Windows Phone 8.1 Release Date: Is Microsoft Doing Enough To Make Its Mobile Platform Become More Relevant In The Market?

The Windows Phone 8.1 release date has already rolled out in a number of markets, and in the Lumia lineup, its own version has been released as well. 

Apart from the UK that does not have the official Cortana app yet, most of those markets where version 8.1 has been made available are now able to enjoy the perks of having Halo's notable character as a voice assistant. 

But even after all is said and done about the Windows Phone 8.1 update, is it enough for the mobile platform to finally become a hit, and stand a chance against Android and iOS?

For one, the Redmond giant has done a great job adding a number of features which would enable devices that run it to be at par with some Android handsets. 

The addition of the Action Center, WP 8.1's own notification area is crucial because it adds a feature that has been present in Android and iOS for a long time that it should already be a given for mobile operating systems. 

Of course, Cortana has joined the mix and now battles the likes of Siri and Google Now as the best voice assistant. While we haven't checked the app yet in-depth, it promises to take care of the basic needs of the user, including checking his schedule, looking for news updates, making, calls, taking notes, etc. 

There is also the new QWERTY keypad which has been dubbed as the fastest in the world due to its impeccable text prediction capabilities. Of course there are already a number of decent third-party apps for Android and iOS phones, but getting a similar or better experience without downloading one is an achievement for Microsoft. 

Sharing among Microsoft-powered devices have also been improved in this new version, and sharing files to an Xbox, a Windows slate or laptop can be easier. 

No matter how promising the Windows Phone 8.1 release date may be, it is still worth noting that what Microsoft aims to do is still sell smartphones, and not just update the software of its existing users.