As mentioned already, the Siri version of Microsoft has come out by the name of Cortana, which is pretty decent in performance. The voice recognition is good, and support in different areas is always beneficial. Though not quite close to the Google Now, it does function similar to Siri, recognizing audio commands and questions, providing voice feedback. The Cortana needs to be personalized initially to work better, with settings labeled Notebook segmented into Interests, Reminders, Quiet Hours, Inner Circle, Places and Music Searches. Cortana can help track news, plan trips, finds restaurants among other things. Reminders are included, so you do not forget important meetings, reminding anything when calling a specific contact the next time. Places and important people are also remembered. Of course, the basic cell phone functions like testing, calling, appointments management, note taking, alarm setting, music play, navigation and searches can be done too, and toggling between settings, and answers to simple questions, traffic status, delays in bus or trains, etc. Cortana can also, on your behalf, make third party apps do actions, like calling a contact via Skype – currently, only Skype, Facebook and Twitter support this, but more are sure to follow.
The People Hub app is present with this release of Windows 8.1, and instantly a hit, with a one-page social communication center with contacts, and also includes social updates, Rooms and Groups. This also includes chats and emails, so that is always helpful. A Me option is also present to display your own updates and related information.
The Lumia 630 also keeps up the in-call performance of the Lumia 625, raising it up a notch. The sound is loud and clear, with no signal reception issues whatsoever. The loudspeaker also scored very well, and we are sure that there will be very few calls being missed.
An interesting option added in the in-call screen is the Skype button, clicking which converts the call into a Skype video chat – understandably, this works only when both parties have Skype and internet connectivity, and also, without the front facer present, the Lumia 630 cannot provide a face to face call.
The Messaging is as solid as ever, with the additional feature to go to the contact’s full details as well as Mute option, which temporarily blocks receipt notifications of all communication from that sender, though the communication will still be stored against the sender in the thread. The communication contains, in addition to messages, emails, social media connects, Skype / Windows Live messages, all in one place. Messaging now includes a swype-like option to enter text in a fluid movement, without the need to lift your fingers.
The native email client coming with the Lumia 630 is pretty decent, a strong performer and has more control over the emails than ever. Linking multiple accounts together is possible now.
The Photo Hub gets a makeover favoring the traditional Windows Phone like look instead of the magazine user interface, with three pages, All, Albums and Favorites – no need to explain these, we think. Sharing includes Bluetooth, messaging, email, social media, and OneDrive. Images are automatically backed up on OneDrive once enabled from Settings. Microsoft provides 7GB free, and additional 3GB per device on which this feature is enabled.
The music play is also in a familiar display, with the Now Playing, Collection, and Music Store, all displaying relevant information. Playlists can be created and managed. The player can connect with Xbox music account, and streaming can be done directly without the need to save. However, the audio formats supported does not list FLAC or WAV, nor is there any equalizer option present.
The video player has turned into a separate app labeled Video, with a similar layout to the Music app, displaying Your Collection, Movie Store, TV Store, and Spotlight. The formats supported are pretty decent, though the MKV format and AC3 audio codecs are not in the list. 1080p display is present, and plays seamlessly, but subtitle support is limited, though the subtitle play requires a specific structure in which to place the video and subtitles file.
An FM is present on board, and supports RDS. Speaker play is possible, though headset is required in this case, since it also works as an antenna.
The Drive+ coverage is for one country only, and being available offline means no constant connectivity is required. The HERE Drive provided voice guided navigation, once a voice is downloaded in the language of choice.
HERE Maps has details about locations, reviews, and guides as well as photos of locations. It may be the best travel companion for many. This lists shops, galleries, restaurants and other points of interest nearby, and includes comments from renowned guide sites like the Insight Guides.