While many handsets are just now getting Windows Phone 8 OS build 10327 aka GDR2, it has been known for a while that GDR3 was due not too long thereafter, filling in another gap between Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 8.1
Like GDR2, GDR3 will not bring many new major features but rather lots of smaller improvements, driven by new hardware requirements. Those plans include devices with 1080P resolution and so-called phablets (devices with 5-inch displays or larger). Now, a variety of sources have come forth with some of those supposed changes.
While the list is interesting, it’s not the big update that may are expecting. That of course is for Windows Phone 8.1 aka Blue, which is expected in early 2014. That version of the OS is currently being tested on various handsets by Microsoft employees, though the final feature list has not been specified. In the meantime, users on Windows Phone will have to settle for the smaller general distribution release (GDR) 3 that should arrive around October or November.
Here is the list of supposed new features:
- Orientation Lock
- Driver Mode, will turn on automatically when you connect it via Bluetooth. Can reject phone calls / sms and send auto reply back
- Ability to have 3 medium sized tiles in a row
- 1080p / new SoCs, which we knew for quite some time now
None of that should particularly come as a surprise, though certainly the Driver Mode is new. The rest, including Orientation Lock, 1080P display support, and new chipsets are all driven by the need for new hardware and will offer very little in the way for current hardware.
Other features that may make the cut include closing of apps via the multitasking window and silent NFC i.e. no confirmations, though it’s not clear that those features will be included due to time.
Over at the Verge, it is being reported that text message sync with the web is also being considered. That feature would enable one to view text messages at the PC instead of having to turn on the device. However, like other features it is not obvious that it will make it into GDR3 either.
As we’ve said previously, GDR3 should be thought of like GDR2: a software update to enable new hardware options for vendors. While it will bring a few changes for current devices, the big OS refinement for those will come with Windows Phone 8.1, which is expected to go to all current Windows Phone 8 handsets. That update will deliver new features, including a new voice assistant, Theme syncing with desktop and enhancements to text messaging as well in addition to the much coveted notification center.
Reader comments
New features for Windows Phone 8 GDR3 reportedly revealed; due in the coming months
Pages
we need a 41 mp device with 920 design and bump free..5 inch screen but device size shoul dnot exeed 1020 size,a file manager...a gallery that can be well organised
The next 41 mp device can have 5 inch but size should not be beyond 1020 for a 41 mp device...we also need the device without bump,it should have 920 shape...we dont mind if its slightly bulkier
What ever the update it may be it should have a file manager...bluetooth sending of videos...organising gallery into folders...we should be able to see the downloads of internet explorer,received files so we need file manager,flv support of default gallery....
it had better have orientation lock. that's one thing that anoys the hell out of me.
I would love a data backup option. Text,game save, apps to a local drive
Notification center !!! Now we are talking
One thing I have missed from my Pre3/touchpad days was being able to get and reply to my text messages on my touchpad - so the SMS sync would be GREAT! Already have the surface pro, so bring on the sync.
Now if they would just make it more compatible with my car with MS SYNC!
The screen looks like a mess just like on my desktop with all these icons so close together. It sometimes takes forever to find what I am looking for. Suggestions to MS
1. Folders - we can hide away our small tiles in a neat little folder
2. Multiple page options with ability to add titles - (Pin to page 1, pin to page 2 with max 5 or so pages) Everytime I scroll it should automatically stop at each page rather than a continuous scroll. This will make is a lot easy to organize and find items.
3. Notification center - Enough said.
All we need is that notification centre. It could be a simple "swipe to the right" from the live tiles screen. Plus we need full control of the "Other" Storage. Then we can have some of those new upcoming features from W8 like; the moving background of the start screen, or the guesture unlocking screen thing!
Well I DO care about a 1080p res screen but not on the 1020 nor on my own 920. The main reason behind this is that to me it becomes interesting when the screen size is 5" or larger since you won't see the diff anyway. PPI is important for me. You can stuff 1080p in a 3.5" screen but it has no added value IMO.
GDR3 coming in the next couple of months? I havent even seen GDR2 for my HTC8X on Verizon yet
So this isn't really an update that I will notice that much on my 810. It will be an update for the benefit of newer devices. I can understand MS tactics in this case. By controlling the chipsets they are not able to have the most up to date hardware, but they allow for a very optimized experience with the current hardware they do have. Anyway... Dammit TMO... give me my GDR2!
