Today Microsoft is kicking off their MWC presence with a press event to talk about some things and they ended up making quite a few announcements which were not expected by many Microsoft watchers.
Amongst the news items from their presser:
- Windows 8.1 Update 1 confirmed. Until now it has all been leaks and rumors. Expect more info at Build which is at the beginning of April and a likely preview release.
- Nine new hardware partners and an easing of hardware requirements for Windows Phone which should encourage new handsets.
- 245,000 apps in the Windows Phone Store averaging 600 new apps per day.
- No new devices/hardware announcements are expected from Microsoft and Nokia relating to Windows Phone.
- Microsoft might not be too thrilled that Nokia opted to build an Android device.
The tech press is of course there to cover MWC and there are already several blog posts detailing the new tidbits.
Here is my collection for you to easily peruse:
- Scaling Windows Phone, evolving Windows 8 (Windows Phone Blog)
- Microsoft details Windows Phone 8.1, update coming this spring (The Verge)
- Microsoft officially acknowledges Windows 8.1 ‘spring’ update (ZD Net)
- ‘Spring Update’ for Windows 8.1 announced (Neowin)
- Microsoft announces ‘spring’ update for Windows 8.1 (The Verge)
- Microsoft Confirms New Enterprise Features Coming To WP8 In Next Update (WM Power User)
- Facebook Messenger coming to Windows Phone in the next few weeks (WinBeta)
- Microsoft announces new Windows Phone hardware partners, including LG and Lenovo (Engadget)
- Microsoft partners with 9 more manufacturers for more Windows Phone (Fone Arena)
- Microsoft Officially Announces Windows 8.1 Update 1 (Softpedia)
- Improved Compatibility, Expanded Hardware Options, and a Better Non-touch Experience Coming in Windows 8.1 Update 1 (Windows IT Pro)
- Next Windows Phone update will allow for more affordable devices (cNet)