Can you get Cortana for the Lumia 928? If so, how?

[macdaddy117]

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?!

[47seijar]

Cortana is part of WP8.1 and available via the Preview for Developers.

[vzw_customer_support · Accepted solution]

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_VZW
Follow us on Twitter at @VZWSupport 
AdaS_VZW
Follow us on Twitter at @VZWSupport 

[SUP-Rider]

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,

[MikeAdams]

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.

[primortal]

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.

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.

[30Corps]

I think you can still register as a developer with MS to get 8.1, but be sure to select the link for Windows Phone Dev Center  (it's free, the Windows Phone Developer is $19) I've been using it for a few months and enjoy the new features. You have to jump through a few hoops & restarts of your phone, but it's worth it. Be aware that Cortana will not talk back to you with the personalization settings you input. This feature has been disabled until the official release, from what I can gather on the WPForums. She will still give answers to your questions, she just won't say "Master, how can I help you?" If that's how you set her up. She will eventually and Siri will have some competition.

[MikeAdams]

Hmmm, where did I get 6/24?  From Microsoft.  And, I know that it is rolling out in Europe, so it will eventually get to us.  My understanding is that all carriers had access at the same time, and it was up to the carrier to test and approve.  Windows Phone site states availability determined by carrier.... It seems that the US carriers screwed the pooch on this one...  I had hoped for more, but hope is fading fast.  Maybe -- possibly -- by Christmas, based on what I have seen.

And, for whatever reason, if you go into a store it seems like the only way you will get a Windows device is if you won't take anything else. 

[30Corps]

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.

[Hawk35]

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.

[primortal]

August of what year

[WMark]

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!

[primortal]

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!

Yes, less then a month after the official announcement is a long time in internet time

[rednibkram]

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!

[#15]

Wonderful post, however it still comes down to this.

Verizon does not have to update the device firmware if it chooses not to.

T-Mobile is also not giving certain firmware updates to their Windows phones. I think I read here via another poster that they T-Mobile is not updating that device at all. It escapes me the device name and only that is was a windows Phone.

As we spoke(wrote) about on another thread, it really should be pushed out via the device makers and get the cellular carriers out of the loop and that may be the best solution.

Only time will tell.

[primortal]

Well then VZW needs to come out with a press release stating they are not going release any updates for any Windows Phone (or any other device) in the near future; subject to change.

With that said the status quo is VZW is going to release the update till otherwise stated by VZW.

I know in a ideal world, yes the device manufacturers should be pushing out the updates but VZW said no to that procedure so here is were we are...

[JIce88]

Elector,

Your line of "Verizon does not have to update the device firmware if it chooses not to." is getting pretty old. Although from a legal point of veiw it may be true, From a customer service standpoint, they are being jerks. Verizon has chosen to sell Premium Windows Phone devices people have paid good money for and still do. If they don't wish to support the device with updates themselves, then let the updates available by Microsoft roll through on their own, as users worldwide have that option. Unless the CDMA chips firmware has changed(I've seen no evidence it has), then their is nothing to test, as it has all been tested and met the standards of Microsoft Mobile(whose competence I trust more than Verizons).

[#18]

No matter how old it may seem to get, you are now seeing the wisdom in it.

By your own posts you are agreeing that it would be better for device makers to do their own updates. Apple does it, all should do it.

Verizon should just get away from pushing updates period. In that I agree with you.

[JIce88]

Elector wrote:

No matter how old it may seem to get, you are now seeing the wisdom in it.

By your own posts you are agreeing that it would be better for device makers to do their own updates. Apple does it, all should do it.

Verizon should just get away from pushing updates period. In that I agree with you.

Why it gets old is because you keep telling people they shouldn't expect Verizon to release the update, when Verizon has forced us to wait for THEM to release the update. I never saw the need to for Verizon to 'test' the update so your post are not sharing any wisdom with me.

If you want to emphasize that Windows Phone updates should be handled the same as other devices, that's fine, but don't tell people complaining about Verizon not updating it they shouldn't expect it, because you are only discrediting their reasonable expectations.

[#20]

Point taken. Maybe a poor choice of words on my part.

My response of Verizon does not have to update falls for any device. Not just windows phones.

It is not meant to shatter hopes, it is on my part just a don't blame Verizon even if they are late or if a customer believes they are entitled to the updates. My response was a deflection to wait and see. That's all.

I agree with another poster that communication as to if they are updating etc. Should be done. But as another poster wrote if Verizon falls on missing that deadline or what if they say no update. It is going to cause more issues. Sometimes silence is golden.

As I personally stated, I don't buy a cell phone to get updates. If it functions on day of purchase I am very happy.

I once had the original Spectrum not the Spectrum 2 and that device did not get updates even to match the Spectrum 2. However I was not angry, nor did I post where is my updates etc.

[GOWINDOWS]

I have the 928 and I had the preview for dev and I had cortana on the phone