Here Are Some New Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 Features

here. Although the company seems to have focused more on refinements this time around, the list of changes is still pretty expansive. A bunch of previous rumors have been confirmed, while some anticipated new options are in tow. Below is a selection of some of the new Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 features. Microsoft have added in support for the VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology in this update, along with support for a couple of new display resolutions, including 1280 by 800 and 960 by 540 pixels. The latter, obviously, goes by the rather quirky name of qHD. There is even talk that we might soon see the mobile OS loaded on devices up to 7 inches that can display the WXGA resolution of 1280 by 768 pixels. Interesting. A phonebook entry for Cortana would allow for better integration with a car’s navigations system. Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 will also bring a medium Live Tile for the Store, and allow manufacturers the ability to change the Start Screen tile layout in some cases. OEMs will also be able to block or disable the use of the card for OS updates, on devices with support for SD cards. Another small change concerns the Voicemail app — when calling a voicemail numbers, users will see the number display beneath the voicemail. This feature can be disabled, if wanted. Manufacturers will also get the ability to add phone cover apps, similar to the ones HTC and LG have released for their Android based smartphones. The full changelog is available here on Microsoft’s developer website. Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 is on track for release in August or September, but chances are that it will be available for download as part of the Preview for Developers program first. So if you want it, you might be able to get your hands on this new refresh as early as this week.]]>