Microsoft said back in September, that Denim, the next update for Lumia Windows Phone handsets will be arriving by the end of the year. Today, it seems that the roll out of Lumia Denim began to appear in China and we can only assume that more carriers around the world will follow shortly.
Also the software giant has updated the Software Support page showcasing a new video detailing how to update to Lumia Denim.
The video title “How to update to Lumia Denim”, highlights some of the feature these newest updates bring to Windows Phone handsets, like Live Folders in the Start screen, 4K video recording (not available on every Lumia), and Cortana expanding on more countries. Furthermore, the YouTube video goes through the steps to free up space to install the update.
Lumia Denim is available now starting on the Chinese market for the Lumia 520, Lumia 525, Lumia 526, Lumia 625, Lumia 720, Lumia 720T, and Lumia 1320. For those not seeing the update, go to Settings, Phone update, Check for updates.
Although, Microsoft has already detailed all the features rolling out with Lumia Denim, here is a refresher from my previous write up:
Features exclusively for Lumia phones
- Lumia Camera: Replacing Nokia Camera, Lumia Camera is faster and more intuitive than before to make the best camera experience, even better.
- Speed: Pocket to capture speeds are superfast, and it only takes milliseconds going from shot to shot.
- Moment Capture: A long press of the camera button starts 4K-quality video recording at 24 FPS. With each frame at 8.3 megapixels, you can save individual frames as high quality still images.
- Rich Capture: Auto HDR and Dynamic Flash are now welcomed into the already-impressive feature set. Shoot first and adjust the camera settings later for that perfect photo.
- Improved image processing algorithms: Updated to give you clearer photos, even in lowlight.
- “Hey Cortana” Voice Activation: Gone are the days of pressing the microphone button to wake-up Cortana. Simply say “Hey Cortana” while the phone is idle and Cortana will activate. This is possible thanks to the SensorCore technology.
- Glance Screen: Compatible Lumia devices can now show more at a glance with Bing Weather, or Bing Health & Fitness data, in addition to time and date, notifications and application data.
From Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1
- Cortana: The most personal digital assistant on the market will now be available in the UK and China as a Beta. India, Canada and Australia will have access to Cortana as a public Alpha. For US residents, Cortana now includes an improved natural language, car kit integration via Bluetooth for contacts, snooze reminders and calendar improvements.
- Live folders: If you prefer to keep your apps or games organized, you can now put them into folders. Simply press, hold and drag an app over another to create a new folder on the Start screen. Each folder can be renamed by tapping on the text field above the open folder.
- Apps Corner: Create a customized Start screen, where only specific apps or games are accessible. This could be particularly useful in the workplace if you’re issuing Windows Phones to employees.
- SMS merge and forwarding: Select individual text messages to either delete them out of a messaging thread, or to copy and paste them into a new message in order to forward them.
- Snooze Times: It’s now possible to customize the snooze time within the Alarm app.
- Consumer VPN: Maintain privacy and security when using data while connected to public Wi-Fi hotspots or even with your home Wi-Fi.
- Mobile Web Site improvements in IE: Connect and browse even faster with improved downloading speeds on mobile websites.
- Store Live Tile (US only): The Store Live Tile displays featured apps and games that are the most popular in the Store, or most relevant for you.
Update: Lumia Denim update arrive in Finland, starting immediately Windows Phone Lumia 1520 can download the update (firmware 02540.00019.14484.37004). And for those wondering, Finland seems to be the only country to get Denim for Lumia 1520.
Also the Lumia 930 began getting the Lumia Denim update today in Europe. Lumia 520, Lumia 530, Lumia 625, Lumia 1320 and other Lumia models are getting Denim as well in Europe, Middle East, and Asia countries.
For more information, visit the Microsoft Support page and check the Lumia Update Availability section to check for availability in your region.
Update: Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore announce on a Tweet today that users on Lumia 928 and Lumia 922 will be getting the updates (Windows Phone 8.1 and Lumia Denim) for Verzion costumers. On the other hand the Lumia ICON will get the updates on early 2015.
Happy Holidays WP users on Verizon! The 928 and 922 updates (WP8.1 + Denim) go live today and the ICON is on deck for early 2015.
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) December 19, 2014
Source Microsoft China via Windows Central
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].