Denim/GDR1 for Nokia Lumia - Update

[Chris_K]

Hi all,

There have many many discussions and comments here on the community about the status of this update. We've also received tweets and Facebook messages - so we know as ever, this is a highly anticipated update that all of you are waiting anxiously to receive. And we can see why - Cortana herself is worthy of an update like this.

We understand waiting for these updates can be frustrating, but with so many Lumia devices out there, it's understandably going to take Microsoft some time to ensure these updates offer a smooth and enjoyable experience for all customers.

15th Jan 2015 Update
Today, we have approved the latest Denim update for the following Lumia models:
520, 620, 625, 720 and 1320

These updates now sit with Microsoft to schedule and launch to customers. Just to ensure you're 100% in the picture here - the testing and approval process for the above devices is now complete on our end. We are in talks with Microsoft to get a more accurate ETA for release and we do still expect this to be this month, but as and when we receive any confirmations or updates i'll be sure to keep everyone updated here.

What about the others?
We understand the frustration if you have a handset other than the 5 mentioned above, but we assure you we'll work as best we can to test and approve other Denim updates as and when they reach us - that is to confirm that we have not yet received updates for any other Lumia (other than those above) to test. Again, i'll keep you updated as and when we receive other updates for testing.

19th Jan 2015 Update
What models are getting the 'full treatment' and which are just OS updates?
For the updates we have approved and sent back to Microsoft so far - that's the 520, 620, 625, 720 and 1320 - these are the newest updates to the Windows Phone operating system. They do not contain the full range of firmware updates such as the camera improvements that Denim is known for.

What updates are you waiting to receive for testing?
Okay... Deep breath! 530, 630, 635, 735, 820, 830, 920, 925, 930, 1020 & 1520

Will those be the full Denim updates?
Mostly yes, with the exception of the 820 & 920 which will receive a similar OS update to the aforementioned models.

When will you get them and when will we get to download it?
We don't currently have any ETA for receiving these from Microsoft but we'll be sure to keep you updated as and when that changes. Once we have approved the updates, we'll send them back to Microsoft to schedule it for release to customers - this typically takes 1-2 weeks after we approve.

Last words
I know waiting for these updates can be frustrating. I'd like to emphasise that we're sorting the testing out as soon as we get updates and sending them back for release - we're absolutely on the ball with these updates and will do everything we can to limit the time it will take for you to receive this, but some of the process is outside our control (eg, the update being scheduled for release to customers) and we'll do all we can to keep you in the loop.

3rd Feb Update
Denim for the 635 and 1520 are out now. Please see below for info relating to the 930 update

We’re trying to get the updates out sooner by streamlining the test and approval process. As a result, we are trusting Microsoft to test the O2 software updates for us and provide the results of the tests for us to approve, rather than us testing it, releasing back, and waiting for it to be pushed. In the case of the Lumia 930, the Cortana issue was missed by Microsoft, so we will be working together to improve the process for future updates.

Microsoft have identified the issue and have fixed it - as a result, the previous 930 update has been put on hold until it's replaced with the fixed update which we hope will go out soon, though no ETA has been provided.

6th Feb Update
Hi all, just a quick update with regards to the fixed 930 update. We've been given the heads up from Microsoft that this is scheduled to start pushing out from 6pm tonight (Friday 6th Feb). If you don't see the update immediately then don't worry - in case their servers are a bit busy, we'd suggest trying again a few hours later should you encounter any issues.

11th Feb Update

Hi everyone, just another update to let you know that the Denim update for the Lumia 925 and 1020 will be going live tonight! I know owners of these devices will be keen to update quickly so please do let us know how you get on.
Other Lumia owners... I know the wait is excruciating but hopefully not long before yours is made live too.

7th March Update

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know that the Denim update for the Lumia 530 and 735 are now available OTA, and this should conclude all O2 devices now having Denim available to them. I know it's been a frustrating wait for many but we've done all we could to streamline the process and we're pleased the updates are now all readily available.

