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Windows Phone 8.1 & Cyan Firmware - When?

I'm seeing many threads on this topic, and I have to add my voice to this matter.

I'm personally sick and tired of waiting for the official release of this firmware when it's been made available to your company by Microsoft since July. Furthermore, without 8.1 being released on VZW officially, users who have opted to not participate in the Developer Preview are being punished. There are ads running that promote Cortana, but that basic feature is NOT available until official Cyan updates are pushed.

So my big question: When are VZW customers going to get these updates? Silence on the matter is only going to fuel animosity.

Comments

whereisthe8_1update

I'm really glad to see that I'm not the only who is genuinely pissed about this problem... right on dude.

Norcalsteve22

I came on here to ask customer support, but seen all the threads. I guess this is a problem. My phone acted up after the 8.1.1 Dev preview, so I reverted thinking the official Cyan/8.1 was released, or going to be. How the heck is it October already, and Verizon has not even release this yet? The Dev worked fine. Maybe Verizon is so damn rich they are actually cheap as hell to their employee's, therefore have only one tester hired part time.

Ridiculous... T-Mobile is looking mighty enticing!

unknown

Good luck at your new provider.

hello62

Well, my phone still works. I don't have a problem with not having Cyan yet. My problem is with Microsoft. Their marketing team should be fired for making a promise they've yet to deliver on. It really comes down to being realistic with the updates. I've been seeing Cortana commercials for 4 months. Overall the Windows Phone community is very dedicated to the product, so to promise something and not deliver should be a big area of embarrassment for Microsoft. I don't fault Verizon. It lays on the shoulders of Microsoft for not being able to coordinate the handful of US carriers to deliver on their promise.

op2388

Microsoft did its due diligence by releasing the Cyan update to all carriers on the same date. The issue is Verizon having listed the ICON as 8.1 ready with promises of the update in late summer and not so much as giving any indication as to when or if it will release said update. How do you know Microsoft hasn't been in contact with Verizon? Maybe Verizon just isn't interested in listening to Microsoft's voicemails.

Scott_L

I originally owned a Lumia 928 from its launch, then when I found out that it was not going to be able to take full advantage of the Windows 8.1 update I upgraded to the ICON. Only to find out that the ICON does not support Glance. This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that VZW has completely left their customers hanging on a line out to dry waiting for an update that has been delivered to their biggest competitor AT&T over a month ago.

For years I have been able to fend off my kids chirping for an apple phone by providing hardware and user experiences that were fresh and engaging. My entire household (4 lines) use the Windows Phone platform and I am now hearing rumblings that the IP 6 is what they want and I hate the idea of moving to the apple business model.

HELLO MCFLY (VZW)!

Please come down off your IP 6 addiction and take care of your customers who PAID for a device sold and serviced by your company.

p.s. and you wonder why the windows phone is not more popular. it is because of the total lack of commitment by the carriers.

unknown

[Quote]

HELLO MCFLY (VZW)!

Please come down off your IP 6 addiction and take care of your customers who PAID for a device sold and serviced by your company.

[/quote]

Makes no difference that you bought from Verizon as a retailer. Just like best buy or Walmart or Costco etc. And they do not service your phone. It is serviced by the device makers.

Verizon wireless sell you a connection to the cellular and data network. That is it. Period!

Verizon does not make devices they do not warrantee the devices they act as tech support when you have problems with their cellular and data network with your own working device.

Right Biff ?

bsites1968

Rumor has it Verizon retired the Icon. If so, extremely disappointed in my switch to them. They certainly haven't handled the Windows Phone well at all. I honestly thought they'd be better at this stuff as a business. Live and learn...

5_by_5

So this guy dies and goes to the pearly gates. St. Peter says … well it looks like you get your choice, you have not been bad nor good. So the guy is given the option to go to both Heaven and Hell to get a preview of each. He goes to Heaven and sees golden paved roads and angels flying around singing praises. Then he goes to Hell and sees one big party with all kinds of fun things happening! St. Peter then asks him well what is your choice? The guys says Hell looks like the place for me. Whoosh … off to Hell he goes. When he arrives he is put in a dungeon of fire, cuffed and told to dig lava. He asks one of the superior devils what happened to the party and all the fun? Oh that, that was just the “demo software”!

