Another new app introduced today by Microsoft is Wi-Fi Sense, which makes it easier for users to sign into Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi Sense can automatically log you in to free Wi-Fi networks, even if it's got a special portal or requires information like an email address or name. The app can also be used to share your personal protected Wi-Fi network with friends, giving them access to your Internet connection but preventing them from accessing files on your network.
Microsoft has also updated several of its existing apps with the Windows Phone 8.1 update. The Windows Phone Store is getting a makeover with a new Featured tab that can better highlight new apps, a personalized For You recommendation page and new sections for things like Top Free and Top Paid.
Another existing Windows Phone feature that's gaining a new trick in Windows Phone 8.1 is the keyboard. Microsoft is adding WordFlow typing to its keyboard that allows users to slide their finger around to enter letters, similar to the Swype and SwiftKey Flow keyboards that are found on other platforms.
Microsoft has also tweaked Internet Explorer in Windows Phone 8.1. The updated IE 11 browser will gain several new features with the WP8.1 update, including a private browsing mode as well as a new reading mode that'll make it easier to read dense web pages.
Finally, the arrival of Windows Phone 8.1 will also bring Universal Windows Apps. This feature will allow developers to use tools that can create one app that will run on Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 8.1 devices.
So when can you try Windows Phone 8.1 and all of its new features for yourself? Microsoft says that the update will begin rolling out to existing Windows Phone 8 devices in the "next few months." You won't have to wait quite as long if you'd rather treat yourself to a new handset to go along with the new software, because Microsoft expects phones preloaded with WP8.1 to start launching in late April or early May.