[MI5]

You need to ask MS and Voda that question but I assume there is some commercial agreement in place?

[Anonymous]

No, I'm asking o2 who have said they're in the same situation as all of the other companies...

[Chris_K]

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@MI5 wrote:
Chris will give you the official company line on that.....

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Sorry MI5, not sure what you mean - line on what?

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@Anonymous wrote:
Hi, Vodafone seems to have released it for 1520... Why are they getting preferential treatment?

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I'm afraid that's not something we can answer - if that's true, we're not sure how or why that happened as we believed all networks to be in similar positions with this update.

[Anonymous]

Hi Chris,

It's even showing on the ms update availability page as the Vodafone 1520 should've got denim... Suggest o2 has blunt conversations with ms...

[Beenherebefore]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Vodafone seems to have released it for 1520

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I seem to have spotted a problem......?

[Anonymous]

The company I work for are (sadly) on Vodafone and all the sales people have 1520's and they are in the process of installing Denim as we speak.  No developer preview or anything odd, just good old legit update.

Have O2 perhaps upset MS or simply has the ball been dropped?

@Chris_K  Have a competitor pipped you to the post here?

[Daddydoink]

Hello @Chris_K - I have been in a bit of a discussion with a colleague in Microsoft, formerly of a major network who has advised me that all of the Denim update should be with operators.  This leads me to the following conclusions that:

1. O2 has genuinely not received the updates, in which case it should publically be asking why not; or
2. O2 has it and you have been mislead by others, which should mean an apology to customers and a bit of focus;

I don't think you have been actively misleading us - I wish to make that clear as I have always observed a tremendous relationship between you and this community.  I am not sure if some of the other teams are taking this just as seriously.  I want to take the benefits of a Microsoft Device that your network sold to me as part of a contract.  I want to take the benefits of the O2 network.  I feel that at the moment, O2 is not delivering that.  

Other customers are also showing disquiet at this situation - can it be remedied before unrepairable damage is done?

[Anonymous]

I'm still at a loss as to why the carriers have to stick their oar into the update process anyway. Apple avoid such meddling and aside from breaking a few handsets with dodgy updates they've not brought an entire network down. Indeed, I've used an unlocked, unbranded handset with an o2 sim and I'm unaware of any mobile masts that have spontaneously combusted as a result.

If I'm over simplifying things via my flippancy I'm more than happy to be educated on such things. As it stands though I'm just as frustrated that am update announced over six months ago and what I bought a 930 especially for (more fool me) is yet to materialise.

[Anonymous]

Yes it has been some time since Cortana, & the Denim update was announced, no definite answers, only the devices mentioned that are getting the Denim update. Would have thought that a big company like O2, would have one of the Senior Managemnt Team, to explain to its customers, precisely what is going on. Seems that, reading other customers views, O2 are either not happy with Microsoft,  or,vice versa. O2 & Microsoft need to move towards addressing issues that totally upset & make customers annoyed. If this uncertainty goes on, well?, Customers will think very hard, on who to trust, & that can be bad for both businesses.

[Anonymous]

I fail to understand why Vodafone can have Denim available on 1520 but not O2. 

http://www.microsoft.com/en/mobile/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/availability-in-europ...

(link clearly lists Vodafone as having Denim on the 1520 - and its from Microsoft so its official that Vodafone has it) - whats actually wrong O2?  Are you saying that Microsoft "forgot" to issue you with the update for the 1520, but gave it to you for the other phones?  Really?  I understand that there are added features on the 1520 etc the that the lower end phones dont have, but seriously?

Heres a weird idea - I pay you guys every month, why not take some of the money I give you and actually pay someone for 10 minutes to phone Microsoft and ask them when you are going to get the update?  I mean really - you have no employees that are able to do that and you cant spare any of the money I pay to make it happen?

If Three or Sky does buy O2 / merge with O2 - I wonder if the service will improve?  But then one has to wonder why a booming business's owner is (Telefonica) is looking to get rid of O2 in the UK?

Here's another idea - listen to your customers....  Or they tend to leave.