First Look At Windows Phone 8 Update 3 | TechTree.com

First Look At Windows Phone 8 Update 3

A quick look at what's in stores for Windows Phone 8 users.

 
First Look At Windows Phone 8 Update 3

After a series of leaks, Microsoft has finally unveiled its General Distribution Release 3 (GDR3) update for its mobile platform. In a bid to simplify things, it will now be called WP8 Update 3. According to Microsoft, the new software will start rolling out in coming weeks. The exact delivery date will depend upon region and handset manufacturers. Our guess is that it will be made available by the end of next month for most handsets. However, if you're lucky to own a developer-unlocked device (just like us), you can download the WP8 Update 3 preview right away. The new software comes with a plethora of improvements. Some of these improvements are meant to set stage for the upcoming devices, while the rest will deliver new features to the existing hardware. Let's check out what's in store for Windows Phone users.

Improved Multitasking
One of the most requested feature in Windows Phone, the ability to close background apps has been added to the OS. Now you get a 'close' (x) button on the card-based multitasking menu. To make sure you’re closing the right window, the app name and icon are added at the bottom.



Driving Mode
To make sure you’re not distracted while driving, Microsoft has added a Driving Mode that turns off most notifications. There’s also an option to disable call and text messages, or set up an automated reply.



Customisable Ringtones
With Update 3, you can set custom ringtones to instant messages, emails, voicemails, and reminders. You can also assign custom ringtones to contacts for text messages.



Better Storage Management
With the new update, you now have more control over internal storage. You can manage/delete unnecessary files to free up space on your phone.



Rotation Lock
The much needed rotation lock has finally been added to the OS. A welcome addition, but makes us wonder why Microsoft took so long to implement such a simple solution.



Bigger And Higher-Resolution Screens
The Update 3 will enable support for the upcoming Windows Phone devices with 5 and and 6 inch screens. It will also make way for 1080p displays on WP8 platform.

Multi-Core Chipsets
The quad-core Snapdragon 800 SoC, currently found in the Android flagships such as the LG G2 and Xperia Z1, will be compatible with Windows Phone devices too. Since the WP OS is already very smooth, the additional firepower will most likely improve the gaming performance.

Mobile Accessibility
Microsoft has introduced a suite of apps designed to make Windows Phone usable for visually impaired users. It includes a screen reader, which helps user manage calls, messages, contacts, browse the web, calendar events, and low-battery warnings.

The Update 3 gets rid of many of the annoyances reported by users on Microsoft's feature suggestion website. Good to see the software giant take user feedback seriously. Let's hope the company will also introduce the other most requested features such as a separate volume controls (for media and ringtones), Bing features for non US countries, and perhaps a notification centre.

As far as the UI is concerned, there are hardly any noticeable changes in this update, but expect a major overhaul when Microsoft launches Windows 8.1 (codename: Blue) early next year.
 


Tags : Mobile Phones, Windows Phone, Microsoft, Nokia

 
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