DJs
Although the Lumia 930 was excluded from the Windows 10 preview today due to a scaling issue, it seems the handset is still eligible for a new update in the form of Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2.
The Windows 10 Technical build 10051 for phones, expanded the list of supported handsets, but some users found their devices were being updated to Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 instead of Windows 10. Microsoft even started a thread in their support forum to try and figure out the cause. Since the Lumia 930 was not eligible for this build of Windows 10, it can directly move onto Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2.
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 brings its own set of improvements, including a new layout in Settings that is clearly more organized with jump lists and a search tool. There are also some other minor cosmetic changes, like the 'All apps' with the arrow near the bottom of the Start screen. Presumably, you will also get the new Bluetooth stack that supports Bluetooth keyboards.
If you own a Lumia 930, you can get Update 2 by downloading the Windows Insider app and signing up for the Fast Track. The phone will check for an update and download the new bits. Windows 10 will not be installed. The build number is 15116.
For now Lumia Icon (Lumia 929) owners seem to be out of luck, as the Verizon exclusive variant of the Lumia 930 will remain without the update until Microsoft resolves Windows 10 compatibility.
source - WindowsCentral
Lumia 930 receives Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 through Windows Insider app
Although the Lumia 930 was excluded from the Windows 10 preview today due to a scaling issue, it seems the handset is still eligible for a new update in the form of Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2.
The Windows 10 Technical build 10051 for phones, expanded the list of supported handsets, but some users found their devices were being updated to Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 instead of Windows 10. Microsoft even started a thread in their support forum to try and figure out the cause. Since the Lumia 930 was not eligible for this build of Windows 10, it can directly move onto Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2.
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 brings its own set of improvements, including a new layout in Settings that is clearly more organized with jump lists and a search tool. There are also some other minor cosmetic changes, like the 'All apps' with the arrow near the bottom of the Start screen. Presumably, you will also get the new Bluetooth stack that supports Bluetooth keyboards.
If you own a Lumia 930, you can get Update 2 by downloading the Windows Insider app and signing up for the Fast Track. The phone will check for an update and download the new bits. Windows 10 will not be installed. The build number is 15116.
For now Lumia Icon (Lumia 929) owners seem to be out of luck, as the Verizon exclusive variant of the Lumia 930 will remain without the update until Microsoft resolves Windows 10 compatibility.
source - WindowsCentral
DJs
Microsoft was expected to cancel the GDR2 update for Windows Phone 8.1, and focus on bringing those changes to Windows 10. But the company later confirmed that the update was still headed to Windows Phone handsets at some point this year.
While today's focus was on the second release of Windows 10 for phones, it turns out that users who gone through the process to install Windows 10 and ended up with Update 2 arriving first.
[UPDATE] [12 April 2015] According to a tweet sent out by Microsoft's Gabe Aul, the problem that prevented some Windows Phone 8.1 users from receiving the Windows 10 for Phones Technical Preview has been cleared up.
Aul's message tells Windows Phone users that if they have had issues installing the Windows 10 preview, another attempt should allow it to be downloaded and installed on their handset.
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 arrives on some handsets ahead of the Windows 10 preview
Microsoft was expected to cancel the GDR2 update for Windows Phone 8.1, and focus on bringing those changes to Windows 10. But the company later confirmed that the update was still headed to Windows Phone handsets at some point this year.While today's focus was on the second release of Windows 10 for phones, it turns out that users who gone through the process to install Windows 10 and ended up with Update 2 arriving first.
Microsoft's Windows 10 Technical Preview head, Gabe Aul, seemingly confirmed this on Twitter, in response to a tweet asking why Update 2 appeared in place of Windows 10.
Are you receiving the Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 (GDR2) on your Lumia handset? If so leave us a comment and let us know which Lumia model you own. You can also discuss the update on our forums.
[UPDATE] [12 April 2015] According to a tweet sent out by Microsoft's Gabe Aul, the problem that prevented some Windows Phone 8.1 users from receiving the Windows 10 for Phones Technical Preview has been cleared up.
Aul's message tells Windows Phone users that if they have had issues installing the Windows 10 preview, another attempt should allow it to be downloaded and installed on their handset.
