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29 March 2024

Windows 8.1 rolls out in UAE, minus Cortana

Published
By Joseph George
Windows phone users in the UAE will finally be able to update their devices with Microsoft’s latest Windows 8.1 OS during the next few weeks.

The update, however, comes minus one of its most prominent features – the digital voice assistant Cortana.

Microsoft Devices announced that all devices in the Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphone family in the region will receive the new update.

Among the prominent features of the new update are customisable live tiles whereby users can add an additional fourth column – you can even add a customisable background; new camera features; Across devices – a feature that allows the phone to be connected across devices; a new action centre that can be accessed by swiping down from the top of the screen among others.

YouTube video introducing Windows 8.1


Microsoft had earlier announced that Cortana would be rolled out in a phased manner.

Cortana has gained in popularity since it was launched in April and can remind users of flights, appointments, birthdays, routes, or other information and even won accolades for predicting the Fifa World Cup results right.

Fifa World Cup 2014: Microsoft beats Google and Siri in predictions 

Meanwhile, for those who still want Cortana on their devices, all you have to do is to change the language and region settings to English (United States) and reboot the phone.