Windows Phone 8.1 update 1 leaked: Start screen folders, smart covers, larger displays and more

Microsoft accidentally gave a sneak peek into its first Windows Phone 8.1 update, before it was subsequently taken out. However, Windows watchers such as Paul Thurott , managed to get a glimpse of the update.  

The first update to the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system will include Start screen folders and support for other cosmetic changes, putting it in line with the features offered by Android and iOS.

Folders are an easy and effective way to categorise apps and organise the homescreen. Apple introduced folders way back in 2010 with iOS 4, while Google brought it with the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. However, Windows Phone has never had this feature until the latest update. The folders on Windows Phone 8.1 will work just like folders on iOS and Android, where users can drag an icon over another to create a new folder or add it to an existing folder.

The latest update to the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system will also support smart cases that can have their own displays. Android phones like the LG G2 already come with support for smart cases.

The update will offer mobile phone manufacturers more flexibility with the display. For example, it will support display sizes up to seven inches and higher screen resolutions. Other additions include mixed GSM and CDMA radio support for dual-SIM phones, and voice over LTE (VoLTE) for faster call setup times and improved video call quality.

The Windows Phone 8.1 update will reportedly support OS compression, which will make the system fit more efficiently on low-end devices with just 4GB of built-in storage. This could also mean that the recently announced Lumia 530 might get the update as it comes with 4GB of internal storage.

As expected with OS updates, the 8.1 Update 1 will have bug fixes and other small changes. However, WPCentral said that the listed updates are partial and the full list of updates will be revealed when the update is finally rolled out.