DJs
Microsoft was originally expected to released two GDR (General Distribution Release) updates to Windows Phone 8.1. The Update 1 (GDR1) was released last year, and is still in the process of rolling out to handsets. While we initially expected Microsoft to skip GDR2 in favor of focussing on Windows 10 for phones, it looks like the Update 2 will soon be on its way to Windows Phone users.
Microsoft has published the full OEM changelog for Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, detailing some of the new and updated features heading to Microsoft's mobile platform.
Since this changelog is aimed at manufacturing partners, it doesn't really give us an insight on consumer features, but it is still a good reference point for what we can expect from the update.
Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 key features for consumers:
You can check out the detailed changelog of the update here. Initially, the GDR2 update was rumored to bring support for 2K display and Snapdragon 805 chipsets, but unfortunately, there is no mention of these improvements in changelog.
source - Microsoft | WindowsCentral
Microsoft confirms Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 update
Microsoft was originally expected to released two GDR (General Distribution Release) updates to Windows Phone 8.1. The Update 1 (GDR1) was released last year, and is still in the process of rolling out to handsets. While we initially expected Microsoft to skip GDR2 in favor of focussing on Windows 10 for phones, it looks like the Update 2 will soon be on its way to Windows Phone users.Microsoft has published the full OEM changelog for Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, detailing some of the new and updated features heading to Microsoft's mobile platform.
Since this changelog is aimed at manufacturing partners, it doesn't really give us an insight on consumer features, but it is still a good reference point for what we can expect from the update.
Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 key features for consumers:
- Video over LTE – Customize specific settings and behavior for Video over LTE to meet mobile operator requirements including Showing or hiding the LTE video calling switch, Enabling video conferencing, etc.
- Restore Start tile layout – Append the OEM-defined Start screen layout to the bottom of the user’s backed up Start screen layout when the user restores their device from a backup.
- More phone languages – Bangla (Bangladesh), Khmer, Kiswahili, Lao
- VPN Configuration service provider – New AlwaysOn value in ConnectionType; New Policies/AppIdleTimeout setting in the CSP
You can check out the detailed changelog of the update here. Initially, the GDR2 update was rumored to bring support for 2K display and Snapdragon 805 chipsets, but unfortunately, there is no mention of these improvements in changelog.
source - Microsoft | WindowsCentral
DJs
Microsoft is busy building Windows 10, which will be available across PCs, Tablets and smartphones. Some newly surfaced reports suggest that Microsoft may be planning to cancel Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 in favor of directly updating their smartphones to Windows 10.
Microsoft initially planned to release two updates to Windows Phone 8.1. The first updated (GDR1) is already rolling out to several devices, bringing Cortana, a swipe-enabled keyboard, Action Center, background images on Live Tiles, and more. Update 1 is also accompanied by Lumia Denim for Microsoft Mobile (Nokia) devices which exclusive enhancements to photography and a "Hey Cortana" feature.
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 (GDR2) was expected to bring features such as the Bluetooth-related MAP, HID 1.1, HOGP, and Absolute Volume Control. Now that the update may not be arriving, Microsoft will likely include all these enhancements directly into Windows 10 for phones.
Do you agree with Microsoft's choice to merge the GDR2 features into Windows 10? Or should Microsoft have released the update separately?
source - WMPoweruser
Microsoft may have cancelled Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 in favor of Windows 10
Microsoft is busy building Windows 10, which will be available across PCs, Tablets and smartphones. Some newly surfaced reports suggest that Microsoft may be planning to cancel Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 in favor of directly updating their smartphones to Windows 10.Microsoft initially planned to release two updates to Windows Phone 8.1. The first updated (GDR1) is already rolling out to several devices, bringing Cortana, a swipe-enabled keyboard, Action Center, background images on Live Tiles, and more. Update 1 is also accompanied by Lumia Denim for Microsoft Mobile (Nokia) devices which exclusive enhancements to photography and a "Hey Cortana" feature.
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 (GDR2) was expected to bring features such as the Bluetooth-related MAP, HID 1.1, HOGP, and Absolute Volume Control. Now that the update may not be arriving, Microsoft will likely include all these enhancements directly into Windows 10 for phones.
