Microsoft is working on its next mobile operating system update, the Windows Phone 8.1 and the process of testing beta copies shows some of its major new features, including a Siri-like personal assistant and a notification center.

Windows Phone has a lot of major features that Android and iOS both contain amid its steady improvement since 2010 but all this could be set to change with the Windows Phone 8.1 update. One of the missing major features is the notification center where the user can view his status updates and incoming messages on one easily accessed menu. Microsoft finally adds this feature in a drag down from the screen top.

Windows Phone is also missing the quick settings, which gives ability to access key setting toggles for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc without having to go through the main settings menu. Android has this and Apple recently introduced it in iOS 7. Microsoft's Windows Phone can now be accessed with a short swipe from the screen top.

A leaked out-of-focus photo of the Windows Phone 8.1 settings menu has emerged and swirled around, showing fans a first look at the functions of this new notification center. The photo shows the user would be able to set up four different quick access notification buttons that allow him to quickly toggle notifications for his four most used apps.

It also suggests that the user can now turn on and off notifications for individual apps but won't necessarily disable an app's live tile. It shows that the notifications allow banner alerts like in iOS. The banner option is a big part of the menu so fans can expect more options by the official launch.

Microsoft is also reportedly working on a voice activated personal Siri-like assistant. Android has Google Now, iOS has Siri and Windows Phone 8.1 will have Cortana. Console players will recognize this name as Master Chief's own virtual assistant in the very influential game, Halo series.

Cortana is not just an additional feature for the upcoming Windows Phone, it will actually replace the existing Bing Search feature. Cortana allows the users to obtain contextual info via voice input like Siri and like Google Now which reminds its owner when an appointment is coming up and how far along you are from it.

Other additions include the Windows 8.1 VPN support for business and separate volume control media ringtones and playback. Nokia is said to be working on two smartphones to run the new Windows Phone version.