The 'app problem' on Windows Phone is becoming less of a problem these days, with more high-profile brands launching on the platform, and Microsoft also adding to the mix with titles such as Fresh Paint and its Bing portfolio. But another problem remains, one that's unlikely to change quickly: updates.

Microsoft is currently rolling out its second major update to Windows Phone 8 - General Distribution Release 2 (GDR2) - but it brings few high-impact features, and certainly none that will make the platform more compelling to potential buyers. GDR3 is expected to arrive later this year, but is likewise believed to bring relatively little in terms of new features, with its focus being on adding OS support for 1080p displays and quad-core processors.

Sadly, it seems that the really meaty improvements to the OS won't come until early next year, when Microsoft rolls out its long-awaited 'Blue' update Windows Phone 8. The company's Blue update for its PC operating system has already been announced in the form of Windows 8.1, but it looks like it will be many more months before Windows Phone 8.1 arrives.

There's been much speculation in recent weeks about what that update might bring. Better notifications are more or less a given, as is improved multitasking. Microsoft has also promised that it will deliver improved support for business and enterprise customers as part of an update in early 2014, perhaps indicating that that will form part of the 8.1 release. 

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