The biggest advantage of Windows Phone devices above their Android counterparts is the promise of guaranteed regular software updates and looks like the same is turning true for the two year old Ativ S. The Ativ S users in Italy and Germany are reporting that they are getting notified to perform the Windows Phone 8.1 OTA software update. Furthermore, Samsung has confirmed that this update is being rolled out for contract-free Ativ S units which were sold in Italy. We assume that the same update will roll out to more Ativ S devices in other European countries, though it might take a while before it hits your devices.
Apart from improved performance and battery life, the Windows Phone 8.1 update brings new features to the Ativ S such as Action Centre, Cortana, screen sharing (wired), and a new swipe-enabled keyboard with word predictions. The Start screen can now be customised with custom backgrounds along with an extra column to add more tiles and an ability create Live Folders. This update also provides separate volume levels for ringtones and media playback. Other stock applications such as Camera, Contacts, Dialler, and Internet Explorer have also been improved.