We've had GDR3 preview for a few hours now and users have started to find new stuff throughout the Windows Phone OS.
If you have been up to date with the rumor mill you might know that GDR3 (now called Update 3) brings certain required features to WP devices. The update might not be as substantial as the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 Blue but is certainly welcome. Many users have updated their devices and there seem to be only a tiny few users issuing complaints/problems. Our team has had a very smooth experience and updated their devices very fast.
Let's get down with what's new
Support for higher resolution (1080p HD) displays
Devices with 1920x1080 resolution will be released soon and this update is the key for that
Support for bigger devices ranging from 5 to 6 inches
These devices will be able to support 6 small sized tiles instead of 4. However this will be only for the larger display devices and not in the current range of existing windows phones.
Support for quad core processors.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor will be supported which should make the already snappy OS even better
Rotation Lock Do we need to explain anymore?
Custom Ringtones and Tones for other events like Email, Text
Use custom ringtones for text 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.
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.
Close apps from the Multitasking view X marks the spot
Driving Mode Driving Mode is designed to limit notifications on the lock screen—including texts, calls, and quick status alerts—until you’re safely parked. (image source WPCentral)
Wi-Fi access during setup You can now connect to Wi-Fi during phone set up, so you can start conserving cellular data right out of the box.
Improved Internet Sharing
Now you can pair your phone and Windows 8.1 PC or tablet over Bluetooth too and you'll be connected. No need to enter a password or dig out your phone and turn on Internet Sharing—it's done for you.
But wait there's even more good stuff :)
Changes to the Windows Phone Keyboard Now the settings allows to to return to keyboard once you've entered an emoticon
Voice note appears in the messaging hub You can now attach a voice note recorded in amr format and send it via messaging. You can see the attachments menu in the image below
If you have been up to date with the rumor mill you might know that GDR3 (now called Update 3) brings certain required features to WP devices. The update might not be as substantial as the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 Blue but is certainly welcome. Many users have updated their devices and there seem to be only a tiny few users issuing complaints/problems. Our team has had a very smooth experience and updated their devices very fast.
Let's get down with what's new
Devices with 1920x1080 resolution will be released soon and this update is the key for that
Support for bigger devices ranging from 5 to 6 inches
These devices will be able to support 6 small sized tiles instead of 4. However this will be only for the larger display devices and not in the current range of existing windows phones.
Support for quad core processors.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor will be supported which should make the already snappy OS even better
Rotation Lock Do we need to explain anymore?
Custom Ringtones and Tones for other events like Email, Text
Use custom ringtones for text 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.
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.
Close apps from the Multitasking view X marks the spot
Driving Mode Driving Mode is designed to limit notifications on the lock screen—including texts, calls, and quick status alerts—until you’re safely parked. (image source WPCentral)
Wi-Fi access during setup You can now connect to Wi-Fi during phone set up, so you can start conserving cellular data right out of the box.
Improvements to Bluetooth A bunch of welcome features here
Improved Internet Sharing
Now you can pair your phone and Windows 8.1 PC or tablet over Bluetooth too and you'll be connected. No need to enter a password or dig out your phone and turn on Internet Sharing—it's done for you.
But wait there's even more good stuff :)
Changes to the Windows Phone Keyboard Now the settings allows to to return to keyboard once you've entered an emoticon
Voice note appears in the messaging hub You can now attach a voice note recorded in amr format and send it via messaging. You can see the attachments menu in the image below
Kids corner setup allows you to skip password This option is available during setting up kids corner where in it provides a button to skip password which is useful in certain cases.
The URL bar expands when activated in Internet Explorer
Overall the update has been a welcome addition to Windows Phone and we only hope more useful features are implemented soon.
Covered every small feature.. nice.
ReplyDeleteGood article. Loved the last feature. It's so minute, most of us missed it!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to Hard reset the phone and move back to Amber update, after I test the GDR3 update on my Lumia 820..?? (this way my OEM warranty won't get void) Please let me know.
ReplyDeleteOnce you accept this program , the carrier warranty is void no matter what your do.
DeleteGreat eye for detail!
ReplyDelete