Lumia Denim Heads Out to AT&T Version of the Lumia 1520

AT&T Wireless has finally jumped on the Lumia Denim bandwagon and has started delivering this latest firmware update—and Windows Phone 8.1.1—to the Lumia 1520 today. This is the first time AT&T has delivered a software update to the Lumia 1520 since July 2014.

AT&T reports the update on its support web site, listing a litany of improvements spread over both Windows Phone 8.1.1 (sometimes called Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 or even GDR1, which is the outdated naming convention AT&T actually uses).

I assume by this point that most new and improved 8.1.1 features are well understood, but the new big feature is folder support on the Start screen. But I think Lumia Denim is a bigger deal in some ways, and that’s especially so on high-end Lumias like the 1520. That is, Lumia 1520 users will get the full Denim experience, as is the case on the Lumia 930 I’ve been using (and not the somewhat watered down version that Lumia 830 users get). On that note, AT&T calls out the following:

Moment Capture. This new feature is activated by a long press of the Camera button and starts 4K video recording at 24 frames per second.  Each frame is a high-quality 8.3MP image, allowing each single video frame to be selected and saved as a still picture.

Rich Capture. Simplify picture taking with auto HDR and Dynamic Flash.  Allows user to shoot first and edit later, without worrying about adjusting camera settings.

Camera speed improvements. The Lumia Camera app provides faster camera start-up and capture speeds. Move from pocket to image capture in 1.5 seconds.  User can take numerous photos with milliseconds of delay between shots.

Improved low light image capture. Lumia Denim provides improved low-light imaging algorithms.

To snag the update, navigate (while on Wi-Fi) to Settings, Phone Update. After the install is done your firmware version will be 02540.00019.14484.37028.

I’m traveling today, but I’ll upgrade my own 1520 in the morning. Based on my experience on the Lumia 930—which has the same hardware, including the camera—you can expect big and positive improvements with this update.