Update is NOW available as of 1 pm ET!
Verizon is, ironically, ahead of many US carriers when it comes to pushing out Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1. The Samsung ATIV SE, an admittedly beautiful and well-crafted Windows Phone is now on the stage to get the update too.
The Samsung ATIV SE launched with little fanfare in April of 2014 for Verizon Wireless. Featuring a 5-inch 1080p display the phone look built for Windows Phone 8.1. However, Samsung never delivered a proper 8.1 update, so instead the phone still rocks Windows Phone 8.0 Build 10532 (Update 3) making it feel quite antiquated.
Verizon has officially approved the Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 today, March 2, 2015. The carrier has posted a PDF detailing the massive OS upgrade, and it looks to breathe new life into what is otherwise fantastic hardware. (The ATIV SE, like other Samsung phones, experienced some issues running the 8.1 Preview for Developers updates without accompanying firmware).
The forthcoming update brings the firmware up to 2218.14.12.1 for the ATIV SE, along with a bevy of new features, including:
- Cortana
- Translucent tiles + background
- Word Flow keyboard
- Action and notification center
- Custom volume levels
- Screen projection
- Internet Explorer 11
- Sense Apps: Wi-Fi Sense, Battery Saver, Data Sense, Storage Sense
- App folders on the Start screen
- New ATIV Camera replaces the Shooting Mode app, bringing you a full-featured camera experience with improved interface and expanded shooting modes
Many of those features have been around for so long, it is hard to imagine the ATIV SE without them already, making this a momentous update.
We should caution that the update is not yet available.
Microsoft usually throws the switch for updates at 1 pm ET (11 am PT), and that may happen today or later this week. We will update this story accordingly if the update goes live.
If you need help or would like to discuss the update, head into our ATIV SE forums, where others are gearing up!
Source: Verizon (PDF); Thanks, robnhl, for the tip!
