχή. Επίσης, θα ενσωματώνει ένα βελτιωμένο keyboard και λειτουργίες που επεκτείνουν τη διάρκεια «ζωής» της μπαταρίας. Τέλος, θα περιλαμβάνει μια καινούργια έκδοση του Internet Explorer, καινούργιες λειτουργίες στη λήψη φωτογραφιών, και μεγαλύτερη ευελιξία στη χρήση δικτύων Wi-Fi.
Equally important is that Windows Phone 8.1 will support a wider range of hardware - from high-end displays and high-end processors, to chips with low processing power and small RAMs. Thus, they are paving the way for top-of-the-line smartphones with high speeds and advanced features as well as affordable devices.
This change in strategy has denied analyst estimates, which predicted that after the acquisition of Nokia, the company would exclusively build the next devices with its operating system. Instead, it has come to an agreement with manufacturers to develop Windows Phone 8.1 models, including Samsung, LG, Lenovo, HTC, ZTE and Huawei. Indeed, based on leaks on the Internet, LG already has a model with the new operating system.
However, the first device to come to market with Windows Phone 8.1 preinstalled by Microsoft is Lumia 630 from Nokia.
And other players
Microsoft's Windows Phone is not the only platform that wants to play the role of a third-most popular smartphone operating system, as the creators of Firefox OS and Tizen have similar ambitions. The two operating systems are based on Linux, the "open" and free software used for years on computers, and have made their first steps in the market. Thus, the Mozilla Foundation's non-profit Mozilla Foundation's Firefox OS has already appeared in commercial models such as Alcatel's One Touch Fire brought to our country by Cosmote. On the other hand, Tizen made a debut in Samsung's "smart" Gear 2 and Gear Neo watches as the Korean corporation is one of its key supporters.
The Mozilla Foundation released a new version of the operating system, Firefox OS 1.3, which launches device support with two SIM cards, increases the speed of opening applications and improves the focus of the camera. At the same time, the non-profit institution has announced that it is already preparing Firefox OS 2.0, another major upgrade of the platform, expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
With regard to Tizen, Samsung has not yet revealed its plans, however, according to a recent Wall Street Journal, the Korean company is preparing to release the first compatible "smart" mobile phone in June in Russia and India.
Source: kathimerini.gr
