Windows Phone to get Updates for Next 2 Years; Plans for Enterprise
Launch of Nokia Lumia 1020 has marked a date in history which we will all remember. 41MP camera of Pureview 808 and OIS of Lumia 920 has been combined. While we are all excited, Microsoft also did some important things which everyone should notice. I know they are slow as a snail when it comes to Windows Phone updates, you will glad to know that your Lumia 920 will get updates for next 2 years from now. Excited? Read on.
Consumers:
While the Amber update is yet to hit Windows Phone to bring in Glance features on board, Microsoft recently announced two new updates for Windows Phone. First, the product life cycle is now leveled up from 18 months to 36 months. This means that you will get updates for next 3 years which also depends on the operators as well.
This is a great news for all the Windows Phone users who were worried if the phone will get updated even after a long period. I have been asked many times on YouTube because they wanted a phone for next 2-3 years.
Another great news is that Microsoft has added GDR2 update or version 8.0.10327.77 or 8.0.10328.78 depending on your phone model and mobile operator to its history of updates. This means it’s getting rolled out but there is no word on when and it will also depend on your operator. Worst, if you have operator unlocked version, you might get it even later.
The focus for this update will be FM Radio which is extremely important for countries like India because streaming isn’t still popular here.
Business Enterprise:
The second news is for the Enterprise users. Microsoft has announced an Enterprise Pack which will make sure Office administrators have enough control on your phone when you move in with your device.
- S/MIME to sign and encrypt email
- Access to corporate resources behind the firewall with app aware, auto-triggered VPN
- Enterprise Wi-Fi support with EAP-TLS
- Enhanced MDM policies to lock down functionality on the phone for more enterprise control, as well as richer application management such as allowing or denying installation of certain apps
- Certificate management to enroll, update, and revoke certificates for user authentication
This pack will be rolled out during first half of July 2014. It also makes sure that businesses will like to get apps developed for their company which their workforce can use on their Windows Phone.
That said, many are still worried about updates which pass on from operators. Imagine couple of employees in office having the enterprise pack while others haven’t got it because these operators hasn’t rolled it out yet. I am seriously assuming that these updates are not in control of these operator else features like VPN will get even further delayed.
