Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 Developer Preview released

Microsoft has released a Developer Preview version of Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, to those who have signed up for the Preview for Developers program. Those who have not signed up for the Developer Preview, can still access Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 by installing it through Microsoft's App Studio program. 

Two separate software versions will be installed, starting with version 8.10.12400.899 which will be followed by version 8.10.14147.180. At the end of both these updates, you will be running Windows Phone 8.1 Updated 1 (aka GDR1).

The GDR1 update to Windows Phone 8.1 brings a few new features and improvements, including the ability to stack your Live Tiles into folders. These Live Folders retain the Live notifications and can be resized to hold more tiles. The update also allows those in India, Australia and Canada to use an alpha version of Cortana. China and the U.K. will have their own beta version of the personal assistant made available. Additionally the update will allow you can merge multiple SMS messages together to forward or delete. You will also be able to customize your alarm's snooze settings.

The Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 (GDR1) will automatically be pushed out to your device if you have signed up for the Developer Preview. If you have not signed up to receive the update, you can expect it to be pushed to you eventually once it has undergone the usual testing. If you have managed to install the update, please leave us a comment and tell us about your experience.