It’s finally here. After many days of waiting for bits from the BUILD developer conference, Windows Phone enthusiasts can now download the Windows Phone 8.1 Preview for Developers via the ‘Phone Update’ option in Settings. The Windows Phone 8.1 Preview is essentially the final build of Windows Phone 8.1, but has been dubbed Preview for Developers so Microsoft can bypass any carrier restrictions.
You don’t technically need to be a developer to gain access to the Preview. It’s pretty simple, and we have a pretty sweet guide on how to do that. It requires downloading an app from Microsoft which will enable your device in the Preview program. This does void your warranty, but once the Preview is over your phone will be back to normal with the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1.
Windows Phone 8.1 includes a whole ton of new features, including a new Action/Notification center, lock screen customization, Start Screen wallpapers, Cortana and more. If you’re already registered in the Preview program, head over and update your phone via the ‘phone update’ option in Settings. Happy previewing!
