ASCII.jp "Windows Phone 8.1" Review: Good, bad, and worst points

In the latest update of Microsoft's mobile OS, the unfinished part is finished.But it doesn't seem more than that.

Windows Phone is finally growing.

Microsoft's mobile operating systems so far were attractive, but there were many problems.The Windows Phone had all the functions that smartphone operating systems should be performed.For example, calls, text messages, downloading popular apps, playing music, taking pictures, etc.

However, the user experience was not good, and the roughness was noticeable.Notifications and settings were hard to find, and popular applications were hardly available.In addition, the tile -type interface was poorly changed and boring, and even if the carriers and manufacturers were different, the appearance of the mobile phone was almost the same.

And there were a number of things that irritated users.Instead of the detailed commitment to users (Apple and Google both provide this), Windows Phone had many detailed problems that would lead to user dissatisfaction.For example, why does adjusting the ringtone or notification volume change the music playback volume together?Why did you need to wait for an update three times to add an automatic lock option on the screen?Why was the file manager not prepared from the beginning?

Microsoft is Windows Phone 8.In one, it seems that we have finally begun to polish such a rough part.

good point

In appearance, Windows Phone 8.Two points have been greatly updated in 1.A customizable background, color theme, and a new "Cortana" personal assistant.

Finally, the background of the home screen has become customizable.The standard black background is abolished, and users can select the operating system theme from "Light (bright) or Dark".It is also possible to select a 21 -color highlight color applied to all the designs of the mobile phone.You can also place your favorite photos on the background of the home screen.The photo is covered by the tile -type interface, but it will be in the eyes of the user when motion when scrolling up and down.

Windows Phone 8.1 has two home screens.In addition to the standard tile type interface, the setting screen is on the right.By the way, the above new customization function is preferable, but not a big change.

In contrast, Personal Assistant Cortana is a serious update for Windows Phone.This is basically a mobile expansion of a Bing search engine.Cortana has a local function not only for Internet search but also for mobile phones.

Cortana setting screen

Thanks to Cortana, the excellent audio recognition software, the natural language search is very good.Microsoft Research has been working on a neural network for voice recognition for many years, creating a hybrid model that recognizes users on both local devices and on the cloud.This is the specialty of Microsoft, and Cortana is fully utilized.

Cortana is a countermeasure for Microsoft's Google Now (although not as much as Apple's Siri).Google Now learns user preferences, positions, and behavior patterns through user search history and device actions (such as checking destinations).After that, even if the user does not actually search, it will automatically provide appropriate information.

Cortana writes information on "Notebook" and grasps the user's interest (familiar people and favorite topics).Users can also integrate reminders and calendars into Cortana.

Cortana Interests and home screen

Microsoft wants this personal assistant to behave like a real human assistant, and wants users to feel as if they are behind Cortana.Microsoft promises that if many people use it, the core intelligence will grow steadily because the entire system does self -learning.

The following is Windows Phone 8.The other good points introduced in 1.

・ Action Center: Microsoft has installed a notification bar that is drawn from the top of the screen, such as iOS and Android, to enable the current message to enable prompt access to the settings).Word Flow Keyboard: This is a keyboard input method like Swype, which has been popular in Android for a long time.This is not a special new technology, but we welcome it to be added to Windows Phone.・ Volume control: The volume control of media regeneration such as music and incoming calls and notifications has finally been separated.・ Storage detection: Windows Phone 8.1 provides a new file management system with SD card support.・ Dual SIM: Supports the use of two SIM cards.It is useful for travelers who change their careers depending on the region or want to divide them in private.・ Battery saver: This function provides battery management and monitoring for each application.It's close to what Google is doing on Android.・ Windows Store: The change was that when the user purchased the app, it became possible to share it on multiple Microsoft devices.In addition, automatic updates for apps were supported.・ Internet Explorer 11: There is nothing to note about the browser itself, but Windows Phone 8.There are many improvements in 1.Includes the function of tagging the website as a live tile on the home screen, private browsing mode, pre -rendering sites for enhancing performance, and integration of Cortana.

