Microsoft has announced that the long-anticipated Windows Phone 8.1 update is now being rolled out for registered developers around the globe.

Aimed at both unifying and simplifying the Windows Phone experience for users, 8.1 brings improvements to notifications and wi-fi setups along with Cortana, the voice-activated personal assistant introduced as an answer to Apple’s Siri.

The notification improvements in Windows Phone 8.1 follow Android (and iOS 6+’s) lead with a pull-down "window shade" menu dubbed the Action Center.

This customisable screen allows users to add shortcuts to frequently used actions and settings while notifications will be displayed beneath.

Put it to the test

Microsoft notes that the early deployment of 8.1 for developers is designed so they can have “everything [they] need to get started building for Windows Phone 8.1” while testing Windows Phone and universal Windows apps for mobile devices.

Those devs interested in diving in early can download the app and opt into the Windows Phone Preview for Developers program.

If you’ve already opted your test phone in, just head over to your phone’s settings and check for an update.

[source: Microsoft]