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.

[Anonymous]

I don't know whether its misleading, or, incompetance

[Anonymous]

Sigh!

[Chris_K]

Want to clear some things up with everyone and keep you in the picture here.

We/O2 can only release software once the vendor (Microsoft, LG, Samsung, Sony, whoever) sends our device team the update, once we've done necessary testing, and implemented any necessary fixes or network enhancements (for instance). Once that's done, we send this back to the vendor and they then schedule it for launch - usually a week or two afterwards.

As of right now, we have not received any of these Denim/Cortana updates. We are in regular talks with Nokia - they know we want the update, they know you want the update. Remember Microsoft have a market in many countries and each country has several networks - that's a lot of individual updates Microsoft need to worry about. Basically, this isn't an easy or straight forward or simple process and it's possible you may see some delays or discrepancies between different networks/countries releasing their updates for a number of reasons, several of which could be out of Microsofts and/or networks control.

Remember too that Microsoft will often release open market software updates before the networks do. I've checked with our device team and things still appear to be on track for what we hope will be a January launch for many Lumia devices.

Hopefully i'll have more info or an update for you next week. Cortana/Denim is worth the wait and we know you'll love it when it arrives.

[Cleoriff]

Thanks for that update and explanation @Chris_K At least we now know it isn't purely O2's fault  we haven't rolled it out yet...:smileywink:

[Anonymous]

Ok, thanks Chris. But does your maths work for a Jan ok launch - assuming o2 gets it this week/next week and your testers can work on it straight away, and the testing takes a week add in the two weeks for MS to OTA it, that takes us to Feb... And some of us very, very grumpy...

[Cleoriff]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Ok, thanks Chris. But does your maths work for a Jan ok launch - assuming o2 gets it this week/next week and your testers can work on it straight away, and the testing takes a week add in the two weeks for MS to OTA it, that takes us to Feb... And some of us very, very grumpy...

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I think Jan might be expecting a bit too much @Anonymous ....I can't see it being a Jan launch sadly

[Chris_K]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Ok, thanks Chris. But does your maths work for a Jan ok launch - assuming o2 gets it this week/next week and your testers can work on it straight away, and the testing takes a week add in the two weeks for MS to OTA it, that takes us to Feb... And some of us very, very grumpy...

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I understand what you mean - currently we're still looking at the glass as being half full and are still hopeful of seeing the first update(s) roll out before the end of the month, but i'll be sure to keep you updated as and when I find out more.

[ianh]

I don't think any blame should be placed at O2's door for this. I think Microsoft have dragged their heels for far too long on this particular update. I also think they've used Developer Preview as an easy way out of the regular OS updates they've promised since day one of Windows Phone. It feels like they've diverted all the resources into another new version of Windows Phone/Mobile now that 10 is imminent (seems like WP 7 to 7.5 to 8 all over again!).

I love my Lumia 1020 but I'm losing faith with Microsoft. If I liked iOS or Android I'd have jumped ship by now.

If @Chris_K can keep us in the loop (as he appears to be doing) then that's all O2 can do as far as I can see.

We should be badgering Microsoft to pull their finger out and stop being complacent as they've still got a lot of catching up to do.

[Anonymous]

It has been frustrating, I'm guilty of impatience, so ill take on board what Chris is saying. Thanks for your response Chris.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the update, I'm just hoping it finally brings Cortana to my 1020. Though I am annoyed as hell that my 1020 won't be getting any of the camera updates. Sounds like MS/Nokia are cocking around again, but you're doing an admirable job of managing expectations.