That is where I feel I am with the ICON and WP81. I just went to Verizon HELL!

SickFreak

Elector

Verizon wireless sell you a connection to the cellular and data network. That is it. Period!

Verizon does not make devices they do not warrantee the devices they act as tech support when you have problems with their cellular and data network with your own working device.

Then why wait for VZW to release the firmware? If the devices had nothing to do with the carriers, we'd be able to download anything and everything directly from the OEM.

But that's not happening, even though that's exactly what should be happening - the OEM updates the devices and we only go to a carrier based on their services.

Tidbits

You actually are but people believe they are coming from the carriers. I am willing to bet when you finally download the update it will be from Nokia/MS servers, but everyone will assume it's from Verizon.

I am going to use Symbian... When that was popular ALL updates came from their servers, and people believed then it came from their respective carriers.

nichojoh

Just adding to the venting. Why Verizon has it taken so long to get Windows 8.1 out to the Icon. I know you would rather we all join the iPhone brigade, but that isn't happening. Please stop treating Windows Phone and those of us who pay for your service every month as second class customers. I'm seriously looking at the ETF offers the other carriers are making just to get over to AT&T to get with a carrier who updates their phones in a reasonable amount of time. We're not asking for much - just the update that you've had the code for since JULY.

CaptFishboom

I am not sure I understand why Apple is able to direct release to the devices however Windows is not?

I am also very unhappy with this wait. I have come up with a few conclusions:

Verizon is trying to force people who want the update to buy new phones… Verizon is not waiting the money to update software on preexisting phones and is only willing to support upcoming device releases. Verizon just does not see the numbers to put in the work. There is not enough return on investment, and therefore Verizon will ignore the update and its customers.

Verizon has found issues with getting is software to work in conjunction with Microsoft… Verizon commonly adds their little favor to the phones they release. (Except for Apple)

47seijar

The Icon is still for sale at both Verizon stores and on their website. It remains their flagship WP8 phone, UNretired. Folks are just making up rumors now out of frustration about the lack of Cyan/8.1 update.

SickFreak

I looked before posting. The Icon is no longer showing on the website as an option to purchase. It is also no longer at many local stores.

\Windows Smartphones - Verizon Wireless

The only Windows phones currently available for purchase is the:

Samsung ATIV SE
Nokia 928
HTC 8X
HTC One (M8)

NancyAnnL

You're right; it won't be coming back to the VZW website. However, some of the corporate Verizon stores still have stock, and you can still buy it through Amazon, with a Verizon contract, for the same price as the website carried it- $99.99.

NancyAnnL

No, no one is making up the retired rumor. it has been confirmed at least twice by @VZWSupport (the official Verizon Wireless Support page) on Twitter.

CaptFishboom

Sorry for the confusion, I have the Nokia Lumia 928 and the my comments still apply to that... Thank you for your clarification.

Radioage

Better read this!

Is Verizon 'retiring' its flagship Lumia Icon Windows Phone? | ZDNet

Radioage

It's true - Is Verizon 'retiring' its flagship Lumia Icon Windows Phone? | ZDNet

SeraphX2

I really am sick of seeing you commenting on something you obviously don't understand.

Verizon has made it a rule that they have to approve firmware updates to the phone before they can be deployed to a Windows Phone. Verizon received 8.1 and the Cyan update at the same time every other carrier has and has, to date, failed to deliver on a single one of either of those updates.

So, yes, it *is* their fault that this is happening and they are definitely the ones to complain to. They have neutered the WP experience for *all* of its users who haven't gone to the Developer Preview that Microsoft provides. Users can get 8.1 with the Preview, but MS, contractually, cannot give Preview users firmware updates.