Do you agree with Microsoft's choice to merge the GDR2 features into Windows 10? Or should Microsoft have released the update separately?
source - WMPoweruser
DJs
We recently reported that Microsoft was already working on Update 2 (GDR2) for Windows Phone 8.1. Now a tweet from a from a contributor to a Polish Windows Phone blog indicates that the GDR2 update will be rolling out as a Preview for Developers on October 8th.
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 may arrive on October 8th for developers
We recently reported that Microsoft was already working on Update 2 (GDR2) for Windows Phone 8.1. Now a tweet from a from a contributor to a Polish Windows Phone blog indicates that the GDR2 update will be rolling out as a Preview for Developers on October 8th.The tweet follows some screenshots which show Cortana working on her Polish, and a toggle switch for the mobile data in the Action Center.
The GDR2 update is also expected to add support for Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 805 processor, and is rumored to bring support for 2K resolution displays on Windows Phone. The presence of Cortana also indicates that Microsoft has expanded its digital voice assistant to even more countries.
Microsoft has already released Update 1 (GDR1) as a Preview for Developers and is working to bring that version to the public by the end of this year. If GDR2 was to be released in October to developers, it will likely arrive on mainstream devices sometime next year. Those Windows Phone 8.1 users in regions where Cortana is not yet available are keeping their fingers crossed, until then.
source - @salczak (Twitter) | WMPoweruser
DJs
Currently developers are being treated to Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 (GDR1), which brings several enhancements to OEMs along with a few new features like Live Folders and Cortana enhancements. However it seems that Microsoft may already be working on Update 2 (GDR2) for Windows Phone 8.1.
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 maybe coming soon
Currently developers are being treated to Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 (GDR1), which brings several enhancements to OEMs along with a few new features like Live Folders and Cortana enhancements. However it seems that Microsoft may already be working on Update 2 (GDR2) for Windows Phone 8.1.The GDR1 update carried the 8.10.14157.200 OS version, but a new 8.15.12375.0 OS version has been spotted on the WP Bench database. The notable jump in the version number indicates that this could be a reasonably big update.
So what exactly does Update 2 have to offer? Unfortunately that is not yet known. There is a good chance that Microsoft will continue enhancing the Windows Phone platform for OEMs by including support for 2K resolution displays and Snapdragon 805 processors. These enhancements should allow OEMs like HTC to continue producing flagship versions of their smartphones on both Android and Windows Phone platforms.
The second update to Windows Phone 8.1 may be released to developers later this year, possibly in October. However we don't expect the final version to surface until early 2015.
source - NokiaPowerUser
source - NokiaPowerUser
DJs
Nokia has announced that they have starting rolling out the Lumia Black software update. The Nokia Lumia 1020 and Nokia Lumia 925 will be the first Windows Phone 8 models to receive the update with the rest of the Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 lineup to receive it in the weeks ahead.
Nokia Lumia smartphones check for a new update automatically each week, so you will be notified when Lumia Black arrives. You can manually try to pull it out of your phone by going to Settings > Phone update.
The Lumia Black updates comes alongside Windows Phone Update 3 (GDR3) which brings several improvements from Microsoft for Windows Phones, but lets take a look at some of the unique features coming to Nokia Lumia devices.
With the Nokia Black update, Nokia is introducing folders to Windows Phones. Folders basically allows you to group specific apps into a single tile, which can then be pinned to your Start Screen. Granted its not the most efficient.
You can download App Folder for your Lumia Windows Phone using the following link
Nokia Glance 2.0
With Glance 2.0 you will be able to see notifications related to your device, including phone, messages, email, outlook, calendar, or any apps that use notifications such as Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp, or games; always visible at a glance on your screen. It saves you time and that oh so precious battery life.
Bluetooth LE.
Bluetooth LE will be available across the full Windows Phone 8 Lumia range for compatible gadgets like the Adidas MiCoach accessories.
Nokia Refocus
Nokia Refocus for Windows Phone will available across all Lumia devices with 1GB of RAM or higher. With Nokia Refocus, you can change the point of focus on your photo after it has been captured and processed on your phone.
You can put the focus on the foreground, on the background, or have all-in focus, which removes depth from your photo. Another cool feature is Color Pop which allows you to remove all color from a photo and add it back only in those areas where you want color.