Driver mode will be great! Hopefully it will encourage stupid drivers, that were smart enough to get a windows phone, to stop texting while driving!
Microsoft should give allow developers access to videos and songs so that we can send videos/songs on WhatsApp and WeChat,etc and personally i need the ability to save contacts on the sim card (this is just ridiculous,every phone can do this except windows phone) ,a brightness slider and wireless syncing like Zune :-D
I don't like Note 2 design, but the killer feature in it is the s-pen. If Nokia Phablet comes penless that will be a disadvantage. 1080p is just marketing. You hardly notice the difference in 42'' tv screen, its not whats missing from cellphones. I would take 720p and stronger performance over 1080p anyday. Thats why lg optimus g is better than xperia z.
I hope that feature is usable on 720p phones too! That would be awesome! (on 4.5inch 720p screen you totally could have them at that scale without comprimising much)
Also - not to bang an old drum too much - but more accent colours!!! Come on guys - it really should be less 1990s games console and more like Pantone Colour Charts
Still waiting for WP8 to have the capabilities of Android feature of storing "Apps" on to the microSD Card.
Ability to move files to and from the SD Card would be nice too as well as a file manager.
Theme syncing with desktop
Everyone in August 2013 will get GDR2 update for WP8!
November 2013 Everyone gets GDR3 update for WP8!
February 2014 1GB & 2GB RAM WP8 devices get WP8.1 update!
All wp8 devices will get wp8.1 update, 512 mb ram phones and 1gig ram phones too, plz dont talk from ur ass
Orientation lock! Wooh!!
hello, can anyone tell me will huawei w1 have an update?
They probably can
-quote-
TechieFan
the L920 doesn't have upgraded hardware (quad core/1080)
-quote-
920's screen is capable of 1080p ;)
A few months? LOL, more MS bullshit...ill see it when it happens but I would not count on it
It would be nice to play video purchased from Microsoft. (movies, tv shows).
Still waiting for GDR2. Can't get excited over GDR3 yet.
Wait... What "new voice assistant"?!
ORIENTATION LOCK!!!!!!!!! OMG OMG OMG. COME OUT NOWWWW!!!!!!!!!!
What about text wrapping? Now that's a feature that would make the phone more enjoyable.
Do the Clonephone thing...
No Unification Center ? Ugh... come on Microsoft. They better have good stylus support app for the phabets otherwise they won't stand a chance against the galaxy note.
Pretty happy to hear of a built-in orientation lock finally coming.
But will they add the ellipsis symbol to the keyboard??? (like iOS does when you long-press on "."). This rather bugs me, especially when trying to save valuable characters on Twitter or SMS's… and I like using "…"… 8) #justMe
I want the screen casting....aka plug into or stream my WP8 screen to a larger screen.
Wouldn't stating 'An extra column' or 'A 3rd column' be a lot less convoluted to say over '3 medium tiles in a row'?
Also... everyone 'tired of waiting' for updates... really? Is this your first smartphone? I don't care what you've had before... be it iOS, Android, Palm, Blackberry or even WinMo... these WP8 updates aren't taking any longer than any other has or ever will.
Message sync via the PC would be amazing, especially if they bring back the KIN Studio.
me parece tan poco las caracteristicas de las proximas actualizaciones. Ni la 8.1 da una solucion a todas las carencias del os
Any word or is it possible with an app to make folders? Like instead of pinning all my camera apps, I just click my "Camera" folder tile?? That would be nice!
whats the name od the application with weather and time in the same tile ??????
I am growing annoyed at a lack of release/update calendar.. I find this news annoying as I still have no clear timeframe for GDR2 on my unlocked/unbranded 920 in Aus!
I'm tired of waiting for updates that will bring WP features the other platforms have had for some time. I know Microsoft and especially Nokia are working hard to bring it up to speed, but only having notifications featured on the lock screen? Navigation thay only seems to keep running in the background 50% of the time? The little things like that are building up to the point where even the amazing low light capabilities of the L920 can't make up for it. Being a functional phone is still my main priority over great photos. I own devices from the three top platforms, and WP is at risk of no longer being my daily driver... or the next device I purchase. When I jumped into WP8 I thought the update environment would more closely follow that of iOS than that of Android... I was sadly mistaken. I know there's lots to love in WP, and plenty of problems to be found on the other OS's in their own right, but I'm just voicing a portion of my concerns as a consumer.
