Windows Phone 8 1 Gets AI Chatbot Thanks To Devs

It might sound like a scene from a distant tech nostalgic future humanity clinging to the memory of Windows Phone. But in a surprising turn of events that feels like a throwback to 2015 Windows Phone is making headlines again.

This is a story about the enduring legacy of Windows Phone 8.1 which has just received its first AI application in the style of ChatGPT. The app is named Lumina a nod to the beloved Lumia devices. And to be clear this is distinct from the old Cortana assistant.

It's ALIVE?! Kinda. (Image credit: /r/openretina on reddit)

Shared in the Windows 8 Group Discord and developed by an individual named Logan this project was highlighted by users on the Windows Phone subreddit. The app Lumina is currently in beta testing for those who have jailbroken their Lumia devices.

Lumina utilizes Meta's open weight Llama model and features a simple interface inspired by the classic Metro UI. It allows users to ask questions much like they would with Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT.

AI chatbot ‘Lumina’ for Windows Phone 8.1 by Logan from r/windowsphone

Although Windows Phone is no longer officially supported by Microsoft its spirit is kept alive by creative and enthusiastic developers through jailbreaks and homebrew applications. Many will remember popular apps like MyTube 6Tag or Tweetium from its heyday.

Microsoft announced the end of Windows Phone somewhat unceremoniously in a tweet reply after investing years and significant resources into building a passionate if small fanbase. Its later attempts at Android based phones such as the Surface Duo were met with limited success.

Many wonder why Microsoft did not choose to open source the Windows Phone OS allowing the community to maintain it. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has previously acknowledged that discontinuing Windows Phone was a strategic mistake. Considering Microsoft's current focus on cloud AI and gaming all of which heavily involve mobile endpoints the decision to abandon its mobile platform continues to seem short sighted. Microsoft apps and services do not come pre installed on Android or iOS by default placing Xbox Microsoft Edge Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 at a significant disadvantage in the modern mobile first world.

However reflecting on past decisions does not change the present. For now enthusiasts can enjoy a touch of Lumia nostalgia perhaps even while pondering the future of mobile technology.

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Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter (X) and Threads and listen to his XB2 Podcast all about Xbox.