Friday, April 11, 2014

TechNow: Get Windows Phone 8.1 (Developer Preview) on your phone

Microsoft announced Windows Phone 8.1 at Build last week and we’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the WP8.1 Developer Preview. We’ve heard a few specific dates mentioned for its availability, and the first-such – April 10 – has finally come with no corresponding release. Earlier this week we heard Joe Belfiore talk about the software coming out during the “first part of April,” and today he gets much more specific, tweeting that fans should “check in early next week” for the preview’s launch.
What do you have to do to get ready for this early look at WP8.1? It’s pretty easy. First, you need to register as a developer, which is as simple as signing up for the free Windows Phone App Studio (link below). Then you need to install the free Preview for Developers app from Microsoft on your handset. That’s about it. The Preview for Developers app will let you check for the software’s availability, and once Microsoft hits that “go” button early next week, you’ll be all set to install.
Keep in mind that there’s no going back from this preview – once you install it, your phone is on 8.1 from here on out. But once OTA updates are available for your smartphone later this summer, you’ll be able to install your manufacturer’s firmware update and the consumer WP8.1 release.

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