VZW has now, after a mere 8 months, discontinued the only high-end phone (until the M8 One is released) that Nokia/MS has on their network. I was promised 8.1 by VZW because they touted it as being 8.1 ready. I still have not received that. They also have not approved the Cyan update that only they can provide.

Stop defending a company that is blatantly and obviously trying to destroy WP and degrading my phone experience just because they want to be a bunch of jackasses to MS and their userbase.

Tidbits

Good luck with that. Welcome to the android world... Yet manufacturers are actually starting to deliver updates in a timely matter regardless of what special device is coming out. Also manufacturers are becoming more and more transparent. I still don't see why Nokia can't do the same. Maybe they are afraid of backlash?

unknown

I don't care what your sick of. Get over it.

First I don't care if Verizon received any updates to any device this year or last year.

You are not entitled to any updates. They are a bonus from the makers of the device and OS developers.

Your experience was not now nor in the past as of date of sale diminished one bit. You bought the device as is, it worked when purchased and it works now. Period.

I hate sounding like a parrot but no updates are guaranteed to any devices. You have no idea what is going on in the background and I know I sure don't. If you do loan me your crystal ball so we can all see.

The problem here is you windows owners just like Androids and iOS keep saying what your rights are regarding updates. You and I have no rights. Pretty simple huh?

And I don't care what devices the carriers decide to drop, two of my androids in the past were retired.

And the sales of these devices are not any carriers bread and butter.

Just like poor RIM (Blackberry) the interest is no longer there. Blackberry at one time was the "in" device to own but they fell on hard times.

These windows phones are akin to the Amazon Fire Phone which came out exclusively on AT&T at a high price but now can be had for a penny. There just is no interest in the device.

Down the line all of them will be just a novelty.

As has been proven in many other threads and posts all the complaining or threats of leaving will not get you any update, unless Verizon and other carriers decide to allow it.

And only AT&T has allowed the updates. Its just a cell phone for gods sake, not the end of the world.

RiptideLA

I don't blame Microsoft, they released the update to all carriers at the same time. ATT has pushed the update, Verizon has not. Simple.

Blame Verizon.

Where I live, in the middle of a major city, I can choose any carrier and have fine reception. ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint - doesn't really matter.

I switched to Verizon to buy the Icon in June, with the promise of a summer update to 8.1. Promise - FAIL.

Alexvrb

hello62 wrote:

I don't fault Verizon. It lays on the shoulders of Microsoft for not being able to coordinate the handful of US carriers to deliver on their promise.

You're kidding right? You expect Microsoft to NOT ADVERTISE something you can get on new WP 8.1 phones which are available for purchase?? Because Verizon is dragging their feet? Incredible! Verizon apologists out in force!

Tidbits

Motorola and HTC can do it... They are small market manufacturers much like Nokia is. So how are they able to do it and no other manufacturer can't?

bc3tech

Want one more reason to be mad?

The just-announced Microsoft Band fitness tracker/wearable will ONLY work with devices supporting Bluetooth Low Energy. For the Lumia line this means Lumia Cyan firmware.

Buy Microsoft Band - Microsoft Store

For those blaming Microsoft, you clearly haven't looked at the Update chart:

Availability in North America - Nokia

KeegdnaB42

There is no answer that can be given other than a complete lack of respect by Verizon for its customers. It does not matter if someone owns a device that has sold in the hundreds or millions, there is no excuse for not supporting every single device to the fullest extent. I don't understand why people come in here and try to defend this company's actions just because they're fanboys. Support is support and I do not deserve lesser service than someone with an iPhone. This situation is 100% on Verizon. Microsoft released the update to them for testing in July. They held up their end and Verizon is deliberately failing to hold up theirs. Everyone who posts in this forum is 100% justified in their anger and deserve answers.

unknown

Seriously guys if you feel disrespected by Verizon LEAVE? I'm not trying to be mean, but how do you expect Verizon to change if you continue to stay? So you complain, big deal? why should they care about that? they can ignore you. It's like if your kid is misbehaving and you say "Do that again and I'll punish you" except you never do and the kid knows you won't. Guess what they will not change their behavior.

jsh17001

Word from Microsoft is that they are working on the Cyan update for all Lumia Devices on Verizon.

