HTC 8X Gets First Windows Phone 8 OTA Update, Brings Always-On WiFi
This is a pretty big moment for Windows Phone and Microsoft, as the first over-the-air (OTA) update is currently being delivered to the international Windows Phone 8X by HTC. Previously, updates to Windows Phone have required the device to be tethered to Zune software on a computer, but one of the new features of Windows Phone 8 allows untethered and far easier OTA updates on the device itself.
The update, currently exclusive to the HTC 8X handset, ups the device’s build number from 9905 to 10211, delivering a range of bug fixes designed to fix reported instances of Windows Phone 8 handsets spontaneously rebooting – a serious flaw that could harm Microsoft’s chances of breaking into the smartphone market, despite Google’s latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system having a few similar issues of its own.
In addition to software tweaks designed to make the handset more reliable, the HTC 8X’s update also brings support for a new setting that forces the phone’s wireless connectivity to remain active at all times – even with the handset’s screen is off. With the setting active, users may find battery life increased in areas where mobile signal is weak but Wi-Fi signal is strong, and will reduce their data usage on metered contracts.
