Verizon begins pushing out Amber + GDR2 update for Nokia Lumia 928

By last updated

Rejoice people, we have word that not only is the Lumia 920 (global, not AT&T) getting the double punch of Amber and GDR2 (OS build 10327/8) today, but it is being joined by the Verizon Lumia 928. This follows just 24 hours after the update was spotted on Nokia's servers.

The update brings the new camera functions, FM radio support, Glance settings and the Other storage fix to the Verizon flagship Lumia.

We just checked on our Lumia 928 via Settings > Phone update and sure enough, we have begun downloading the new OS and firmware. Rumor has it that this update will also finally enable group messaging, something that has irritated Verizon customers for some time now.

But you can stop reading this now and fire up your Lumia 928 (makes sure you’re on Wi-Fi) and grab that new OS. The over-the-air update will not wipe any information and it should take about 20 minutes to process.

Thanks, Tyler M., for the tip!

Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino

Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.
152 Comments
  • Just got the download like 5 min ago.... Yeahhhh!!!
  • No FM Radio support
    http://support.verizonwireless.com/pdf/system_update/lumia928.pdf
  • Not happy about this.  I wanted the FM tuner to listen to sports games.  They are always blacked out when you listen to those stations online, such as through TuneIn.
  • if your talking about the baseball games get at bat13 they play all the games from the app..
  • AT&T is no longer the fastest Nokia carrier in the US it seems
  • It wouldn't surprise me at all if AT&T decided to skip this update and wait for a bigger update down the road.
  • It's "waiting for approval" and Nimdock posted the link for the status in the comments: http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/...
  • At least its not in "testing"
  • Most likely at&t releases it by Monday.
  • I'm downloading the update for my HTC 8x on att :D
  • WHAAAAAA?
  • I hate you!!! Nothing yet on my HTC 8x for Verizon...Im hoping to somehow harrass Verizon into switching my phone from an 8x to a 928...with my screen error and sim card error even though its HTC's fault i could probably still get verizon to get me a 928 :P Whats in the update?
  • Considering I haven't had a single update skipped by AT&T yet, I'm hoping they don't begin now. This IS the bigger update.
  • AT&T is a pathetic premier partner for windows phone.
  • At&t is ok they can't be first all the time.
  • ATT got burned by the last big Nokia update, The 1308 firmware update that fixed the proximity sensor issue but it also just randomly killed cell service. Nokia had to push another update out quick to fix it. But who do you think the average customer called to complain? Yep, that would be ATT. So after that, I'm not surprised that they're being cautious..remember, when developers drive the delivery schedule we get things like NT 3.51 . When marketing and sales drive the delivery schedule, we get things like Windows ME.
  • Daniel any news from t-mobile 810?
  • Confirmed for 810. Follow this link: http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/...
  • Thanks! :-)
  • Mine is downloading now OTA
  • 822 Big Red, 822!!
  • Nimdock posted this in the comments: http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/...
  • but when?
  • No word. Follow the link. Status reads "waiting for approval".
  • Also available in the Netherlands for my Lumia 920!!!!
    I'm at the installing phase at the moment :-)
  • Me too downloading now :D
  • Sweet! Will download when I get home!
  • No update fr 820 india
  • True.. :/
    Daniel please find out about India. I got the 1308 firmware update 2months.. So i hope this doesn't happen again.. :/
  • Nimdock posted this in the comments: http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/.
    Navigate to your location and look for your model/carrier. Hope this helps.
  • It says coming soon.. Now does it mean its on the servers or does waiting for approval mean it on the servers??
  • Btw thanks for the link
  • Nothing for my 822.
    I'm getting nervous that it may get skipped.
  • Me too. Suspect they want to sell new phones, that's why the 928 went free online before the updates and new plan go into effect.
  • Nimdock posted this in the comments: http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/...
  • Sweet link! Makes me feel better, but trusting Verizon is not easy. Thanks!
  • I'm sure it's only a matter of days, but "pending" doesn't mean much.
  • Better not!  I will be cancelling my contract and going to AT&T to get the 1020!  I really don't want to, I will miss the RedZone Channel on NFL Mobile!  Damn you Verizon!  Please release GDR2 for the 822 and soon!
  • http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/...
  • I just confirmed. It doesn't look like it will let me update now. I'll have to go home and connect to my verizon hotspot to avoid downloading it over the cell network...oh wait. (Seriously why can't I do LTE OTA updates?)
  • Guess OTA doesn't specify what kind of air, and providers don't want networks getting bogged down.
  • I think ota just means it doesn't have to be connected to a PC to update, like WP7 requiring Zune to update .
  • My point is that due to the fact that verizon IS my ISP since comcast is still building their network for the first time in my area, Verizon is the only way to get it. I'm not downloading it on the phone via LTE, but I am downloading it via LTE. Its my data (and I spend a fortune on it) so let me do with it as I please. If it was unlimited, I might understand but its not.
  • I really hate att always late to the game.
  • If I recall we were first to get GDR1
  • Indeed we were.
  • I remember when sprint was the first to get nodo by releasing the HTC Arrive.
  • Can someone confirm this brings group messaging?
  • Did you read the article????????????????????????
  • It says it's rumored to have it in the article. So he wants confirmation. Did YOU read the article?
  • Of course not, who reads the articles these days??
  • Did you read it yourself? The article used the word "rumor" and I asked if anyone can "confirm". Thank you, Mr smarty pants.
  • Confirmed, group messaging is present on the 928!
  • I've turned on group messaging and did a reboot but its not working. Are you able to make it work? If so what did you do? Thanks
  • It does, updated through NCS last night
  • Downloading now...! (tele2 sweden)
  • YEEEEEESSSSSS!
  • DLing - woo hoo!
     
