Microsoft today announced Windows Phone 8 Update 3 (also known as GDR3 or General Distribution Release 3). It sets the stage for new device announcements, including quad-core ones with larger displays. It will also make its way onto existing Windows Phone 8 devices in the coming months.
The update comes with a number of improvements and new features. Among them are:
- Support for larger Full HD (1080×1920) that “paves the way for future Windows Phone devices with 5- and 6-inch touch screens” and allows for six Live Tiles across now
- Support for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor
- New Driving Mode that helps reduce distractions for drivers by limiting notifications on the lock screen—including texts, calls, and quick status alerts—until the driver arrives at their destination.
- New Mobile Accessibility offering a suite of apps designed to make Windows Phone easier to see, hear, and use.
- Improved Internet Sharing
- Smaller enhancements such as
- More useful ringtones: With Update 3, you can use custom ringtones for more things—including instant messages, emails, voicemails, and reminders. You can also assign custom ringtones to contacts for text messages, so you’ll know who’s texting you without even looking.
- No more twist and shout: Does your screen keep spinning when you’re trying to read emails in bed? Use the new rotation lock option to keep it fixed in place.
- Better storage management: New storage settings make it easier to free up space on your phone and manage temporary files. A new category view shows what’s taking up space at a glance.
- Easily close apps: Now you can use the App switcher to quickly close apps when you’re finished with them.
- Wi-Fi access out of the box: You can now connect to Wi-Fi during phone set up, so you can start conserving cellular data right out of the box.
- Better Bluetooth: The team made a bunch of improvements to improve connection quality for Bluetooth accessories.
Microsoft will begin rolling out Windows Phone 8 GDR3 “in the coming weeks.” It will take several months and specific timing will depend on both model and carrier.
Source : Windows Phone