See this link for more details Microsoft: 'Work is underway' on Verizon's Lumia Cyan updates | Windows Central

WinPhoneAdvocate

Because unfortunately, I am hear because of their rock solid network and the alternative is 2nd Rate

WinPhoneAdvocate

I could not agree more, Verizon has breached its commitment to support it's customers that purchased Windows phones. Verizon it is time to get on or get off the fence, either tell us you have abandoned windows phones for good and I will unhappily go to AT&T where it is supported, OR STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND UPDATE THE PHONES AS WE THE COSTOMER DESERVER AND EXPECT !!!!

WinPhoneAdvocate

The software and firmware was released to carriers in July

Tidbits

It wasn't released to carriers in July... It was released to manufacturers in July...

SeraphX2

n Nokia is the one who makes Cyan and they are the manufacturer. So they released it to themselves? Cyan is only for Lumia phones. It was released to Carriers to start testing in July.

BayStater

I woke up and smelled the coffee. Verizon wireless is incompetent when it comes to WinPhone updates. It looks like a permanent fixture. I will wait until Verizon gets it update act together before switching to a WP. I understand that may mean I NEVER switch. I expect to buy an extra line just for that purpose. It looks like the smart path is to focus on Android in spite of being an inferior platform. Thanks Verizon for being a roadblock to technological advancement.

While Elector maybe correct in "Verizon will do whatever they want, when they want", that doesn't mean it's OK. We may just have to acknowledge (and I DON'T mean accept) that Verizon will NEVER allow you to have an up-to-date Windows Phone.

JonFox

Agreed. There is much frustration as the other carriers have 8.1 and Cortana. It gets worse now that Microsoft has released "The Band" health device for your wrist, which looks great but requires Windows 8.1 for the full use of features. Thus, the lack of update is preventing folks from using this new device in addition to having the older version of software. Lots of speculation about why this is so, but Verizon is generating a great amount of ill will among its users and will ultimately lose customers in the process. The matter is made worse by the Verizon's stony silence on the matter.

unknown

When?

Concrete answer: Very near.

Approximate answer: Around the next two weeks.

PCWizard

Fortunately it is reported the “BAND” works with Lumia even with Preview for Developers. Unfortunately I'm on a wait list for the BAND, but this writer says his works. Still no excuse for Verizon to delay Cyan. Maybe they are waiting for Demin.

http://www.windowscentral.com/you-do-not-need-lumia-cyan-use-microsoft-band

PCWizard

I found this yesterday on WPCentral By John Callaham, Thursday, Oct 30, 2014 at 11:58 am EDT

http://www.windowscentral.com/verizon-working-its-windows-phone-81cyan-updates

"Owners of the Lumia Icon, the Lumia 928 and the Lumia 822 in the US have been waiting patiently for Verizon Wireless to push out the long awaited update to the Lumia Cyan firmware. Today, Microsoft's Windows VP Joe Belfiore posted word on his Twitter account that work on those updates is "underway" but it sounds like it may take a while for those phone owners to get the Cyan download.

In one post, he writes, "Q's on update: yes we're working to get WP8.1/Cyan updates out. T-Mo 925 is done and 521 coming soon. Verizon work underway but farther off.". In a follow-up post, he stated, "MS/Verizon are working on some bug fixes-- VZW taking the quality seriously. We aren't sure how long it will take, but work is underway.""

Maybe good news news but why do we only hear from Microsoft. Where is Verizon's announcement?

unknown

Google "Cellbreaker". They state a 100% track record for getting people out of contracts with no ETF, and their fees will be more than paid for by selling my wife's iPhone 5s. I'm switching back to AT&T after an unpleasant year on Verizon. Can't wait to get visual voicemail for no extra fees. Already have WP 8.1 on the unlocked Lumia 920 I kept--some very nice improvements that Verizon customers will be waiting for past Christmas.

unknown

Visual voice mail is free.

unknown

Nope. Not on Verizon.

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