Microsoft WP8.1 Insider: System, Application, Cortana

Computer Store News: Microsoft Joe Belfiore conducted a question-and-answer session on Reddit on Friday, answering a large number of Windows Phone 8.1 questions from users. Includes changes in the system, new system features, settings, Cortana, other applications, and more. The following is the finishing of the Q&A:

Windows Phone 8.1 System

Q: What is the change in social integration of Windows Phone 8.1?

A: When we have Facebook and other social network integration, there are two major problems: 1) the lack of some features, such as praise; 2) the lack of rapid internationalization, lack of support from other social networks. In WP 8.1, Microsoft decided to adopt an application-driven model to provide social integration, social networking can be integrated through applications, functionality is also provided by applications, and the “Deep Users” mechanism that can interact with users.

Q: Why did the photos Hub change so much?

A: Because according to our telemetry data, users who open Photos Hub clicks on the most local photos & ndash; only 0.5% of clicks are third-party applications, WP8.1 The redesign is to put the most commonly used functions in a prominent position based on the user's frequency of use, leaving other functions in other locations.

Q: Is there a lot of problems with WP8.1?

A: WP8.1 developer preview and informal version, client software repair is still under development, and the update will also have mobile phone firmware from OEM. And the service (Cortana) will also improve. Therefore, the WP8.1 system will be more complete when it is officially updated to push or purchase new phones.

As for the time, there is no specific date to disclose, but different operators of different mobile phones have different push plans, please refer to the update push of last year.

Q: Why are some features removed in Windows Phone 8?

A: FM Radio (FM Radio) was not released when WP8 was launched. It was because the underlying system was migrated to the NT kernel at the time. We did not complete the development of FM Radio. This may have disappointed some WP7.5 users, but sometimes we need to make some compromises on functionality and time when technology changes, and technical changes are not easy to see, but valuable.

Q: Why is the setting interface so messy?

A: I agree that there is room for improvement & ndash; currently we try to sort according to the frequency of use. But this is complicated because everyone is different. The Action Center shortcut button may be helpful & ndash; in addition, we receive more button feedback, such as data network switches. I am optimistic about adding more buttons, but there is no guarantee.

Q: What is the time difference between the announcement of the system and the release of the product?

A: The time difference is very complicated. This is determined by what is leaked (unavoidable, and the leaked thing may still be announced for a long time). When we announced, we needed to balance the early announcements (more suitable for independent developers) and wait for announcements near the release (users can go to the store to experience the new machine after learning something new).

We tried to do better, WP8.1 was announced for developers, and a developer preview was launched a few days later. We look forward to maintaining the WP update rhythm & ndash last year; last year we launched 3 software updates, and we are already developing something you will like.

In terms of hardware, this is more complicated. Different companies need to synchronize their progress with us. As for Nokia phones, the acquisition will help speed time to market … … you have already seen the announcement of the new phone when the WP8.1 is announced. I can't reveal other new phones, but Nokia and other partners are already developing new phones.

We will also help hardware manufacturers launch new phones faster. At Build, we have already demonstrated some prototype devices in the Indian and Chinese markets, and mobile phone manufacturers have only completed it in a few months.

Q: Why is the developer preview plan coming so late?

A: Last summer we announced that developers (including enthusiasts) can get WP updates in advance, independent of the carrier's approved push process. But it took more time, because of two points, one is that we need to design and develop this plan, and the other is that the previous WP update last year did not have much value for early use.

But last year's Update 3 update not only had some new features (such as screen rotation lock, driving mode, storage-aware update), but we also need to implement a complete system for the WP8.1 developer preview program. test.

Q: The multitasking is bad.

A: Multitasking is a classic design problem of "finding balance". What we try to do is to (1) ensure that users get excellent and predictable battery life, and (2) applications can provide powerful features.

The biggest killer of battery life is the background process of running out of control, probably because of a bug, any application may appear. To achieve (1), we limit the possibility of applying "out of control" to replace them as much as possible. With this design in mind, we improve the multitasking mechanism every time we update the system.

Q: How do you work across departments?

