# Windows Phone 8.1

> third generation of Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q15282750](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15282750)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Phone_8.1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/windows-phone-8-1

## Summary
Windows Phone 8.1 is the third generation of Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system, released in 2014 as an update to Windows Phone 8. It introduced new features like Cortana, a digital assistant, and improved customization options, aiming to compete with iOS and Android.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: April 14, 2014.
- **Developer**: Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation.
- **Predecessor**: Windows Phone 8 (released October 29, 2012).
- **Successor**: Windows 10 Mobile (released February 12, 2015).
- **Platform**: ARM architecture.
- **Update Method**: Over-the-air updates.
- **License**: End-user license agreement.
- **Notable Devices**: Compatible with Nokia Lumia and Microsoft Lumia smartphones.
- **Programming Languages**: Supports C# and Visual Basic.
- **Sitelink Count**: 24 Wikipedia pages across multiple languages.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Windows Phone 8.1?
A: Windows Phone 8.1 is the third generation of Microsoft's mobile operating system, released in 2014. It introduced features like Cortana and improved customization.

### Q: Who developed Windows Phone 8.1?
A: Microsoft, an American technology corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington.

### Q: What devices run Windows Phone 8.1?
A: It runs on Nokia Lumia and Microsoft Lumia smartphones, including models like the Nokia Lumia 930 and Microsoft Lumia 535.

### Q: What replaced Windows Phone 8.1?
A: Windows 10 Mobile, released in February 2015, succeeded Windows Phone 8.1.

### Q: What are the key features of Windows Phone 8.1?
A: Key features include Cortana (a digital assistant), improved customization, and support for ARM architecture.

## Why It Matters
Windows Phone 8.1 was a significant update in Microsoft's mobile strategy, aiming to bridge the gap between Windows Phone 8 and the future Windows 10 Mobile. It introduced Cortana, Microsoft's digital assistant, which later became a staple in Windows 10. The OS also offered enhanced customization, such as live tiles and a more flexible user interface, making it more competitive against iOS and Android. While it didn't achieve mass-market success, it laid the groundwork for Microsoft's later mobile and desktop integration efforts.

## Notable For
- **Introduction of Cortana**: Microsoft's digital assistant debuted in Windows Phone 8.1.
- **Improved Customization**: Enhanced live tiles and user interface options.
- **ARM Architecture Support**: Optimized for mobile devices.
- **Over-the-Air Updates**: Simplified software updates for users.
- **Bridge to Windows 10 Mobile**: Served as a transitional OS before Windows 10 Mobile.

## Body
### Development and Release
Windows Phone 8.1 was developed by Microsoft and released on April 14, 2014. It was the third major iteration of the Windows Phone operating system, following Windows Phone 8.

### Features and Improvements
- **Cortana**: A digital assistant that provided voice-activated search and task automation.
- **Customization**: Users could resize live tiles and apply more personalized themes.
- **Notification Center**: A new feature that aggregated alerts and quick settings.
- **ARM Architecture**: Optimized for performance on mobile devices.

### Compatible Devices
Windows Phone 8.1 ran on several Nokia and Microsoft Lumia smartphones, including:
- Nokia Lumia 925, 1020, 930, 530, 830
- Microsoft Lumia 535, 532, 435, 640, 540, 430

### Successor
Windows Phone 8.1 was succeeded by Windows 10 Mobile, released in February 2015, which aimed to unify Microsoft's mobile and desktop ecosystems.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Windows Phone 8.1",
  "description": "Third generation of Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system.",
  "url": "http://www.windowsphone.com/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17985",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Phone_8.1"
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  "additionalType": "MobileOperatingSystem"
}

## References

1. Quora