A 5" screen, quad core, 2gb ram, 1080p res and a 41mp camera,with a maximum thickness of 8mm that's the recipe for a beast Nokia windows phone 8,1 flagship device ;) ohh and a 3000mah battery
Maybe folks know this, but I'm pretty new to WP8.
I am assuming that the 3 tiles across means, only if you're on an HD screen that can support the resolution to do 3 tiles across? Or will non-HD screens also get this feature? (ie, are they shrinking the tile sizes to make it fit?)
Thats suppose to be a mock up, I heard it was what maybe their phablet would be, or maybe its just lumia, who knows, I would think that three icons across would work on any lumia, its just making a few slight changes. I can't see the icons getting any smaller on the current models, but ya never know! I try not to read about update rumors, they drive me nuts! Ya never know whats going to happen
Thanks!
I have a few days left before I can return my HTC 8XT in the 14 day window, and I'm thinking that maybe the HD screen on the ATIV-S Neo would buy me extra real estate with the added feature, where the lower res screen on the 8XT wouldn't...
(Even though I love the 8XT...maybe Sammy is a better long term option.)
Good god - return it before its too late! I've never had a HTC which didn't prematurely break for some silly reason. My friend had the very similar 8S - it fell a mere one foot to the ground and the entire screen shattered (it is gorilla glass but it is incredibly thin to the point of flimsiness).
Get a Nokia (a phone actually solidly built) - any really- before youre stuck with it :P
I think the 6 tiles across is for 1080p display's as a feature of GDR3 update along with MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 support!
The handset in the photo looks like a Lumia 920 am I correct? I hope I am, I only got my 920 a couple of months ago. I wouldn't like to miss out due to Nokia going mental with new handsets and crappy network carriers either not stocking the new handsets or being stupidly slow. I've been hearing more and more that the 9 month old Lumia 920 is now classed as old. Will the 920 get GDR3 or is 2 the end?
The pic just seems to be a photoshopped lumia....who knows....but I know your pain! I hate buying a phone and then boom! A new phone is released, and the updates we or you want aren't available to your phone! I think the 920 will still get the GDR3, its their best selling phone still, I assume at least, and they (nokia) know that the general public is not going to jump from phone to phone! The main reason I left android was I would buy a new phone, first day of release, top of the line specs, worked great, then boom! another phone was released by same company, or the carry wouldn't put my phone on the list for certain updates from google, and if it did Att took forever then to approve it! At least with W8 your set for the time. Hell I have the 1020, and its really just the 920 with a slightly brighter screen and better camera.
Cheers man. Yeah if i was an avid photographer I'd have jumped on the 1020 band wagon. But I'm happy with my 920. Gotta be, stuck with it now til 2015!
It will get GDR3 and 8.1 (or 'blue')... and several more updates over the next 2 years. So will my 822.
Excellent, stuck with my 920 til 2015 anyways. Would have gone for the 925 but EE the uks biggest network are rather slow at stocking it haha
512MB RAM WP8 devices won't get WP8.1!
Damn I just want the clock and a notification center, just let me swipe down! Just like the iphone and android...super easy! Whats the hold up! Either way, I can't bi*ch! I think we are slowly getting to the point of.....what else is there we can throw on a phone? Huge screen? Done! 1080p? Done! Excellent point and shoot camera? Done! I am a huge phone junky, never got into the fanboy crap, but love Nokia!! Always solid, plus I love the tiles!! Android got old and apples phones are too small for a 6'3 guy! I love the 1020, I just want a few more apps, a nice tile clock that works! and a better notification menu. I guess the lock screen is good, but I would never use it, just my opinion and two cents. Sorry for rambling!
You aren't rambling, and you are free to bitch as much as you'd like... you are the consumer! I also love Nokia's build quality and innovative photography features, but small stuff like no separate volume controls and no notification center get annoying. It's gotta be a great phone on top of a great camera, right?
