Windows Phone 8.1 to get file manager

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Managing files on Windows Phone is not something every user wants or needs to do, but there are certain use cases where such a feature can come in handy. Personally, I never felt the need to organize my files, as the tiled operating system and apps do a good job at scanning the on-board storage and giving me access to the things I want (music, documents and photos). It is, however, an oft-requested feature.

In a Reddit AMA, Windows Phone head Joe Belfiore has revealed Windows Phone 8.1 will get a file manager, following user feedback. The implementation seems to be in its early stages, as Belfiore said, on Friday, he only had the feature on two of his devices for a week. But it is expected to be ready for prime time by the end of the month.

"*** YES *** We are doing a File Manager for WP8.1!", says Belfiore. "I know a LOT of you are looking for this (thanks for the tweets, I've read them all). In fact, I've been running a build of it on two of my phones for the last week or so and it's getting to pretty good shape. [...] We are expecting to get it into the store HOPEFULLY by the end of May".

Six screenshots were also provided, that show the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 file manager in action. As far as I can tell, we are looking at basic features at this point. (You can see the screenshots, two by two, in the slideshow above)

Belfiore has also said Microsoft is actively working on improving the Facebook and Skype experience for Windows Phone users. Both apps will be updated to bring better performance (Facebook and Skype) and up to date features (Facebook -- it will get "full-width photos in the newsfeed, and seeing photos & comments at the same time", according to Belfiore).