Windows Phone 8 GDR3 Update Goes Official With Full HD, Quad-core Support

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Microsoft has finally announced the Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update officially which brings lots of improvements and support for more powerful hardware in the upcoming smartphones.

The Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update introduces support for larger displays with Full HD 1080p resolutions. The homescreens on bigger displays will be able to display more content by accommodating more live tiles.

A bigger Start screen means the ability to pin even more of the people, info, and apps that matter to you. Built-in apps and Hubs like email, Photos, People, and Music and Videos will also be carefully scaled to take full advantage of the additional real estate on 6-inch screens.



The update also brings support for faster quad-core processors including Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset.
Other improvements include -


  • Driving Mode: A new feature called Driving Mode helps you get from point A to point B with fewer distractions. Working with a connected Bluetooth device, Driving Mode is designed to limit notifications on the lock screen—including texts, calls, and quick status alerts—until you’re safely parked.
  • New accessibility features: New apps such as screen reader for providing accessibility to visually impared users.
  • Improved Internet Sharing: Ability to share phone's data connection with Windows 8.1 PC by simply pairing the phone with PC.
  • 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.

The Windows Phone GDR3 update will start rolling out to devices in the coming weeks, it is will first feature on the Lumia 1520 will be announced this month.

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Though the features are not new but glad to see them on WP8. Slowly and steadily WP8 is getting more firm and mature.
 
Yup. These updates are good. It would be even better if they can port them faster.

All L520 have not received amber update.
 
Amber updates OTA have been largely touch and go, here in India at least. Some people have received updates, others have not. And some people reportedly received updates, but that was not Amber. In any case, a visit to the nearest Nokia service centre seems to be the simplest solution, or flashing the latest firmware manually.

BTW, anyone already tried the GDR3 on their Lumia 520?
 
Yes, Lumia 520 Amber update is a matter of luck really. I haven't been able to make it work, though OTA update was installed properly. There are some links available to make it work, but the procedure will wipe of the data. Unfortunately due to lack of time can't visit Nokia Service center. So, will have to live with that. I hope Microsoft does a better job with this new update.
 
Yeah I did, I've noticed that the touch buttons are less sensitive now and only register if you actually tap on the icon, don't know if its because of the update or not.
You mean the hardware capacitive buttons? I am biting the bullet right now, so will let you know in a few minutes.
 
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