  • Before ATT, what happen to being the premier carrier? If ATT thinks that I am going to buy another phone just to get an update, then they will have one less customer. This is not android.
  • "Premier Carrier." No AT&T, you are clearly not.
  • Lol!  Well, they did, at least, snag the Lumia 1020 and had the Lumia 920 before Verizon got the variant.  
     
    ATT is still the premier carrier even if this update comes after Verizon gets it to their Lumia 928 users.
  • They are a pathetic premier partner.
  • Come on guys. I'd forgoe being first in the updates if I new that I'd get the newest phones 6 months before everyone else. 1020 is a beast and while I love my 928 I would have loved to have had a chance to buy the 1020. Not a bad tradeoff.
  • 928 Verizon....DOWNLOADING NOW!!!!   WOoooHOooooo!!
  • Dumb how I have to wait for WiFi, going to need to go to a hotspot somewhere since my homes WiFi sucks.
  • Spotty cell service=possible incomplete upgrade=bricked phone. Not everyone has LTE or HSPA, so they have to play to the lowest common denominator or the carriers would be getting inundated with calls about "your update ruined my phone!"
  • Waiting for VZW 8X; I really need the storage fix - I have almost 7GB in Other and it is really causing issues.
  • I would imagine it should be releasing soon, or at least I hope it is cause I need it also.
  • Yeah me too. I have 7.5 in other storage
  • I have resorted to deleting my music as I only have less than 1.8 GB of apps/games.  I have nothing left to delete to try to free up enough space for the phone to operate.
    I am a diehard WP fan but this storage issue is my biggest complaint; far worse than any app/feature issues.
  • I am right there with you man
  • It's funny cuz HTC had the update first and now they're last to roll it out in the US. Oh well. I still love my phone and will continue to be loyal to HTC.
  • You are more loyal than me; I love the look / feel of the 8X but . . . . the body of the phone gets dirty so I had to put it in a case, I still have resetting issues, and i really miss out on a lot of good apps that Nokia releases.
    I would switch to the 928 in a heartbeat given the chance.
  • Everyone but att, how classy... Getting tired of this waiting game
  • Yea..
  • Installing Now!!!!
  • First time AT&T isn't first with something windows phone and peoples lives are destroyed
  • I'm with AT&T and I have to agree with you. We can't always get it all first! Halo: Spartan Assault is case in point.
  • 822???? 
  • "Waiting for approval" Nimdock posted this in the comments: http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/
  • Funny... I was trying all morning to get the dang Nokia Care Suite to work so I could install the update... and this comes out!... Bravo Verizon.... Bravo!!!  I was prepared to gloat that I installed it before OTA.  Suspected it to hit the phone around Halloween!
  • Att is the worst with updates, my Samsung focus never received all updates for wp7 thanks to them :)
  • go big red, downloading now. Surprised, but pleasantly so, can't wait to listen to voicemails on the go again!
  • Downloading now on my 928! 
  • Lumia eight twenty two!!!!
  • "Waiting for approval". Nimdock posted this in the comments: http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/
  • Calm down dears
  • Downloading now, woot!
  • Just rebooted.  Group text is now available.  Way to go Verizon.
  • Sweet this is good news
  • YESSSSS!!!! Who knows why this was disabled in WP8 but I'm so excited to have it back!!!
  • Yaaaaay, was going to install it using NCS, but decided to wait until it was officially released, glad that didn't even take a day, ha ha.
  • Let's just say you can color me surprised! I'll (hopefully) be downloading this when I get home in the next hour!
  • LMAO. Good for you VZW. Never expected it this fast. I guess my update adventure yesterday was for naught. lol
  • Give me some Verizon HTC 8x love
  • Did they push out 7.8 for the Focus yet?
  • Focus isn't on Verizon so no.
  • so your saying I have a chance
  • Maybe,just not from Verizon
  • So much for AT&T being the premier Windows Phone partner!
    How much more evidence does Nokia need to just drop them and get onboard the Big Red Train?!?!?!?!
     
     
     
  • DownloDing the update on my 720 in India with region set as us
  • Lumia 720 has got the amber update! Rolling on the servers now!
  • Hi there!
     
    Has the 720 received Glance (always-on clock) and double-tap to unlock?
     
