Microsoft bypasses carriers to deliver early Windows Phone updates

Microsoft may have only just announced Windows Phone 8 Update 3, but the company plans to start delivering it to developers later today. After over a year in the making, Microsoft is finally launching its Windows Phone Preview for developers. The program will provide registered developers with early access to Windows Phone 8 updates, bypassing the complex and lengthy carrier testing process. Microsoft is specifically targeting developers with this program, but for $19 a year any Windows Phone 8 user can sign up and get early access to updates. Even registered Windows Phone App Studio developers will be able to get early access.

Windows Phone 8 users that are registered developers or have a developer-unlocked device will be able to download a Windows Phone Preview for Developers app that enables the early access to updates. There are no restrictions on phone type, only that existing Windows Phone 8 handsets have General Distribution Release 2 (GDR2) installed in order to upgrade to Windows Phone 8 Update 3. After the special app is installed, phones will then update through the normal software update process. While this is the quickest way to access updates, and is similar to how Apple provides early access to iOS developers, Microsoft warns it may void any warranty with a mobile operator or device manufacturer.

YOU MAY HAVE TO TRADE YOUR WARRANTY FOR EARLY UPDATES

If a Windows Phone user opts to install the pre-release updates then they’ll have to wait until the update is released publicly to be in a “released state” as there’s no way to restore back to an older version of Windows Phone 8. The pre-release updates only contain Microsoft’s portion of the update, and the software maker isn’t rolling out any firmware or driver changes alongside its own OS update. Today’s update will bring 1080p display support for unreleased devices, rotation lock, a new Driving Mode, and much more.

Microsoft isn’t detailing how it plans to handle future updates through the Windows Phone Preview program, but it’s possible the company may take an Apple approach and place developers under NDA to provide early access to upcoming updates. Today’s announcement is focused on allowing developers to test apps on real devices ahead of the OS update roll out over the coming weeks. It also provides Microsoft with a way to address the growing frustration over carrier delayed Windows Phone updates. Enthusiasts now have a way to update their handsets before AT&T and others have finished testing the software. It’s a win win for both developers and Windows Phone users.

Yep, That’s Really Apple CEO Tim Cook On Twitter

Yes, Apple CEO Tim Cook has started tweeting. The account, which we at TechCrunch (and everyone else following Twitter’s magical recommendations service @MagicRecs) spotted this afternoon, is now confirmed by Twitter. Initially, it did not have the standard blue “verification” check mark, which is why there could have been some doubt — high-profile individuals often see fake accounts spring up claiming to be the person in question.

But Tim Cook’s account appeared to be the real deal, especially since Apple’s SVP of worldwide marketing Philip Schiller, who does have a verified account on Twitter, retweeted him.

Cook identified himself on the service as “CEO Apple,” a “Fan of Auburn football and Duke basketball,” and being from “Cupertino.” At the time of writing, Cook’s account has more than 30,000 followers. The account was originally created in July 2013.

As to Cook’s first tweet? It’s just a mention that he was greeting customers at Apple’s Palo Alto retail stores today, which had been reported earlier by a number of news outlets. (Schiller and SVP Eddie Cue were there as well, giving further credence to the tweet’s veracity, ahead of the official confirmation.)

Of course, news of Cook’s newfound fondness for Twitter comes as the company is launching a series of new iPhones, with the candy-colored iPhone 5c models aiming at affordability, and the faster, fingerprint ID-laden iPhone 5s models, including the popular “golden” iPhone, attracting Apple’s more high-end customers.

Apple has historically held a close relationship with Twitter over the years, too. It went with Twitter as the main third-party authentication and sharing service in iOS 5, and didn’t get around to integrating Facebook until iOS 6. Now, in iOS 7, the integration between the two companies continues. Apple’s assistant Siri can search Twitter for tweets about people or topics. Its web browser, Safari, incorporates something called “Shared Links” to highlight news that’s making the rounds on Twitter’s network, and the Music app will display songs trending on Twitter through the Twitter #music station on iOS 7′s iTunes Radio.

Cook’s Twitter account isn’t the only new account to come out of Apple this week: It also launched the Twitter account @iTunes to accompany iOS 7′s launch, and its latest tweet is even showing up as “Promoted” (i.e. a Twitter ad).

Apple releases iOS 7, now available for all to download.

Just as promised, Apple on Wednesday released the final version of its brand new iOS 7 operating system to the public. The new mobile software is available immediately for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPad (third and fourth generations), iPad 2, iPad mini and iPod touch (fifth generation). We called iOS 7 a major renovation that for the most part lacked real innovation when we previewed the software back in June. In our full iOS 7 review earlier this week, however, we explained why that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

 

UPDATE: iOS 7.0.1 has already been released for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, according to 9to5Mac. The update fixes a Touch ID bug and users will be prompted to update as soon as they receive their new devices.

iOS 7 represents the biggest overhaul to Apple’s massively popular mobile operating system since it debuted in 2007, and now it’s finally available to the public. It also lays the groundwork for some real innovation in future iOS versions, and many will be waiting anxiously to be wowed by more than just a new design in iOS 8 next year.

Last year when Apple released iOS 6, more than 100 million people installed the update within its first week of availability. As such, patience will likely be a virtue since Apple’s servers will undoubtedly be hammered in the hours and days to come as people seek out the latest and greatest Apple has to offer.

Some key features in Apple’s new iOS 7 software include the redesigned Notification Center, the brand new Control Center that provides quick access to various apps and settings, a new app switcher interface, AirDrop file-sharing, iTunes Radio and of course a fresh new look that users seem to prefer by a wide margin over iOS’s old interface.

The brand new iOS 7 update can be installed over the air (OTA) by opening the Settings app on your device and tapping on General > Software Update and following the on-screen instructions. iOS 7 can also be downloaded shortly via iTunes, and it requires Apple’s newly released iTunes 11.1 update in order to install. iTunes 11 can be download from Apple’s website.

Be sure to check out our full review of iOS 7, which can be found here.