Microsoft has begun rolling out Lumia Denim and Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 to users but, as is usually the case, it is staggered depending on your location and mobile provider. Newer Lumia’s will have Lumia Denim already and Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 already installed but others will need to install these updates to get the latest-and-greatest on their device.
It is important to draw a distinction however between what Lumia Denim is and what it is not. Hopefully I can clear that up for you and tell you exactly where you can find out when you can expect Lumia Denim to hit your Windows Phone.
Lumia Denim is firmware, the underlying foundation upon which Windows Phone the Operating System resides. It is what provides the APIs and other driver updates that are required for Windows Phone to run on the device. It represents the 4th firmware update from Nokia after Lumia Amber, Lumia Black and Lumia Cyan.
Windows Phone 8.1 is the Operating System that you and I see sitting on top of Denim. The challenge for users is that there has been a lot of
Lumia Denim
mixed messages around this update with some referring to it as the Lumia Denim update. Be clear: Lumia Denim and Windows Phone 8.1 are two distinct things but you must have Denim on your Nokia Lumia Windows Phone in order to run Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1.
Clear as mud? Good!
Be sure to check out my Guide to Lumia Denim to see all of the improvements coming with this new firmware along with the update to Windows Phone 8.1. You can also read my initial impressions of Lumia Denim which I have running on my Lumia 1320.
Now, the biggest question remaining then is when will you get Lumia Denim and Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 on your Lumia Windows Phone? The answer to this question will depend on where you are located in the world and your mobile provider. Microsoft has provided a comprehensive matrix of when you can expect the update depending on these factors. You can find that matrix on this page.
Finally, if your Windows Phone is running Windows Phone 8.1, you will eventually get the Lumia Denim update. It is just a matter of when your carrier gets it out to you. Sorry Verizon customers, that could be a while….
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