I'm trying to decide whether or not to get the Lumia 928, but I don't know whether or not I can get Cortana for it. Can someone PLEASE help me out here?!
macdaddy117, That's a great question and a wonderful feature to have, I see why you're so interested in having it. The feature will be included with the software update to 8.1, so it will depend on whether the developer will send it to this device model. You can find more information here http://bit.ly/1uXwtDJ.AdaS_VZWFollow us on Twitter at @VZWSupport AdaS_VZWFollow us on Twitter at @VZWSupport
Cortana is part of WP8.1 and available via the Preview for Developers.
In response to Verizon Wireless Customer Support's response to macdaddy117,
Please answer the question directly. I believe macdaddy117 wants to know if Verizon Wireless is going to push out the WP8.1 update to Nokia 928 phones. I have the same question which Verizon Wireless never wants to answer (even when speaking to a live person) and says it's up to Nokia and/or Microsoft.
However, at windowsphone.com it clearly states: "Meet Cortana, your very own personal assistant. provideComing soon with Windows Phone 8.1. Availability determined by carrier." In the case of the Nokia 928, the carrier is Verizon Wireless, so please tell us that yes you will be supplying the update to 8.1 and when you will supply it.
Thank you,
Yes, can someone from VZW please reply in plain english -- no double talk? When will the Cyan update hit our 928 phones? Should have been 6/24 if everyone was on the ball. If you can't give a specific date, please give a target and verify that testing is well under way -- that should have started in early April.
I think that not only Verizon, but most carriers are trying to prevent Windows phones from taking off. Even though the OS is far superior to Android and IOS, issues like this which prevent us from having current versions of critical software will deter many users who would not only be interested but better off with a Windows Phone.
MikeAdams wrote: Yes, can someone from VZW please reply in plain english -- no double talk? When will the Cyan update hit our 928 phones? Should have been 6/24 if everyone was on the ball. If you can't give a specific date, please give a target and verify that testing is well under way -- that should have started in early April. I think that not only Verizon, but most carriers are trying to prevent Windows phones from taking off. Even though the OS is far superior to Android and IOS, issues like this which prevent us from having current versions of critical software will deter many users who would not only be interested but better off with a Windows Phone.
MikeAdams wrote:
I don't know where you got 6/24 from other than the that fact that Microsoft listed Windows Phone 8.1 Lifecycle starting on 6/24 but not an official release date for carriers to start rolling out updates.
As per WPCentral that Cyan/WP 8.1 started rolling out slowly in Finland last week. India looks to be the first two week of July. Normally AT&T is the first US carrier to roll out new updates and as of yet they haven't. Lastly when VZW starts rolling out Cyan/WP 8.1 the Icon will be the first on the list being it's the newest phone and then a week or 2 after that for each lesser model. This is based on the last few updates rolled out.
So sit back an wait because VZW will NEVER publicly announce dates for software updates; useless to ask this question here. Your best bet to keep an eye on WPCentral to find out when.
I work in IT and have used iPhones, Droids & Blackberries. Since getting the Nokia 928 in February, it's the first time since smart phones have been available that I actually fully embrace the concept. It really is about perception and marketing. Sure MS does not have a huge market share at this time, but once one uses the interface, it becomes apparent very quickly that everything is at your fingertips. Prior to the 928, I resented every month I paid for my data plan on whatever device I happened to have. It still hurts my wallet, but I believe it to be a worthwhile expense. I particularly like the seamless integration with MS Office and the whole "tile concept". With 8.1 I can even swipe as I did on my Droid, that is really useful and works great. The only thing I would change is the location of the camera button on the bottom right edge, it's too easy to take a picture in error. Why did I not get a different high end model? Because it ended up free with rebates from Verizon. I'd recommend two things. Get a good protective case, I have the Shell/Holster combo with kickstand from Verizon it was about $30 but very sturdy. I also wished I'd bought insurance as the phone fell onto rocks and was not in the full case, screen is cracked but still functional.
