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Windows Phone 8.1 Arriving This April? Top 5 Rumors You Should Know

By Prarthito

With all the current limelight focused on the likes of Android and iOS for quite a while now, it seems as if others like the Microsoft-based Windows Phone BlackBerry OS still have a long way to go before they at least attain similar kind of popularity.

 

And while that's a long shot, it doesn't mean that the OS developing companies will give up on releasing new updates for their already existing platforms and revamp them with new features pertaining to overall UI improvements, added features and more.

Windows Phone 8.1 Arriving This April? Top 5 Rumors You Should Know

Similarly, Microsoft is now looking to release its Windows Phone 8.1 upgrade, codename 'Blue,' that will bring over added advantages and features to the already existing Windows Phone 8 platform.

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In case you aren't aware, Windows Phone 8.1 will be the first major update to Microsoft's mobile platform since October 2012. and while the details are a bit hazy, the update is expected to arrive with highly anticipated features such as a brand new notification center, a virtual assistant similar to that of Google Now and Siri, apart from a host of smaller important fixes.

The new update, that's also expected to bring the Windows Phone platform somewhat closer to Windows RT (although not merging fully), is still a subject of mystery to all of us. However, with more and more leaked details for the same on the Web, it could seem like some of them could actually turn out to be true.

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And while all these leaks and rumors are to be taken with a pinch of salt until an official confirmation has been made, here are the top 5 rumors surrounding the Windows Phone 8.1 upgrade.

Navigation Upgrades

Navigation Upgrades

The new update is said to bring over upgraded navigational features that will look to make life a bit easier for fans and owners. Rumors state that, with the new update, users will be able to shut down open apps by just swiping instead of having to tap on a little 'x.' Also, there may be software buttons for Start, back and search options, with users also being able to change the color of the navigation bar.

Notification Center

Notification Center

Although the Windows Phone 8.1-based notification center will be dubbed as Action Center on release, it will serve the same purpose as that of a normal notification center. Taking cues from the Android version of it, the Action Center could offer customizable toggles at the top of the screen with several other types of notifications.

Upgraded Data Sense
 

Upgraded Data Sense

Rumors say that Microsoft could take hope from the fact that the Windows Phone 8-based Data Sense feature for monitoring and setting limits on data usage and upgrade those option in Windows Phone 8.1 with Battery Power Sense and Storage Sense features. Both of these will help in monitoring the battery condition and transferring apps to the external SD card in case of low memory.

Virtual Voice Help, AKA Cortana

Virtual Voice Help, AKA Cortana

The concept of Cortana as the new virtual voice for all Windows Phone users has been making rounds for quite some time. Not long ago, Microsoft told Bloomberg that the company is "building some contextually aware experiences to power some upcoming products in Windows Phone." Maybe Microsoft, although it didn't officially name, meant the arrival of Cortana then.

Miscellaneous Upgrades

Miscellaneous Upgrades

These are the one that absolutely have no guarantee of arriving but have been rumored nonetheless. Rumor reports related to same say that the WP8.1 update could also offer an improved YouTube Player with option for non-fullscreen playback, an improved camera app with burst mode, VPN support and some kind of alteration to the messaging app.

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