Windows Phone 8 GDR3 Update

Microsoft has just announced the arrival of the third major Windows Phone update, known as Windows Phone 8 Update 3, or as GDR3 The rollout of the new update will take place in the coming weeks and, depending on manufacturers and models will last for several months.

This new version, Windows Phone Update 3, promises greater flexibility of hardware , being able to mount screens Full Hd or quad-core chips, equating the Windows Phone platform in terms of terminal specifications to the Android operating system.

Support for higher screen resolutions

The new update opens the door for future Windows Phone devices with much larger 5-inch and 6-inch screens. Taking advantage of HD 1080p resolution on these devices will make Windows Phone even more personal, with room for more Tiles that give users quick access to everything they care about.

A larger Home screen means the ability to pin even more people, files, and Apps. In addition, built-in Apps and Hubs such as email, photos, people, music, and videos also take full advantage of the power of six-inch displays.

More powerful hardware

The third update will add support for the Quad-core 8974 processor from Qualcomm The additional power offered by this chip will make the Windows user experience even more fluid and support for really demanding applications.

In this way we are clearly talking about an update on possible specifications, up to now, weighed down by the requirements of Microsoft to a maximum dual-core chips and resolutions up to 720p.

Driving Mode

A new feature, called “driving mode”, comes with the update. This functionality is aimed at minimizing distractions when navigating between two points. Driving mode is designed to get the most out of it and to be able, for example, to use it when connected to a Bluetooth handsfree.

Driving Mode limits notifications on the lock screen, including messages, calls and other alerts, which allows its use in a much more secure way.The new functionality can even be configured to send automatic responses to people who call or write messages to ensure safety at all times while driving.

Accessibility Features

The new update also adds new accessibility features to Windows 8. This is not a single feature, but rather a set of applications designed to make it easier for people with visual impairments to use Windows Phone.

Included tools include a screen reader, which allows blind people to manage calls and contacts, send messages and emails emails, browse the Internet, make Skype and Lync calls, and hear special notifications, such as alarms, calendar events, and low battery alerts.

Share connection

The ability to turn any Windows Phone 8 into a hotspot to share your Internet connection was already available but, with The new update incorporates interesting new features that simplify its use.

Now simply pair a Windows Phone and any Windows 8.1-enabled device via Bluetooth to enjoy new features. From then on, it is only necessary to choose the Wi-Fi network provided by the phone to connect to it without having to take the phone out of your pocket, activating automatically the share function on the phone and without having to enter any password.

Other news

In addition to hundreds of performance improvements and tweaks, Update 3 also adds a host of extremely useful little features, many of them in based on the requests of the users themselves through the Windows Phone suggestion box.

Here are some of them:

• Tones: Update 3 allows you to use custom ringtones for different aspects, including instant messages, emails, voice messages, and reminders. It is also possible to assign custom ringtones to different contacts for text messages.



• Rotation Lock: Allows you to prevent the screen from automatically rotating when you tilt the terminal, making it easier to use in any position.



• Storage Management: Now it's easier to free up phone memory space and manage temporary files. A new category view shows what's taking up space at a glance.
• Closing applications: The screen that makes it possible to switch between applications, now also allows you to close any of them with a simple touch .



• Wi-Fi Connection: The new update makes it easier to set up a Wi-Fi connection right out of the box with a new smartphone. That way no mobile data is consumed when entering user credentials and loading all settings and files.
• Bluetooth improvements: Thanks to Update 3 new possibilities are available to connect accessories to your phone via Bluetooth.

Microsoft has already launched a program for developers with which they can test their applications with the new update so that they can check their compatibility before they hit the market.

More information | Microsoft