True thanks!!! Crap forgot about the volume controls!!! At least my bluetooth volume never changes for my music!! That and improve PLEASE I.E.!!!!!! I hate the back button!!
And no forward button?!?!
All "icing on the cake" features for me! Will be awesome if the L925 I will be getting will get all these features! I will hold out longer if there is a chance they will start shipping the L925's to restock with both of these updates. After that I will be looking forward to a phablet in the future. Like someone else said, I hope T-Mobile will get the/a WP phablet so I can us JUMP! to get it. Excited to see so many official apps and updates coming!!! WP is growing!!!...even if it is slower than most people on here want or say it should! I think it's growing at a good rate. Like I always say, good things come to those who wait!
Bluetooth 4.0? When?
Few weeks, its in GDR2.
Samsung ATIV S has missing hardware so no Bluetooth v4/FM Radio.
ATIV S has Bluetooth 3.0 +HS support with GDR2!
And "Data Sense" and "Fixed Other Memory problem!" My other is less then 2GB now!
IE10 a bit faster! Can't wait to see IE11 with WP8.1
Will L920 support a 1080p resolution???
From what I read and understand Vinc, no! Not even the 1020 will support it, which I thought was a crime at first, then realized the screen size was the same as the 920. With that said, I can't see a 1080p making a huge difference on 4.5 inch screen! Maybe a 5 inch phone ya! My htc One was beautiful, but again only 4.7", but again that was a whole different screen in general and it kills the battery! There are a lot of good articles online stating 1080p is sorta dumb on phones cause of the screen size, plus the drain on the battery. I only had the Samsung s3 and notes, but many S4 owners state the screen is still not all that! I played with it in store, its brighter, little more crisp, but nothing mind blowing, Samsung really overhyped that crap phone imo! and yes its crap! My S3 and Note 1 and 2 would always start to lag after a few months! Either way I wouldn't loose sleep over it. Just my imo though and some info I read. Hope it helps!
1080p make big difference only after 32''!
No. How would a software update replace your screen with a higher resolution one???
We could take bets on the over/under for when each indivudual carrier actually sees the GDR2 update. I'll set the date at August 20 and take the over with AT&T (this seems to be a nice concensus date being bantied about).
When are we going to get XBox Video in WP8? With no mention of it in 8.1 I'm treating it as a rhetorical question at this point with the answer being "never". It's an embarassing feature gap considering Microsoft's whole "three screens strategy".
Everyone is still waiting for GDR2 to roll out let alone GDR3. Saying in a few months for GDR3 means nothing to me.
Why MS doesn't roll out upgrades on their own is frustrating to say the least.
Everyone will have GDR3 update by Christmas!
WP8.1 rolled for everyone by WMC (Q1 2014)
Idk why everyone's complaining about Microsoft's unreliability with updates. In the end, we have to blame the carriers for the slow rollout; not to mention that these gdr's are minor updates, so not many new features are expected.
I still don't have GDR2 hopefully Nokia and EE push it out to users soon
I would like screen orientation lock and the ability to close apps from the multitasking screen.
But first I would like GDR2 for my freaking unlocked 920.
Why does every comment section on any article about pending upgrades devolve into whining about how this company or that company does care about us? May as well declare everything is bad, crawl under a rock and die, people. I'm naturally grumpy, and you're all bringing me down.
+1 for honesty, lol.
Yeah, maybe these morons will educate themselves this time and we won't spend from now until GDR3 listening to people complain about how long its taking.
The whole point of a comment board is for people to post comments on how they feel about an article. If Microsoft is doing something cool with WP, I will be the first to be all excited and give props. If they are doing something I don't like I will express that too. They need to know how we feel, dude! But, I do feel you though when people ignorantly complain about things that could never be solved or that aren't Microsoft's fault.
The vocal majority here are usually just so wrong about everything they say, it makes it really annoying.
Many people read comments to find out more about a subject or help them form an opinion. Unfortunately, if you read many of the threads here, you'll come away with the wrong picture... ultimately, that's bad for Windows Phone.
If you read a comment board for any other reason than to absorb opinions of general public then you are using the internet wrong. Emphasis on "opinions" there...
Opinions always suck when they are uninformed.
haha! so true...