Nokia Beamer
Also coming to all Nokia Lumia handsets sporting 1GB of RAM or more is Nokia Beamer. This app allows you to share photos, files, presentations and other content, to an HTML5 enabled screen with the use of a QR code.
Nokia Storyteller
Nokia Storyteller for Windows Phone first debuted on the Nokia Lumia 1520 and the Nokia Lumia 1320. The experience will be extended to other Lumia smartphones with the Lumia Black Update. Nokia Storyteller arranges your photos for you, by date and by place, making it easier to tell the stories behind your pictures, and give extra context through the close integration of interactive maps.
Nokia Camera
Nokia Camera for Windows Phone combines Nokia Pro Camera and Smart Camera to simplify the photo-taking experience, and ensure you get the perfect shot every time. The app has been available for Lumia PureView smartphones since last year, but it’s now coming to the rest of the WP8 Lumia range.
The latest Nokia Camera update also brings raw DNG support for Lumia 1020 owners – something that’s already available for Lumia 1520. The DNG format gives you access to pure and untouched visual information, allowing you to do more and be more creative with your images. If you are an enthusiast or professional photographer, now you can use your professional workflow with your smartphone images.
Latest generation of imaging algorithms. The Lumia Black update further improves the image quality, especially in Lumia 1020. Among others, the improvements include a new oversampling algorithm, making your images more natural looking with reduced noise, while ensuring your photos remain wonderfully sharp.
The update also brings several improvements from Microsoft to Lumia Windows Phone
For more information go to http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update.
source - Nokia
Nokia Lumia Black update starts rolling out
Nokia has announced that they have starting rolling out the Lumia Black software update. The Nokia Lumia 1020 and Nokia Lumia 925 will be the first Windows Phone 8 models to receive the update with the rest of the Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 lineup to receive it in the weeks ahead.
Nokia Lumia smartphones check for a new update automatically each week, so you will be notified when Lumia Black arrives. You can manually try to pull it out of your phone by going to Settings > Phone update.
The Lumia Black updates comes alongside Windows Phone Update 3 (GDR3) which brings several improvements from Microsoft for Windows Phones, but lets take a look at some of the unique features coming to Nokia Lumia devices.
App Folder
With the Nokia Black update, Nokia is introducing folders to Windows Phones. Folders basically allows you to group specific apps into a single tile, which can then be pinned to your Start Screen. Granted its not the most efficient.
You can download App Folder for your Lumia Windows Phone using the following link
| Download |  |
| Price | Free |
| Requirements | Windows Phone 8 |
Press the Search 
button on your Windows Phone, tap Vision 
and then scan the following barcode by pointing your device camera toward it
button on your Windows Phone, tap Vision and then scan the following barcode by pointing your device camera toward it 
Nokia Glance 2.0
With Glance 2.0 you will be able to see notifications related to your device, including phone, messages, email, outlook, calendar, or any apps that use notifications such as Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp, or games; always visible at a glance on your screen. It saves you time and that oh so precious battery life.
Bluetooth LE.
Bluetooth LE will be available across the full Windows Phone 8 Lumia range for compatible gadgets like the Adidas MiCoach accessories.
Nokia Refocus
Nokia Refocus for Windows Phone will available across all Lumia devices with 1GB of RAM or higher. With Nokia Refocus, you can change the point of focus on your photo after it has been captured and processed on your phone.
You can put the focus on the foreground, on the background, or have all-in focus, which removes depth from your photo. Another cool feature is Color Pop which allows you to remove all color from a photo and add it back only in those areas where you want color.
Nokia Beamer
Also coming to all Nokia Lumia handsets sporting 1GB of RAM or more is Nokia Beamer. This app allows you to share photos, files, presentations and other content, to an HTML5 enabled screen with the use of a QR code.
Nokia Storyteller
Nokia Storyteller for Windows Phone first debuted on the Nokia Lumia 1520 and the Nokia Lumia 1320. The experience will be extended to other Lumia smartphones with the Lumia Black Update. Nokia Storyteller arranges your photos for you, by date and by place, making it easier to tell the stories behind your pictures, and give extra context through the close integration of interactive maps.
