Microsoft has revealed what new features Windows Phone 8.1 will deliver once it finally rolls out to consumers. Though it doesn’t seem like the new version of the OS will bring much, this is a major update since the software was last revamped 18 months ago.

Windows Phone 8.1 delivers Cortana, Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Siri; a new notification center; and more customization features to make home screens stand out.

Developers will be the first to get the new software version as it starts rolling out this week. They can download the update on their Windows Phone 8 now. As for non-developers, they can either wait for their carrier’s over-the-air update, or head to the Windows Phone App Studio site, sign in with their Microsoft account and create a project by signing up for free. Once that’s done, it’s possible to download a special preview app. The special preview app will ask for you to sign in using your Microsoft account to allow the device to detect the Windows Phone 8.1 update.

Windows Phone 8.1 is slated to be released to the general public this April, but one feature will not be available in all regions. Cortana will only be rolled out in US, followed by the UK and China later this year. The rest of the world will have to wait until 2015, which is quite a long time. Microsoft promises a more friendly first-time user experience with Windows Phone 8.1, which the company hopes will entice more users to consider it instead of iOS or Android.

The announcement was made by Joe Belfiore, Microsoft’s corporate vice president and manager for Windows Phone Program Management, on Twitter, enticing developers with a screenshot.

A word of caution

Windows Phone 8 users should be aware that there are limitations that come with updating your phone this way. First off, your device’s warranty will be considered void until your network carrier officially rolls out the Windows Phone 8.1 update and any associated carrier or device customizations.

This means all you’ll get are the features of Windows Phone 8.1, but not those being rolled out by device manufacturers like Nokia or network carriers like AT&T. If you encounter problems with the unofficial update, you will not be able to revert your phone back to the previous software version, which means you’ll be stuck with the buggy software until the official update rolls out. One final reason you might want to hold off on updating their device is that the developer preview of Windows Phone 8.1 will not include the custom lock screen support previewed at Build 2014.

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