Sunday 13 April 2014

Preview for Developers: All your questions answered

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Last week Microsoft announced the highly anticipated Windows Phone 8.1 in San Francisco. Microsoft also announced that the Preview for Developers Program will go live for 8.1 "sometime in April" (Maybe on 14th April). That program will allow you to install the 8.1 update early on any Windows Phone 8 device. Every. Single. One. We got a handful of questions regarding 'Preview for Developers' program like What is this program? How can you prepare for it before it arrives? If you have these type of questions in your mind then head past below for all the FAQ.

What is 'Preview for Developers' program?

Back in June last year, Microsoft launched a program for Developers and Windows Phone enthusiast. It was released during the Windows Phone 8.0 announcement and many people here on this site were tantalized by the prospect of getting updates earlier and faster than carriers.
As the name suggests, this program is available for Developers so that they can get early access to the new update for their apps but anyone with a Windows Phone 8 device can participate in it.

What will be the fee of this program?

Here, we have a great news for you. This program will cost you extremely low (Better move to $0). Anyone can access this program without paying even a single penny.

Will it run on my ...?

Yes, it will run on any device from Lumia 520 to Lumia 1520 and of course from other manufacturers too like Samsung and HTC.  You can use Preview for developers on all of the WP8 devices and get all the same features, even Cortana. Cortana is only available in the US? Change your region or just use the default Bing search like now.

Will this void Warranty of my device?

It depends. It’s actually up to your carrier or the manufacturer who made your phone. To be honest, we don’t have much to go on here because we have had no reports come in to serve as a test case. As far as we know, no one’s phone has been damaged enough to warrant this action. Even still, you do have the Microsoft support forums should any problems arise. Likewise, Nokia is pretty darn good for service.

Keep in mind, once the “official” update goes out, your phone will look the same as someone who just waited for the update, meaning it will be impossible to tell it from any off-the-shelf phone with 8.1 installed. All phones are equal, post official update.

Will this erase data from my device?

No, this will not erase anything from your device. It will work just like a normal OTA update and will only refresh the OS. Your apps, games, contacts, photos and even settings should remain the same. This will not wipe your phone.

What will happen when WP8.1 officially rolls out?

Basically, nothing. Nothing in the good sense. Your phone will get the same update, but unless the OS is different, the only thing that will be updated is your firmware. After the update, you’ll be on the same page as everyone else.

When will we get WP8.1 Developers Preview?

Microsoft has not announced a specific date, just a timeframe of April. All we can say: pay attention to our site as we’ll be the first to tell you when it is live.

Once it’s live, you head into your device Settings > Phone Update > Check for updates. The OS update will begin downloading immediately, and the program will walk you through the process (note: it’s the same process as every other Windows Phone over-the-air update).

You’ll want to have a battery with at least 50% charge and have access to Wi-Fi, as OS updates can be large – too large for some carriers. Also, you should have at least 1 GB of storage space available, as that update has to be downloaded and unpacked somewhere!

How to signup for the program?

So after learning everything about the update, you all may have a question, how to signup for early access of WP8.1? Here goes the answer in brief steps.
If you are a developer then skip these steps and just download the app(link below). For normal users follow the steps.
  1. Sign sign up for Microsoft’s App Studio: appstudio.windowsphone.com (Cost $0).
  2. Now Download Preview for Developers app here in the Windows Phone Store.
  3. Run the app
  4. Sign in with the same Microsoft ID you registered with App Studio 
  5. Check the box that says ‘Enable Preview for Developers’. (Likewise, you can always uncheck that box and unregister that device).
Hope this quick guide helps. Prepare now so you’ll be ready whenever Microsoft throws the switch!
If you have any more queries then comment them below. We will answer them too.

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