We saw quite a few AT&T Windows Phone handsets get their Lumia Black updates during the month of January, including the Lumia 920, 925 and 1020. Today another Windows Phone device is getting its own helping of Lumia Black, but this time around it's a CDMA device that's receiving the update.
Several owners of the Nokia Lumia 928 on Verizon report that they've successfully downloaded and installed the Lumia Black update this evening. Neither Nokia nor Verizon have made any official announcements regarding the rollout, but Verizon's Lumia 928 support page did feature a changelog that included Lumia Black features, including Driving Mode and the ability to close apps running in the background. However, that changelog was recently yanked and replaced with information on a previous Lumia 928 update.
That changelog switch isn't the only strange thing that's happening with this Lumia Black update. While many Lumia 928 owners report that they've successfully installed the update, they're unable to download Lumia Black-specific apps like Nokia Beamer and Nokia Storyteller. Instead of getting a shiny new app, users are greeted with an error message that says that they need the Lumia Black update in order to install the app.
Nokia's official U.S. support team has been made aware of the issues surrounding the Lumia 928's update, but so far it appears that they're just as in the dark as we are. In response to user questions, the support team said that it will look into the issue and share more information when it can.
While it's kind of strange that Lumia 928 owners aren't able to download Black-specific apps after installing this update, there is some good news to share as well: Users that already have Lumia Black up and running on their 928s report that their devices feel snappier post-installation. If you're a 928 owner, that's probably reason enough to seek out the Lumia Black update as soon as possible, despite the fact Beamer and Storyteller aren't available quite yet.
Lumia 928 owners that want to experience that snappiness for themselves can check for this new update manually by heading into Settings > Phone Update > Check for Update > Download. Be sure to keep a browser tab locked to PhoneDog while you update, though, because I'll be updating the site with more details concerning the Lumia 928's update and its app install issues just as soon as they're available.
KEY DEVICE ENHANCEMENTS
- Driving mode turns off all device notifications with the option of setting text and phone calls to on while connected to a handsfree Bluetooth accessory
- Windows Phone now supports new accessibility features to assist people by reading information that’s on their screen including text and controls for phone calls, messaging, email, contacts and more
- BING applications are now supported (includes BING Finance, News, Sports and Weather)
- App comes pre-loaded for new users
- App is accessible for download via Windows Phone Store for existing users
- Multitasking capabilities have been enhanced
- Press and hold the back key to open a list of recently accessed apps
- Select an app to reopen it, and tap the X to close it
- Lock screen to portrait or landscape layout with Screen Orientation Lock
HERE TRANSIT
- Use public transportation more effectively
- Compare routes, departure/arrival times and get walking directions
- Find nearby stations with just one tap
- Get upcoming station names and details so you never miss a stop
- Access your past trip details and favorite travels with one swipe
NOKIA CAMERA APP
- Combines features from Nokia’s Pro Cam with Smart Cam into one app
- Offers additional features including quick access for modes like Best Shot, Action Shot, Motion Focus, Remove Moving Objects, Change Faces.
- Manual mode lets you adjust settings like white balance, focus, ISO, shutter speed, exposure
NOKIA MIXRADIO
- Updated version offers the following new features:
- ‘Like’ your favorite artists
- Be the first to hear about their new gigs and releases
- Notifications appear in the app, on Live Tiles and Lock Screen
- Simplified UI for easier navigation between MixRadio and My Music
- Access to Store and Gigs through a Combined Search page
- Personalize your music mix based on listening history with‘Play Me’
- Share tracks and stations on social networks
HERE DRIVE
- Updated version offers enhanced app usability and stability improvements as well as these features:
- Turn-by-turn, voice-guided navigation in 95 countries (works offline)
- 87 free voice-guidance options for download
- 28 options for spoken street names in preferred language
- Drive safer with audible speed limit warnings
- Personalized commute assistance in 26 countries with My Commute
- Stay up-to-date on current traffic conditions with Traffic ViewNew interactive compass offers ‘North Up’ perspective
- Customizable route settings
- Automatic Day/Night mode for optimum visibility
- Find restaurants, gas stations and shops on the map with POI layers
- Learn the speed limits for the road your on with just one tap
HERE MAPS
- Updated version offers the following new features:
- Organize your Favorites into Groups, sync them across your device and at here.com
- Directions available for driving, pedestrian and public transportation
- See what’s around you with LiveSight
- View public transit stations and available lines for easy traveling
- Pull up directions fast by tapping on a place of interest
- Explore venues, like shopping malls, in 45 countries
- Switch to HERE Drive or HERE Transit
- Discover the top 25 places around you
- Pin LiveSight, places, categories and destinations to Start screen
- Offline access to maps and directions fast
- Get directions whether you’re driving, walking or using public transit
GLANCE
- Updated version offers the following new features:
- Offers image background support with color options for Sleep mode
- Notification support for the existing lock-screen
NOKIA STORYTELLER
- Quickest way to share your pictures on Facebook and Twitter
- Personalize the photo experience by adding interactivity
- Create clusters of stories for easy navigation to past memories
Via WPCentral, Verizon Wireless