I'm sorry but that screen in the image for the article looks like a busy mess. I do not want to deal with a mosaic of icons every time I unlock my phone. THAT IS TOO MANY ICONS.
To the photo's defense though, I do realize that it's a leaked photo and that might not be what the final situation is...
It's a mock up that everyone uses in WP related news. It's not a leaked photo.
So it's a sure thing that a 1080p WP screen will look like that? If so, I'm even more annoyed. I thought it was just a preliminary type, testing image and not a final product. "Leaked" "Preliminary" "Initial design"...whatever you wanna call it, no need to be pedantic.
He said a 'mock up' not a leaked image. Meaning it could have come from any Tom, Dick or Harry.
"Mock up" or "leaked" means basically the same thing. It's unofficial and may not be representative of the final product. But anyway... it's an ugly mock up and if it misrepresents GDR3, maybe it shouldn't be used as the headline image for the article.
No, on this instance it does not mean the same thing.
If it were 'leaked', then it would have came from an official source and would have been at least considered at one time or another.
A 'mock up' could have came from anyone and means nothing.
Jeezus, ok I should've said "mock up". I am heartfully sorry. That is not my point. Majorly pedantic commentary here. My point is that I really hope a 1080p WP screen will not look like that image because I do not like the idea of having that many icons on one screen and I also think it is ugly. That is my opinion. The end.
I think it's ugly too. I mentioned that it's a mock up hoping that Microsoft might actually come up with something more clever than this. So we're actually on the same page here.
What, is pedantic your word of the day?
The only thing "pedantic" here is your failure to understand basic words and concepts.
Yeah I did actually learn it yesterday. Good call. <----No sarcasm there...I did actually learn it yesterday and you called it correctly. But yeah, what concept have I failed to understand? And yes, your initial reply to me was pedantic. Comparing "mock up" and "leaked" photo as a correction to me? Whether the photo was a mock up or leak was beside my point and you were just correcting for the sake of correcting. It doesn't matter if a photo is a leak or a mock up, either way it is unofficial and can't be trusted as an infallible representation of a final tech product.
You sure are confused, and despite my attempts at informing you, it seems hopeless.
Good luck on your next word of the day!
I love ppl that choose to distract from making real points by arguing semantics. Btw, over usage of commas is a proven sign of inferiority complex. Just so we can both be "informing" each other...
Although alluded to in the article (and others), part of the other 'behind the scenes' changes in the GDRx updates is in the inclusion of new APIs which allow the vendors (e.g. Nokia) to provide new functionality/apps for the users.
Recently notable was the SMS/Call blocking app that Nokia added to Lumia's Settings menu, which was apparently possible due to new APIs added in GDR2. We've long noted MS not providing programmer access to certain parts of the WP environment, so seeing this 'loosening of the grip' is great news for the app developers and in turn, the app consumers (you and me).
With GDR2 and 3, we should start seeing many more of the utilities apps we've been looking for.
The only update worth waiting for in my opinion is the Blue, all others are useless and functionalities that doesn't change the WP experience to the next level that we are waiting for. I am excited for the Blue, and I believe that it will support all WP8 phones since it is an 8.1.
WP8.1 won't work on 512MB RAM device's!
Plz dont talk shit, wp8.1 blue will come to all wp8 phones, no matter 512mb ram or 1gig ram
Many are receiveing GDR2???? Where??? In Mars??? Nokia still ignores everyone and postpone for ever GDR2 update worldwide. A thing that should be simple and quick is Always made with suffer. This is boring and bad. When Nokia will learn it? When Amber will be released massively, widely? Stop this complications Nokia!!! Make us proud of our option!
I agree with you, I don't know what goes on in the background, but a Lumia with no carrier binding should get the update the day it is released no matter what region you are in. I hate it when I see big companies like Nokia & MS bend over for carriers, the only person who is getting frustrated is the end user, and the phone companies reputation.
Nokia isnt announcing their flagship yet of the 9xx series and elop mentioned they are announcing it fall so maybe september or october.
Any predictions on how Sprint might handle these updates? I'm picking up the Ativ S Neo and I'm hoping that I'll see some of the GDR's as well as Blue next year.
whats the name od the application with weather and time in the same tile ??