Bad point

Despite the fact that users can customize their home screen, Microsoft has no plans to make individual mobile manufacturers an operating system skin (unique home screen).You can't add a unique interface customized by the manufacturer to the device, like Android, or install your favorite launcher.

This gives users a great customization, and it's hard to say that they have passed the operating system key to developers and manufacturers (and even before the user).Microsoft is still trying to completely control the Windows Phone user interface and experience.

Cortana cannot be launched only with oral voice keys without touching.In recent Android devices (Moto X and Nexus 5, etc.), there are some that can start audio search and device commands without touching the device by speaking "OK Google".But to start searching with Cortana, you need to press the search button or the "microphone" button in the app.

The default e -mail app on Windows Phone is Outlook.Although it is possible to integrate multiple receiving trays and third parties, filtering set in other receiving trays does not apply to Windows Phone e -mail apps.All e -mails are handled uniformly, regardless of how users organize and classify emails in other email accounts.

Nokia's device has two types of map apps on Windows Phone.The first is Microsoft Maps with new peripheral information integration.Microsoft Maps is characterized by the integration of nearby shopping information, improved navigation, and Cortana.The second is the Nokia here map app.It's almost the same, but this is good navigation control.Other mobile operating systems do not include two types of map apps by default.

quiz.Which is nokia here and which is Microsoft Maps?

"Wi-Fi Sense (Wi-Fi detection)" is not a very easy-to-understand function, but it may be quite dangerous.According to Microsoft's explanation, Wi-Fi Sense is "automatically tries to connect to more than 1 million free WiFi spots around the world and all of your friend's WiFi network."

However, not all Wi-Fi hot spots are created in the same way, and some may be malicious.Also, your friend may not want others to use Wi-Fi in your home, which may cause trouble.Windows Phone 8.In 1, various data optimization technology is incorporated to save money plans and improve performance.But Wi-Fi Sense is not a very good idea.

Bad point

First, I want to call this.It is up to Microsoft to continue the "Metro" interface.However, there is a realistic problem that the standard interface for Windows Phone devices has been limited.It restricts customizations, limits the configuration of the app, and limits options.

In the first place, the way of competing with tile -type interfaces alone will limit the popularity of Windows Phone.If you don't like it (this is a completely tasteful problem), you won't like any Windows Phone made by Nokia or other manufacturers.

Microsoft is Windows Phone 8.Although some improvements have been made in 1, that is just a pretty good thing.Did Microsoft learn that when Windows 8 was released (for example, as hiding the desktop and removing the start menu), one standard interface would not be pleased?

If Microsoft skips a tile -type home screen or app option screen/setting screen for more customizable user interfaces, the company provides the same or more experiences as iOS or Android.It will have a great effect to do.

Because Windows Phone 8.Most of the functions of 1 are borrowing and copying from iOS and Android.Cortana is, in a sense, Google Now (some of which are inferior to the winning part) and Siri imitation.The pull -down notification in the Action Center is exactly the same as the Android, and the battery saver and Word Flow are also familiar with Android.Autable updates of apps have been installed in both iOS and Android in mid -2013 or even before.

If so, how about stopping the metro into the Windows Phone and keeping it a unique start menu option?

Ready for Windows Phone extension

Windows Phone 8.1 is working on what Microsoft, developers, and consumers want in mobile operating systems.Considering Microsoft's evolved device strategy with the acquisition of Nokia, the company's latest mobile OS will be an important base for the next step.

Microsoft is confident that the company's Windows Phone devices will be both iOS and Android.For that reason, Microsoft is Windows Phone 8 while maintaining its unique appearance..He managed to raise 1 to the point where rival OSs could not be pulled.Microsoft has been delayed to participate in the mobile world.All efforts you've done to get to this point will need to be used in the future to acquire users.

Windows Phone 8.One developer preview is already available.The download method is described on the developer site.

* This article is reprinted from Readwrite Japan.Click here for the reprint source.

■ Readwrite JAPAN related articles