Microsoft has recently released an update for Windows phones that promises to take care of previous issues that users had with the platform. Moreover, the company has announced that the 8.1 update is free for all Windows Phone 8 smartphones, adding a notification center, a personal assistant that rivals Apple's Siri, and new home screen options.

The exact date when one can get the free update is up to the smartphone manufacturer. Microsoft stated, "The distribution of these incremental updates may be controlled by the mobile phone operator or the phone manufacturer from which you purchased your phone, and installation will require that your phone have any prior updates. Update capability will also vary by country, region, and hardware capabilities."

The OS update has stunning features, including its new digital personal assistant, Cortana, which was inspired by a 'Halo' character. It is reported that Cortana works very similarly to Siri. The difference is that one can ask for things in natural language, rather than keeping in mind the set phrases used for the Apple personal assistant.

Cortana can set alarms, make calls, send text messages, give directions, play music, and even find local restaurants. In a noisy location, there is the option of typing the request to Cortana, and the digital personal assistant responds by relaying the information on the phone's screen.

A much-requested feature from Windows phone users is the notification center, which comes with the 8.1 update. With a downward swipe on the phone's screen, one may view notifications such as text messages, emails, and notifications from apps such as Facebook and Twitter.

Windows 8.1 Update has been rolled out to existing Windows 8 users during the first two weeks of July. Microsoft has given the new OS an end date of July 11, 2017, which is when it plans to stop supporting the software.