I'd geez. Why they even bother throwing this out there when most don't have GDR2 and won't have it for God knows how long is beyond me. I really wish something could be done to get updates out in a timely manner
The tiles keep getting smaller
I don't think they will. The additional 3rd row medium tiles will be implemented in the big screen formats or phablets.
Indeed gdr3 aint special, but It is If Nokia beefs It up again :d
May not be important to you but to me, it is very important! I want Orientation LocK! I want Driver Mode! I also want the ability to close apps from the Multi Tasking Window! Above all, I want a 1080p screen because my next phone will be WP8 phablet! So yeah, it's important to me!
Removing the carriers from the update process should be done sooner than later. This is one solution to get consumers happy.
Totally agree with you. But... consumers happy? Are they with this goal? Seriously???? It is a bad joke this thing of Amber that never comes...
They do that, every carrier will just refuse point blank to stock the phone in both the USA and UK at least. As well as systematically brick every windows phone on their network. And they can because of the limited influence WP has on carriers.
I actually like the cadence Microsoft is establishing with Windows Phone. A major annual update with lots of new features punctuated by two or three smaller updates to support new phones throughout the year.
I honestly don't feel the need to compare Windows Phone against Android or iOS. They are three completely different platforms. Yes, Android and iOS are more mature, but Windows Phone is maturing in its own way instead of slavishly trying to "catch up" to the other two. I'm fine with this.
I love my Lumia 920, and I'm staying with Windows Phone for as long as it stays viable.
Sorry fellow. The cadence is good for you ok... but the quick of this updates... it is too slow...
Orientation Lock! Sweet Jesus, thank you!
Only a genius like Steve Jobs can be so demented to actually think automatic screen rotation is a good thing.
I'm sorry, but it drives me nuts.
From a usability standpoint they can also just lock the orientation when a keyboard is pulled up. That might even be a better implementation of orientation lock.
I REALLY hope Orientation Lock is easy to enable/disable. I'd hate if MS made this a setting or something. If it was a simple gesture, or something simple like double tapping the home button.. Then I might use it.
8.1 better be phenomenal
Haha no kidding. It's like, every single tidbit about GDRx is followed by "but that will likely be in 8.1". Get ready for disappointment in 2014, guys :D
Windows Phone 8.1 is going to destroy iOS 7 & Android 5 ...!
-Window Phone 8 overtook BlackBerry 10 @5% as #3 (2013)
-Window Phone 8.1 will overtake iOS 7 @10% as #2 (2014)
Since I became interested in wp8 I uncover more and more basic features that are still missing. In the past I assumed that orientation lock or landscape view were included from the beginning. Damn, 8.1 can't come soon enought.
Let GDR2 arrive first. I cant even dream of 8.1 now. Makes me weep incessantly. :D
Give me transparent tiles or give me death ;)
Dudaaaaa...!!! Don't make such an offer. They might kill you as transparent tiles might be too much of a hassle compared to just hiring an assassin. :D :P
Come to think of it, an assassin is probably cheaper. ;)
And easier dude. Just make a call..give lucktr's ip..and bammm....GAME OVER..!! no more transparent live tile demands..happy Microsoft.. :D
Lol! This forum can no doubt make one man paranoid! Mk, guess I'd take liberty instead....wait! @_@
+920!!!
I don't want transparent tiles... Just black & white ones. ;)
Can you imagine transparent tiles with diagnol gradient theme color animations every few seconds!! +100
What's that app that has that HTC CLOCK??? I notice that's a Nokia device with a HTC looking clock on the screen.
You know that's just a mockup and not a real device, right?
Yes, maybe I should've worded it different. Is there a app for Nokia's that's similar to the HTC CLOCK APP.
Finally, Thanks a Million!! for Orientation lock feature!!! Very much needed!! :) pls release asap.. also, what did you mean by Hardware changes in orientation lock?
I wonder how many will even have GDR2 before GDR3 is released...
Everyone except the people who locked themselves to carriers. You can't get mad, they want to sell you phones as often as they can, that's why they look cheap in the beginning.
You're confused about what "locked to carriers" mean, I think. You can buy a phone without a contract, like I did on T-Mobile with the Lumia 521, and you pay cash upfront - you don't get a discount, and you can cancel the contract anytime. It's not cheaper. The phone is still locked to the carrier for a certain time period (I believe it's 40 days for this phone?), after which you can unlock it. What does that have to do with when T-Mobile will push the GDR2 update?