    Thanks :)
  • Anyone know if your battery has to be at a % to update? I'm at 27% and update has hung at preparing to install
  • I can confirm one thing...XBOX Music still has a lag when changing songs... :(
  • Dude! You ruined my life! I hate that lag. Oh well :/
  • But I have confirmed that when you choose a "cloud" playlist and then it shows a list of songs, you can SELECT ALL and download now. :) So it makes playlist creation a TAD easier. But sadly, that lag is still there. I had a 920 for a while when I was on AT&T...I'd get that lag SOMETIMES but it usually didn't have it.
  • Nice! I have the 8X, it only lags about twice a month, its not much but one of those things that just drives me up a wall. Maybe GDR3or 8.1!
  • I guess it is teling me to listen to the whole dang song before changing! :) I am a ZuneHD owner and "this close" to retiring it. Want to see some progress with the entire XBOX Music experience first. :)
  • It gets angry at us because it hates skipping songs! I second that, the music experience on Windows 8 and phone 8 are sad to say, pitiful
  • Is it normal that it sits at "preparing to install 100%" for a while?
  • Mine is doing the same I'm thinking my battery is to low so I'm charging
    Update: as soon as battery hit 32% it let me start
  • let it do its thing
  • Ah, it's working now. Thanks.
  • Ya, mine was there for about five or six minutes. 
  • Noticed one thing, in the "Almost done" stage, there are now 5 steps rather than 4. Wonder if that will change from update-to-update or if it's something that was changed in GDR1 or GDR2. 
  • YESSSSS downloading mine now!
  • ATT 4PM  EST Today.
  • Any word on when the update will come to the 822?
  • Just got the uodate, and GDR2 is up and running! Now... is my 8 GB of storage gonna start going down now?
  • update ready to download... just waiting on some wifi!
  • *Yawn!* Call me when they actually roll this out to the most used WP8 on Verizon (Lumia 822).
    But seriously, happy for those of you with the, 928. Would have loved to see it roll out to both handsets (and the non-Nokia's too), but hopefully it won't be long for the rest of us. (And yes, I do realize that Amber is only Nokia. The others need GDR2 though.)
  • Bring the love to my red 822
  • Updated last night, but couldn't find FM radio. Anyone get it working?
  • i just installed the update and am not seeing it anywhere, also, does it seem like the scrolling is slower than is used to be?
  • Its in "Music + Video".
  • <p>Anything about 520 update in India???It was going to release on 14th..if any1 gets then plz let me know..waiting eagerly for it...!!!!</p>
  • At&t, YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!
  • Got mine .... Yeah baby
  • Can't seem to find the FM radio either?
  • Not there, according to the documentation
    http://support.verizonwireless.com/system_update/lumia928.html
  • UMMMM 8X IS JUST GDR2 RELEASE IT VERIZON!
  • "ALMOST DONE" (Step 2 of 5) 89%. Go Verizon Nokia Lumia 928!!!
  • "YOUR UPDATE IS ALL DONE!" I'm so excited!,,
  • Daniel and Seth. Our new our new messiah :P Thnx for the heads up.
  • Installing this won't delete my saved games progress for Xbox games on Windows Phone, right? I know the article says it won't wipe any information, but I'm paranoid about losing my game save data.
  • According to the post, no, but I will follow up (if no one hasn't) when mines completes. Happy gaming!
  • I updated. My game save data is intact.
  • The gears are in motion (Literally, LOL). Love this little animation, it's adorable. Ahh, so excited. Got my 928 in the mail Monday and am already in love with it. Go Verizon!!
  • Got mine xD.
    NL 928 Unlocked Brazil.
  • Yes. This. Now let's see what becomes of my 12GB of Other Storage (as measured by Nokia Storage Check).
  • Yeah, mine went down a little bit (I had 8 GB of other). Now its a 7.93 GB. Hopefully it'll continue to go down .
  • Blocked numbers! Amazing!
    But my Cobalt is very distinctly Purple. Looks fine in the color settings, where I made it Cooler, but definitely looks Purple in my menues.
  • Does this include Bluetooth 4.0?
  • Boom!!!!!!! My 928 getting a fresh update
  • You know what would be great, if the update went to the Lumia 822 which came out before the 928... thanks VZW & MS for supporting your supporters
  • WAAAW GOT IT in middle east... Tanks Nokia ^^ Lumia 920
  • I got it on my 928 and I like it. not happy about the radio tho
  • Unfortunately it bricked my phone. Downloaded last night and it was still on the spinning gears screen 12 hours later. Soft and Hard Resets did not resolve it. Verizon has already shipped me a replacement that should arrive tomorrow. Fingers crossed for the next phone to succeed...
  • Download Amber Update for Windows Phone...visit..
    http://windroidblog.blogspot.in/2013/08/download-amber-update-for-lumia.html
  • how long does it take to install this update?
  • Has anyone been able to block calls. I can add a number to block but it will only block SMS and allows the call to still cone through. Also, you can only block numbers that are in your recent call history... Wish you could manually block numbers.