Nokia Camera
Nokia Camera for Windows Phone combines Nokia Pro Camera and Smart Camera to simplify the photo-taking experience, and ensure you get the perfect shot every time. The app has been available for Lumia PureView smartphones since last year, but it’s now coming to the rest of the WP8 Lumia range.
The latest Nokia Camera update also brings raw DNG support for Lumia 1020 owners – something that’s already available for Lumia 1520. The DNG format gives you access to pure and untouched visual information, allowing you to do more and be more creative with your images. If you are an enthusiast or professional photographer, now you can use your professional workflow with your smartphone images.
Latest generation of imaging algorithms. The Lumia Black update further improves the image quality, especially in Lumia 1020. Among others, the improvements include a new oversampling algorithm, making your images more natural looking with reduced noise, while ensuring your photos remain wonderfully sharp.
The update also brings several improvements from Microsoft to Lumia Windows Phone
| Windows Phone Update 3 (GDR3) The latest version of Windows Phone update brings a few key improvements and enhancements to Windows Phone 8 devices. Here's all you need to know about Windows Phone Update 3 (GDR3) |
For more information go to http://www.nokia.com/global/support/software-update/wp8-software-update.
source - Nokia
DJs
The Windows Phone 8 GDR2 software update has reportedly started reolling out to HTC 8X devices on the AT&T network starting Thursday. The update which is being offered over-the-air (OTA) is around 207MB in size and brings the 8.0.10327.77 software version.
The GDR2 update brings support for LTE bands 2 and 5 along with enabling the FM radio on your Windows Phone 8 device. You will have to plugin your earphones in order to make use of the FM radio. You
You also get access to the Data Sense application which keeps track of your monthly data usage. You can monitor how many days remain on your billing cycle and even find out which apps are consuming the most of your monthly allowance.
Other new features include Sync support for Google Contacts (CardDav) and Google Calendar (CalDav) along with additional enhancements to Bluetooth, music and battery performance.
AT&T refers to the GDR2 update as a staggered at the begining which means that it maybe a few days before it reaches out to all devices. If you have set updates to download automatically you should receive a notification once the update is ready to be installed on your device. You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
source - AT&T
HTC 8X for AT&T receives GDR2 software update
The Windows Phone 8 GDR2 software update has reportedly started reolling out to HTC 8X devices on the AT&T network starting Thursday. The update which is being offered over-the-air (OTA) is around 207MB in size and brings the 8.0.10327.77 software version.The GDR2 update brings support for LTE bands 2 and 5 along with enabling the FM radio on your Windows Phone 8 device. You will have to plugin your earphones in order to make use of the FM radio. You
You also get access to the Data Sense application which keeps track of your monthly data usage. You can monitor how many days remain on your billing cycle and even find out which apps are consuming the most of your monthly allowance.
Other new features include Sync support for Google Contacts (CardDav) and Google Calendar (CalDav) along with additional enhancements to Bluetooth, music and battery performance.
AT&T refers to the GDR2 update as a staggered at the begining which means that it maybe a few days before it reaches out to all devices. If you have set updates to download automatically you should receive a notification once the update is ready to be installed on your device. You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
source - AT&T
DJs
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The discontinued yet popular Nokia Lumia 810 for T-Mobile is now receiving the GDR2 (Microsoft) and Amber (Nokia) updates alongside the budget friendly Nokia Lumia 521. The GDR2 (10327/8) update from Microsoft will bring new features like FM radio, call and SMS filters, improvements for Xbox Music and Internet Explorer, Data Sense, a resolution to the Other storage issue and more. Meanwhile the Amber component of the update comes from Nokia and adds new Nokia based features like Smart Cam, double-tap to wake, flip to silence and many more improvements.
The update is generally pushed out in waves over-the-air (OTA) and you should receive a notification once it is available in your region for your device. If you have set updates to be downloaded automatically you should receive a notification once the update is ready to be installed on your device. You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection before initiating the update, which should take around 10 - 20 minutes to complete. Once the update is completed the phone should restart one last time before it is ready for use.
The update is also being rolled out to the international Nokia Lumia 920 and the Nokia Lumia 928 for Veirzon.
