Lumia Denim now rolling out to Verizon-driven Lumia 822 and 928 smartphones

Microsoft's Lumia Denim update that brings software improvements to Lumia smartphones is now seeding to Lumia 822 and Lumia 928 devices in the United States having subscribed to Verizon's wireless network service.

Verizon has started seeding the Lumia Denim update, which will reach devices in multiple phases, via over-the-air (OTA) mechanism.

The rollout signifies that Lumia 822 and Lumia 928 users can now bypass the Cyan upgrade and directly install the latest update.

As of now, the Lumia Denim update is available for Windows Phone 8.1 smartphones in certain markets around world, which is expected to complete in Q1 2015.

New features and enhancements brought along by Lumia Denim:

• Cortana – Microsoft's personal digital assistant (PDA) is certainly the most expected feature with the Lumia Denim update. The digital assistant had earlier reached Windows Phone 8.1 users in the United States, and to users of a few other countries like India, Australia and Canada with the Lumia Cyan update. Cortana brings along features such as improved natural language, car kit integration via Bluetooth for contacts, snooze reminders and calendar improvements.
• Live folders –With this feature, users can create new folders by just dragging and dropping Live Tiles on top of each other, similar to how folders are created in Apple's iOS platform. Each folder can be renamed by tapping on the text field above the open folder.
• Apps corner –A customised Start screen, where only specific apps or games are accessible can be created. This could be particularly useful for employers who have issued Windows Phones to employees.
• SMS merge and forwarding – This feature allows users to select individual text messages to either delete them out of a messaging thread, or to copy and paste them into a new message in order to forward them.
• Snooze Times – Snooze Time within the alarm application can be customised.
• Consumer VPN –Privacy and security is ensured when using data while connected to public Wi-Fi hotspots or even with a home Wi-Fi.
• Mobile Web Site improvements in IE – Users should notice comparatively faster download speeds and improved browsing experience within Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) web browser.
• Store Live Tile (US only) – The Store Live Tile displays featured apps and games that are the most popular in the store, and also sorts games by user relevance.

Lumia-specific enhancements:

• Lumia Camera – Replacing the Nokia Camera, the Lumia Camera is said to be comparatively faster and intuitive.
• Speed – Pocket to capture speeds are now said to be faster, and it only takes milliseconds going from shot to shot.
• Moment Capture – A long press of the camera button starts 4K-quality video recording at 24 FPS. With each frame at 8.3 megapixels, individual frames can be saved as high-quality images.
• Rich Capture – Auto HDR and Dynamic Flash are now welcomed into the already-impressive feature set. Users can shoot first and adjust the camera settings later.
• Improved image processing algorithms – Updated to ensure comparatively clearer photos, even in low light.
• "Hey Cortana" Voice Activation -. Simply say "Hey Cortana" while the phone is idle and Cortana will activate. This is possible thanks to the SensorCore technology.

• Glance Screen – Compatible Lumia devices can now show more at a glance with Bing Weather, or Bing Health & Fitness data, in addition to time and date notifications and application data.

Apart from installing the Lumia Denim via OTA, you can also check for the update manually and install.

To check for the update manually, navigate to Settings >> Phone update and install it.