Verizon has really crippled the sales of these phones.
As for the 8.1 update I just got off the phone with a rep who stated that it will start rolling out in Aug.
I have the 928 and I had the preview for dev and I had cortana on the phone
August of what year
Middle of August now. Nokia released Cyan update (8.1) long time ago.
VerizonWireless, as usual, is SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW to develop and SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWEEEEEERRR to test and release it's cyan release.
Maybe next year?
Here's hoping they get a clue that this is a great way to lose customers to competitors!
WMark wrote: Middle of August now. Nokia released Cyan update (8.1) long time ago. VerizonWireless, as usual, is SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW to develop and SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWEEEEEERRR to test and release it's cyan release. Maybe next year? Here's hoping they get a clue that this is a great way to lose customers to competitors!
WMark wrote:
Yes, less then a month after the official announcement is a long time in internet time
I spoke with a supervisor's supervisor yesterday (8/13/2014), and was informed that Verizon has "nothing to do with the updates of the phones." Of course, I challenged this blatent lie and after a quite lengthy conversation which also included a 3-way call with Nokia (Microsoft Mobile OY), I finally got him to admit that Verizon does receive the firmware update from the manufacturer and tests this firmware update to ensure it does not affect their network in a negative way. This is required for "firmware" updates as firmware affects "hardware" of the phone which could cause problems on their network. After they have completed their testing, they provide the "OK" (approval) to Microsoft Mobile OY (previously Nokia) to then pushes out the firmware updates through Verizon's network. As I was able to receive confirmation from Microsoft that indeed MMO has provided the firmware update to Verizon on July 15th, Verizon should have been testing this firmware update since that date. It shouldn't be taking a month to do this as it is the SAME process at AT&T and ALL U.S. carriers received the firmware update at the same time (July 15th). So the legitimate question to ask is why is it taking Verizon a month to test the firmware for only 2 phones where AT&T has already tested and released the firmware update for 3 phones?
Don't let any VZW technician lie to you and tell you they are "waiting on Microsoft to release it" or "don't have the update from Microsoft" or "Microsoft is responsible to release it, not Verizon (true, but only AFTER Verizon approves it)," because that is all LIES! Verizon has had the firmware update since July 15th. They are supposed to be testing it to ensure it doesn't have problems on their network and then granting approval to MMO to release it through their network. The delay is SQUARELY the fault of the firmware (hardware) testing phase at Verizon! They are holding up this update, PLAIN AND SIMPLE!!! Anyone can speculate the cause (updating their own apps, holding off to increase sales of new phones, etc), but the fact remains that it IS Verizon holding up this firmware update and they know it!
I was on the phone with Verizon regarding a problem with my Nokia 928 and the rep had to get a Nokia rep on the phone to help resolve the issue. The Nokia rep said they (Nokia) are still testing the release from Microsoft and nobody (neither Nokia or Verizon) will give any hint of a release date. So any speculation (August, September, October, etc.) is as good a guess as any other date. But they all seem to feel the 8.1/Cyan update with Cortana will be available at some time in the future for the 928.
I also conference called Nokia & Verizon Rep. However my story ends a bit differently. I finally got the Verizon Rep to admit that the firmware (mind you, not the OS software) was sent to Verizon on July 15th for testing. The reason they have to test it is because the firmware alters hardware on the device and Verizon needs to ensure these changes don't do anything to cause problems on their network (unexpected things do happen). Once this testing is complete, they provide the approval for Nokia (now Microsoft Mobile OY) to push out the firmware (and OS update) to your phone through Verizon's network. The problem I have with this is that Apple iPhones are either not required to go through this testing, or Verizon works with Apple to "pretest" the firmware changes before Apple releases the update. Either way, we should be receiving this same option as paying customers who pay the same for our service as the Apple users do! Blatant DISCRIMINATION!
Without going too much into detail, I was recently informed by someone at the Verizon Exec Office that the update for the Icon should be released sometime within the next "2 to 5 business days." Lets hope I wasn't handed another line of b u 1 1!