Does it come as an unbranded phone or as a T-Mobile variant? That's what I meant. Sorry for the wrong choice of words, English is not my native language.
The Lumia 521 is, I believe, a T-Mobile exclusive (it certainly is branded with their logo at least), but I'm not sure. I know it can be unlocked so other carriers' SIM cards can be used on it, but only after a certain period of time.
Are you saying that if I unlock it, I can get the GDR2 update sooner? Honest question, not being facetious... I don't know how these things work, I thought all updates were pushed out by the carrier you happen to be using at the time, no matter if the phone is unlocked or not.
Unlocked phones get their updates through Nokia, in this case, it's Nokia US. Locked phones get specific roms and carriers decide to push an update or just leave it behind completely. Now, I don't know how Nokia does it but in most Android phones, they are almost always left behind with no updates (both by manufacturers and carriers) to force people get a new phone.
Actually change all the "locked" and "unlocked" to "branded" and "unbranded" then we're set. In my defense -again-, I learned English as a second language in high school. ;)
I don't believe that is true, after you unlock your update comes when T-Mobile clears it. Even if your using your phone on another carrier
I think what people outside the US don't understand is that we don't have a choice. Unbranded phones are not available here. Nokia does not sell them direct. All phones in the US are branded, unless you import. But then you pay more, often don't get the right bands for use on our networks, and often get features like internet sharing that don't work.
Hmmm.. I read a little on this and you're right. I think this should be illegal though.
There is no doubt in my mind that the mobile operators in this country are corrupt and in collusion on pricing.
I think unbranded phones is the least of our issues... contracts with outrageous early termination fees would be my first choice to attack. Then the insane monthly rates for texting and the additional charges for wireless access point usage (even though we have already paid for the data). They make a habit of breaking out features that cost them nothing to give us and making them separate, expensive options. Just deplorable.
Right. For example, T-Mobile's WiFi Calling feature, which is awesome. The stranglehold on the consumers is still in place, but T-Mobile's new model is at least a little less carrier-centric than the Big 3, which is why I paid the penalty to AT&T to switch to T-Mobile.
Kinda funny how GDR3 update is being leaked out yet my Lumia 928 doesn't sport the GDR2 yet.. Good ol' Verizon
Whatever the new phablet is, please bring it to Tmobile so I can get the most out of JUMP.
You know what I find funny ... If you take your newly purchased Lumia 1020 and goto .. Settings .. About and look at the model number .. it says .. NOKIA 909. WHY? HAHA
That's what they planned initially but thought that 1020 would be better for their new naming scheme. 1020 being successor of 808 and all.
That's because they had a decent name planned - Lumia 909 - and they decided to change it to the misleading "1020" (when the phone is little more than a 92x with a 41MP)
Ya I see why they did it but just funny that they didnt brand the OS correctly :)
my device also shoes 909..thats funny
Orientation lock not for current hardware.? Needs superior hardware..? Are they joking..? They do something like that and i am bidding goodbye to WP faster than an aventador can reach 60mph. :-/
Article may not be clear on this but I'm sure the existing hardware will get this feature.
I hope you are right night watch. :)
Nice car analogy haha.
However, that was deifnitely a mistake in their writing's context. Orientation lock will not need new hardware. There's no reason it would haha
I know..!! But such things make me doubt that it wont need the superior hardware. I am no programming god, but i guess it shouldn't be a problem, enabling orientation lock that is. Some of my friends really need it, though i don't care much about it. Still, its a basic feature that's a must have in a smartphone, and saying it'll need beefier hardware is just stupid, implementing that is utterly cruel. :-/
And thanks dude. I am a gear head, so it comes naturally. :P
Normally I don't really care about 1080p resolution but I think it's a bit of a fail to bring that so late. If anything, the 1020 would've been the perfect handset to introduce 1080p on Windows Phone.
Well I DO care about a 1080p res screen but not on the 1020 nor on my own 920. The main reason behind this is that to me it becomes interesting when the screen size is 5" or larger since you won't see the diff anyway. PPI is important for me. You can stuff 1080p in a 3.5" screen but it has no added value IMO.