A: We spend a lot of time working with colleagues in other departments. I have regular one-on-one meetings with the Office, Skype, and Xbox departments. Our team also has a long-term collaborative review process at each milestone, and we also use other products in depth.

Windows Phone 8.1 Cortana

Q: Why does Cortana need to open the location?

A: We want Cortana to provide a complete experience, and Cortana provides a rich inference by correlating different signals and content (user authorized Cortana access). For example, after visiting a location, Cortana can find out where you live, where you work, and, based on the inference, provide directions before or after work. If there is no location, a lot of usage scenarios can't be used, and some key questions can't be answered. For example, remind me to dump garbage at home and tell me the delicious restaurant nearby.

Our current view, Cortana without location will feel "restricted", we don't want to develop a fragmented experience & ndash; some features can be used, but others can't be used, depending on whether you turn it on position. Part of the reason is that because Cortana is completely new, we hope she has a good reputation and is good for competing with her opponents. In the future, we may make her more flexible, but at present we are based on consistency quality.

Today Microsoft also opened CORTANA.USERVOICE.COM and can submit your feedback.

Q: Do you realize that Cortana only supports the limitations of the United States?

A: We are indeed bringing Cortana to other countries. We have announced that we will support two new countries, China and the UK, after Beta. We also want to quickly launch other English-speaking countries (such as Canada and Australia). The challenge is to provide each user with a great Cortana experience & ndash; not only excellent speech recognition, but also a great localization experience, including localized content.

Q: Will Cortana land on the Windows 8 platform?

A: There is no announcement now, but Cortana tells us that she is a PC fan.

Windows Phone 8.1 Application

Q: Will the Windows team port the alarm clock, calculator, and recorder on their platform to WP8.1?

A: More is developed by ourselves. But as we develop our applications, we encourage you to participate in Reddit, where developers will find inspiration for developing applications.

Q: Why are games in Windows Phone 8.1 listed in the app list?

A: We call this the "45/55 function", that is, the two functional designs have close support. Microsoft chose to list the game on the app list because new users often find it difficult to find games in usability testing. We are considering offering switch options in the future, but this is still being explored.

Q: Xbox Music?

A: We try to balance: 1) super value Xbox Music Pass subscribers, 2) other non-subscribers, just use music. So we developed a cross-PC, Xbox and mobile experience, with a service-driven (cloud music library) … … but at the same time the file manager manually sync content or iTunes and cloud music design is full of challenges.

We gave up the PC Zune software and hoped to provide functionality in a way that is familiar to mobile phone users. We understand that users are seeing Zune software as a hindrance when they get a new phone. Therefore, the new approach will be more suitable for these users.

The new experience of the WP8.1 Developer Preview will apply to users who are "normally loaded" (via file manager) and "cloud priority" multi-device users. The new Xbox Music has been re-architected for both uses, and we're rolling out as a stand-alone application and guaranteeing regular updates in the next few months.

As predicted, Xbox Music will have performance improvements, stability improvements, UI improvements, and more. A lot of improvements are already under development.

Q: Some applications are not updated for many years, and some application updates are also behind the iOS/Android version.

A: Basically, this (application development) is the commercial decision of the developer, which is about how to make the most money … & hellip; WP is developing, and Microsoft continues to invest time and time in applications and platforms. money. More apps will appear.

But the current position of the mobile platform is a bit more difficult for developers to get, but in recent years the situation has improved (such as Instagram). Our current main task is to get more popular apps & ndash; recently we have also begun to emphasize the quality improvement of existing apps.

Q: Skype and Facebook apps?

A: As for Skype, the new version is still under development, and the internal use has begun, and the performance has improved. Facebook also has updates, which are expected to be released in June, with performance improvements, full-size images in the list of new things, and simultaneous viewing of photos and comments.

Q: When does the official Google app log in to Windows Phone?

A: We think we have an excellent Windows Phone platform, and we are looking forward to the official Google application. These applications are also at the forefront of the "Wish List" list, and we are also investing in, such as the YouTube app. But unfortunately, these apps are Google, I don't know when they will change the strategy, only the friends of Mountain View know. You can always remind them.

Q: Will Snapchat be on Windows Phone?

A: Yes, I am talking.