Microsoft unveiled its new Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL last month, and the two devices are the first to feature the very latest version of the OS, Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2. The appearance of that update, known also as "GDR2", led many to wonder if it might make its way to other handsets - a question that the company hasn"t previously addressed.
At the press conference for the UK launch of the two devices today, I asked the company if Update 2 might make its way to other handsets. Microsoft explained that it will come to select devices - including the Lumia 830 and Lumia 735 - but only in certain markets and on certain carriers.
They added that the update is primarily intended to address new US legislation regarding anti-theft protections for mobile devices, so handsets in America are most likely to receive it. However, this does not mean that all US handsets will get the update, and the decision to upgrade particular devices will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Unfortunately, the company was not ready to offer further details on precisely which devices will get Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, or how it will decide which handsets will be upgraded. But from previous discussions with our sources, we understand that getting Update 2 onto devices is not a major focus for the company.
Instead, we"ve been told that Microsoft is focusing primarily on completing the rollout of Update 1 known also as Lumia Denim, before turning its attention to the eventual deployment of Windows 10 for phones later this year.