Windows Phone 8.1 may have just started rolling out but Microsoft is already working on its update to be available in August. This new update will be called General Distribution Release 1(GDR 1) and will have some few additional features relevant to both OEMs and end users.
One major addition will be the support for 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution and 7″ screen devices. At the moment this feature is missing on WP 8.1 and is really bothering some people. Microsoft will also allow integration of WP 8.1 with smart cases. It is still unclear if Microsoft will be making these cases by itself or if it will rely on OEMs.
Microsoft will also add VoLTE support on WP 8.1 devices. VoLTE refers to Voice Over LTE and is used to provide a unified format of voice traffic on LTE and other systems including SV-LTE and CSFB. This is a very new technology but it seems Microsoft wants to prepare for it just in case it turns out to be popular in the future.
Microsoft also plans to add folders to the start screen. Users will be able to create folders in the home screen by dragging one Live Tile on top of the other. There will also be an update for the voice assistant, Cortana, which will now be available as a phonebook entry.
The Developer Preview of the GDR 1 will be available as from August this year.
[Source: PhoneArena]
