That means you won’t have to wait for AT&T (or whoever else) to issue your phone update, because they’ll all get them direct from Microsoft at the same time. Patches and upgrades on Microsoft mobiles will start to be applied just like Windows updates are on desktops and laptops.
The aim is to keep everyone on the same page in terms of OS version: It helps protect against fragmentation; it keeps the platform as a whole more secure; and it ensures that Microsoft’s new universal apps format will work smoothly across computers, tablets and smartphones.
The news was buried in an official blog post by Microsoft and spotted by eagle-eyed ZDNet reporters. ZDNet was able to confirm with Microsoft that the update process applies across all business and personal devices, and will be in sync with Windows 10 updates on desktop. Previous upgrades, codenamed Cyan and Denim, have been delayed on certain carriers, and it’s a particular problem in the U.S. market.
When Windows 10 rolls around later this year, the update process should be much smoother. The initial upgrade from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows 10 Mobile will still be handled by the operators, however. So if you’ve got an existing Microsoft-powered handset, you may have to wait a while for your new software to arrive.
For more on the upcoming Windows 10 release, check out our comprehensive portal of articles and updates, which gives you everything you need to know about the software on desktop and mobile.
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