Nokia global support shows WP 8.1 testing on the 928. For anyone supporting hundreds or thousands of Windows machines, the only smart choice is to properly test prior to deployment. I do and can't fault VZW for wanting to determine what effect the new OS will have on their network as well as their customers phones.
I don't care what Apple does.
I do NOT want an update that causes issues with the phone functionality. It is a fine phone and in the end it must remain a phone, not bricked or flakey.
You can see what phones are testing and what phones will never see the update.
Availability in North America - Nokia
You entire argument contradicts itself. You are saying there are hundreds or thousands of Windows machines and therefore they must be tested to ensure they won't get bricked or cause a massive outage on the network. I agree they must be tested, but it shouldn't take 6 freakin weeks! Also, if you don't care what Apple does, what if their phone does something to the network because it wasn't tested first and the whole network goes blank and your Windows Phone won't work because Apple's "UNTESTED" phone broke the network. Would you still not care then? My fight is to ensure ALL phones are properly tested on the network in a VERY TIMELY manner (either pretested with the manufacturer or within a "not to exceed maximum testing time limt" by the network technicians. Either way, no one manufacturer should be allowed the privilege of receiving an immediate update while the rest of us have to deal with this torturous, stressful, pain-and-suffering drama of waiting for Verizon to release our update. It not only grants Apple users a benefit that we don't receive, but it grants Apple a leverage on sales that Android and Windows Phones don't have. It is UNFAIR all the way around and MUST come to an end!
I am running WP 8.1 on my Nokia 928 from Verizon. I watched a video posted on youtube that showed how to install the "preview for developers". This install/update process took about 1.5-2 hours, but it works! I changed my home screen to a 3 column layout. I installed Cortana, and she works great! The "swipe" typing feature is wonderful and the new notification center is very convenient.
I suggest you simply watch a couple of the youtube instructional videos and then got for it. 8.1 is MUCH better than 8.0 and well worth the time to install!
I am relatively new to this discussion board. I have read all the discussions on different threads and else where. Some opinions from a fresh perspective. A: The 928 is a phone. Called a smart phone because it includes a CPU and an OS. It is NOT a PC where we get monthly updates from Microsoft. So stop treating it like a PC.
B: You do know there IS a listing of the issues Verizon is having with the 8.1 update. Windows Phone Central Forums
The bugs and the issues that are not fixed yet! I do not want verizon to update my phone with an update that will not work flawlessly without constantly doing a soft reset.
SO I believe they will fix the issues and ok the release. After all they know their network better than we do.
Totally disagree. PC stands for Personal Computer. A computer is anything that contains a hard drive, memory, CPU. Therefore smart phones are PCs. That listing is nothing more than Verizon users complaining. Where is Verizon's "official" listing of issues that they are withholding the update for? If you don't want Verizon to update your phone with an update that will not work, then switch to another phone or carrier, because, as my own personal history with Verizon and my Samsung Galaxy Nexus can prove, there is no such thing as a "perfect update." Even after Verizon takes MONTHS to test an update, there can still be issues! There is no way for Verizon to test every single detail in every single situation across America. The best way to find issues is exactly the way Microsoft has been doing with Windows Phone OS, send it out and let the people test it for you! Respond back and let them know the issues so they can fix it. That is what the Developer Preview is for!
>> Duplicate post removed to comply with the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service See Re: Nokia announced Cyan availability 4 weeks ago. What is the rollout plan, Verizon? <<
Edited by: Verizon Moderator
Verizon may be picking up the pace...
http://www.technologytell.com/gadgets/151148/htc-tweets-windows-phone-8-1-update-eta-verizons-8x-late-october/
Maybe Verizon will do the same as O2 Germany?
Lumia Cyan and Denim updates come to O2 Germany in Q4 - GSMArena.com news
As stated in these threads, you can you can get the update legitimately. I've installed it on my 928 and 822. Flawless safe.
Get Windows Phone 8.1 now legitimately!