Microsoft rolls out Windows Phone 8 update, HTC 8X gets it first

OTA update gives always-on WiFi, missed call text and SMS mass delete

Microsoft has started rolling out the first over-the-air update for the new Windows Phone 8 operating system.

It seems the HTC 8X is the first device getting the update, but presumably the roll-out will continue to other WP8 devices.

The update brings the much-heralded option for always-on WiFi. The option to switch it on is in the Advanced section of WiFi settings.

It means devices can use WiFi connections to check for email and update apps when the phone is asleep, instead of eating up valuable mobile data allowances.

Another new feature is a menu option to delete all SMS messages in a thread, instead of deleting them one at a time, and there's now a new SMS Drafts folder.

And now when the phone rings, it gives a new third option: Answer, Ignore and Text.

Text lets you send an SMS message to the caller asking them to call back. You can also add your own messages.

There are also bug-fixes included in the update, probably including a promised fix for a random-reboot problem reported by HTC 8X and Nokia Lumia 920 owners.

The timing of this update has come as something of a surprise. It was expected early next year. So, it seems Microsoft is intent on updating WP8 regularly, leaving the next update to (hopefully) include the introduction of a proper Notification Centre for WP8.

The update process took us about 30-minutes from update notification to completion on our unlocked HTC 8X.

To check for the update, go to Settings > Phone Update.  It's all done over-the-air, with no need to plug the phone into a computer at any stage.

Note: The send SMS on call reject feature only works with incoming mobile numbers and only numbers that are in your contacts list.