A new update from Nokia for its Lumia series allows users to put phone numbers on a "blacklist." The blacklist is said to filter out all the calls and SMS from that particular number. The users will not be bothered by those numbers again.

Governments across the globe have a registry of a "Do not call" facility. The users registered with this facility are not supposed to be called for advertisements or promotional campaigns. The users have "opted out" of such advertisements. But time and again people registered with this facility do get annoying calls and SMS from advertisers. A call block facility is very important for some peace of mind in this scenario.

Stalkers' and annoying friends' phone numbers can also be put on the blacklist and the adventures sort can add their boss's number while on a holiday.

The update is part of the "extras and info" app and can be downloaded through the Windows Phone store. The latest update from Microsoft will be needed for this feature to work. Currently only the Lumia 625, Lumia 925 and Lumia 1020 can avail this feature.

To use the feature, a user can go to the calls history page and long tap on the number they wish to add to the Blacklist and choose "block number." The user will not get a call or SMS from that number again.

The blocked numbers can be viewed and managed in the "call and SMS filter" file under the settings menu. The user can also find out the number of calls and SMS made by the blocked number. The user can choose to remove the blocked numbers through this menu. The user can choose to block all calls and SMS from a "private" number. "Private" numbers are usually used to make promotional calls.

The filter can be switched on or off, as per the needs of the user. For instance the user can put all office related calls on the blacklist and switch it on when on a holiday et al.

The user can have a notification activated for every call or SMS from a blocked number.

The update for the remaining Nokia smartphones to allow the "blacklist" feature is expected shortly.