Agree with u dude
Meanwhile, ATT users still await the much delayed GDR2 update :D
And don't forget most of the rest of the world!! Remember?? You are not alone so stop acting like you and at&t are the only ones getting left behind and screwed (I'm sure it's right around the corner anyway)
My next device will more than likely be a phablet.
Talking 3 and most do not have GDR2. Please stop!!
It's useful information for those of us that haven't yet gone to WP8. The 1020 with GDR2 almost made me jump. GDR3 devices might be the ones to finally do it for me.
Orientation lock is my most desired feature in wp8. I'm generally very happy with the os, and mostly use apps with lock built in, but mail, texting, and most importantly internet explorer can't be locked.
Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch.
That's all for now.
Please, tell us more about your girlfriend.
These features couldn't be included in gdr2?
I'm grateful we're getting them within these few months anyways though. Other than the other issue my 920 has been nothing but an excitement to use.
Interesting.
Dan, do you think they would do a GD2 + GDR3 update at the same time? GDR2 has been ready for some time now, and from what I've read, GDR3 is in testing. I was under the impression, which may be false, that Nokia would be releasing GDR3 devices sometime this Fall\Winter. ATT may be wanting to package the 2 updates?
GDR3 will come with new devices first just like GDR2 did. The roll out to other devices will follow that gradually.
Orientation lock is huge for me, sometimes it is something really small that makes all the difference!
Seriously!! Lucky you.. I'm using WP 7.8 .. these updates aren't for me :(
People with 512MB of RAM on WP8 only get GDR3 update!
WP8.1 memory base has been raised to 1GB RAM!
I see WP7.8 all over again with GDR3 update.
Source? :-/
Nothing has been said about that yet.
You guys forgot that the GDR3 supports quad core and even octa core.
Another +1 for you. That's the SoC improvements, but it also will give phone the better GPU.
I thought WP8 supported up to 64 cores by default...
Yes, indeed WP8 can support up to 64 cores, by using NT kernel shared from PC version of Windows, but it still needs to be unlocked by making the driver for SoC based on ARM architecture.
Why should we care? How does it help us with our current devices?
Don't wake me till it gets to Hexa-core.
Probably a generation behind when it's finally released..
No, it won't be because the vast majority of Androids will still be at quad-core and 1080p screens because that's the point where Android performs at its best. Beyond that is overkill!
Orientation lock!!!! Score! I hope someone can find a way to make it work with current devices. This is a huge "feature" for me, personally.
Me too!! I think for All of us (WP users) .. Now Microsoft felt the need to add Orientation lock? I wonder who the tester is :/
Yeah, me too! With that feature coming up, I can wait for longer.
But, hey, where they got the need of users about locking the orientation?
Honestly don't see a reason for it. But hey the more features the better.
Great. I will be able to see SMS on my phone then. But, will it also enable the phone to send SMS?
Hey, what does 3 medium tile size mean? I don't catch that.
see the phablet in picture, ofcourse doesnt mean anything to current users.
Well, I understand that, though it's just a mockup image by another Windows Phone fan. Thanks for informing anyway.
Won't be buying another WP until the 8.1 update.
Amen brother!
Should have said will wait and buy a WP with 8.1 software:)
We'll all have to buy new pants then, too, with gigantic raver pockets, because the phone will be a foot tall with two inches of camera lens sticking out of the back!
If you already have WP8, then there would be no need to buy another phone because the upgrade will also come to your phone!
I hope all the carriers jump the GDR3 and not bring these to existing WPs. Why? This only will delay the WP8 Blue test for they!
I think that if they don't test the GDR3 they will test and approve Blue faster.
I don't want to receive Blue in the middle of 2014.
This is stupid
You'll receive Blue in the middle of 2014 regardless of carriers jumping GDR3 or not. Microsoft will not release Blue any faster just because carriers have jumped GDR3. Microsoft will not release Blue for approval before everyone gets GDR3. And carriers will also have to "approve" Blue anyway. . So...the only think Microsoft has to do is stop being lazy and start to pack GDR3 with more features (note that they still haven't addresses A SINGLE top feature on their uservoice) and start releasing updates faster.
Even though you have a point, orientation lock was one of the top requested features.
Pages