We reported yesterday that Microsoft will be releasing Windows Blue 8.1 for free for PCs, and tablets, including the Microsoft Surface Pro and Microsoft Surface RT. What wasn't mentioned was when Windows Phone 8 users can expect a little Windows Blue action. It's now being reported that Windows Phone 8 users won't see Windows Phone Blue until 2014.
According to sources Microsoft plans on releasing two more GDR updates to Windows Phone 8 before Microsoft plans on releasing what many people have been referring to as Windows Phone Blue. It's not clear if that will actually be the final name of the Windows Phone operating system upgrade. The updates are expected to be available to consumers in the summer and fall.
According to ZDNET, after the launch of the Nokia Lumia 925 Microsoft began sharing some features in an upcoming Windows Phone 8 update called GDR2 (General Distribution Release) on Microsoft's blog. Here's what Microsoft revealed regarding the update:
"The new update, which is expected to start rolling out to existing Windows Phone 8 phones later this summer, brings back support for FM radio (we heard you!) and makes the Data Sense feature of Windows Phone 8 available for more carriers to offer. The update also makes it easier to select, download, and pin tunes in Xbox Music and improves the accuracy of song info and other metadata-something I know music fans will appreciate. (FM Radio and Data Sense availability depend on your phone model and carrier.)
"The update includes hundreds of other small quality improvements. One final one worth highlighting, as we announced earlier, is that the update also ensures Windows Phone continues to work with Google services by adding support for the company's newest sync protocols-CalDAV and CardDAV."
So, while Windows Phone 8 users are going to have to wait a little longer to get a taste of Windows Blue, they can rest assured it's coming. There will be two updates to Windows Phone 8 to look forward to in the meantime; hopefully it'll be enough to hold you over while waiting for Windows Phone Blue.
