Release date, Cortana, live folders and more

Microsoft is updating its Windows Phone 8.1 mobile operating system with a range of new features that the Redmond company hopes will boost its fortunes in the fight against iOS 8 and Android 5.0.

Along with the updates that will reach every handset that runs Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft is also releasing the Lumia Denim update. This will bring even more features exclusively to Microsoft's Lumia smartphones.

Here are the 10 things you need to know about the upcoming Lumia Denim update.

1. Release date

The Lumia Denim update for Lumia devices was first announced last year, with Microsoft promising that its customers would get it in the fourth quarter of the year.

Microsoft has since announced that the Lumia Denim update is rolling out to Lumia devices right now, so you should be able to get the upgrade pretty soon.

You can check to see if the update is ready for your Lumia device by going to the settings menu, opening up 'phone update' and then selecting 'check for updates'.

If it's not there, don't worry, you should be getting the update soon.

2. Cortana virtual assistant

Cortana is Microsoft's answer to Apple's Siri virtual assistant, allowing you to to launch apps, set reminders and more through simply speaking to your Windows Phone.

Cortana's natural language feature lets you talk as if you were speaking to a human, which means we shouldn't have to memorise a range of clumsy phrases to operate our phones.

Originally Cortana (whose name is taken from the AI character in the Halo series of video games) was only available in the US but with the Denim update it will be available in the UK, China, Australia, Canada India, France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

3. Voice activation

As well as Cortana coming to Windows Phone 8.1 devices, Lumia 930, Lumia Icon and Lumia 1520 owners will get an exclusive voice activation feature with the Lumia Denim update.

If you have one of those devices all you need to do is say "Hey Cortana" to launch the virtual assistant, even if the phone is in an idle state, so there's no need to press any buttons to get started.

4. Live Folders

Windows Phone's Live Tile interface has been pretty popular since its introduction in Windows Phone 7, with its simple yet elegant design making it easy to use.

However its simplicity has also been a source of frustration for many users, especially when they install lots of apps on their devices. The good news is that Lumia Denim update will allow Windows Phone owners to finally group together their apps into folders such as "games" and "social".

This feature has been in demand for a while now, so it's good to see its inclusion and it should lead to a lot more organised Start screens.

5. Glance Screen

The Glance Screen is a handy feature that's exclusive to Lumia handsets. Important information such as notifications, times and calendar appointments can be displayed while the smartphone's screen is locked, and a recent update lets users display their lock screen photos as well.

The Glance Screen is getting even more love with the Lumia Denim update as it will now be able to show fitness and health stats from the MSN Health and Fitness app as well as weather updates from Bing Weather.

The idea behind this feature is that you'll get all the important information without having to turn on or unlock your device.

Internet Explorer, camera, 4K video and more

6. Improved Internet Explorer

If you use your Windows Phone device for regularly browsing the internet then the numerous improvements to the built in web browser, Internet Explorer, should be particularly pleasing.

With the Lumia Denim update Microsoft has tweaked the mobile version of Internet Explorer to improve download and browsing speeds on mobile websites.

7. Improved camera

When the Lumia Denim update drops you'll notice that the Nokia Camera app is now named Lumia Camera. This change, which reflects Microsoft's decision to drop Nokia branding from its smartphones, isn't the only tweak to the camera app.

Tweaks to the image processing algorithms will give a boost to the sharpness and detail of the photos taken, giving an image quality boost to your snaps without you needing to upgrade your hardware.

Features such as auto HDR and dynamic flash have also been added to help improve the quality of the photos.

The speed of the app has been given a boost so that it takes less time to start, as well as being quicker to capture the images and take the next shot.

8. Moment Capture

Another new feature that comes with the Lumia Denim update is Moment Capture, with the idea being that you'll never miss the perfect moment to take a photo.

It's activated by a long press of the camera button, which will start the Lumia device recording 4K video at 24 frames per second.

Each frame of the video is captured as a 8.3MP shot, which enables you to go through your footage later and save your favourite frames as individual photographs.

9. Consumer VPN

Consumer VPN (virtual private network) might not be the most glamorous of features included in the Lumia Denim update but it's a feature that many of us will take advantage of.

If you often connect your Windows Phone to public Wi-Fi networks, such as in cafés and train stations, and use the connection to send and receive important data then using the consumer VPN will give your information far more security.

It makes sure that your information is safely sent and received without being seen by any malicious users. The feature has been promised for a while, and if it works well and is easy to use then it could be a real benefit to Lumia owners.

10. Text messaging, snoozing and more

There are also a number of smaller tweaks that will make using Windows Phone even better. These include an SMS text message merging and forwarding feature for sharing messages with other contacts.

Snooze customisation lets you set the exact amount of time you want to delay your alarm going off; perfect for those of us who have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.

Apps corner is another new feature that will let you create a Start screen especially for people who borrow your phone. For example if your children use your phone to play games you can create a special Start screen that only allows access to the games and apps you deem appropriate.