Nokia Lumia 810 for T-Mobile receives GDR2 and Amber software updates
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The discontinued yet popular Nokia Lumia 810 for T-Mobile is now receiving the GDR2 (Microsoft) and Amber (Nokia) updates alongside the budget friendly Nokia Lumia 521. The GDR2 (10327/8) update from Microsoft will bring new features like FM radio, call and SMS filters, improvements for Xbox Music and Internet Explorer, Data Sense, a resolution to the Other storage issue and more. Meanwhile the Amber component of the update comes from Nokia and adds new Nokia based features like Smart Cam, double-tap to wake, flip to silence and many more improvements.The update is generally pushed out in waves over-the-air (OTA) and you should receive a notification once it is available in your region for your device. If you have set updates to be downloaded automatically you should receive a notification once the update is ready to be installed on your device. You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection before initiating the update, which should take around 10 - 20 minutes to complete. Once the update is completed the phone should restart one last time before it is ready for use.
The update is also being rolled out to the international Nokia Lumia 920 and the Nokia Lumia 928 for Veirzon.
DJs
The budget friendly Nokia Lumia 521 for T-Mobile is now receiving the GDR2 (Microsoft) and Amber (Nokia) updates alongside the discontinued yet popular Nokia Lumia 810. The GDR2 (10327/8) update from Microsoft will bring new features like FM radio, call and SMS filters, improvements for Xbox Music and Internet Explorer, Data Sense, a resolution to the Other storage issue and more. Meanwhile the Amber component of the update comes from Nokia and adds new Nokia based features like Smart Cam, double-tap to wake, flip to silence and many more improvements.
The update is generally pushed out in waves over-the-air (OTA) and you should receive a notification once it is available in your region for your device. If you have set updates to be downloaded automatically you should receive a notification once the update is ready to be installed on your device. You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection before initiating the update, which should take around 10 - 20 minutes to complete. Once the update is completed the phone should restart one last time before it is ready for use.
The update is also being rolled out to the international Nokia Lumia 920 and the Nokia Lumia 928 for Veirzon.
Nokia Lumia 521 for T-Mobile receives GDR2 and Amber software updates
The budget friendly Nokia Lumia 521 for T-Mobile is now receiving the GDR2 (Microsoft) and Amber (Nokia) updates alongside the discontinued yet popular Nokia Lumia 810. The GDR2 (10327/8) update from Microsoft will bring new features like FM radio, call and SMS filters, improvements for Xbox Music and Internet Explorer, Data Sense, a resolution to the Other storage issue and more. Meanwhile the Amber component of the update comes from Nokia and adds new Nokia based features like Smart Cam, double-tap to wake, flip to silence and many more improvements.The update is generally pushed out in waves over-the-air (OTA) and you should receive a notification once it is available in your region for your device. If you have set updates to be downloaded automatically you should receive a notification once the update is ready to be installed on your device. You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection before initiating the update, which should take around 10 - 20 minutes to complete. Once the update is completed the phone should restart one last time before it is ready for use.
The update is also being rolled out to the international Nokia Lumia 920 and the Nokia Lumia 928 for Veirzon.
DJs
The Nokia Lumia 928 for Verizon is reportedly receiving the GDR2 (Microsoft) and Amber (Nokia) updates, alongside the global Nokia Lumia 920 which also started receiving the updates today. The update brings the new camera functions, FM radio support, Glance settings and the Other storage fix to the Verizon flagship Lumia. The update is also rumored to enable group messaging, something that has irritated Verizon customers for some time now.
The update can be set to automatically download in the background and you should receive a notification once it is available for your device. You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection before initiating the update, which should take around 10 - 20 minutes to complete. Once the update is completed the phone should restart one last time before it is ready for use.
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The full change-log of the GDR2 + Amber update for the Lumia 928 follows:
Key Device Enhancements:
Newly Supported Capabilities:
[NOTE] Lumia 928 hardware doesn't support FM radio.
Nokia Lumia 928 for Verizon receives GDR2 and Amber software updates
The Nokia Lumia 928 for Verizon is reportedly receiving the GDR2 (Microsoft) and Amber (Nokia) updates, alongside the global Nokia Lumia 920 which also started receiving the updates today. The update brings the new camera functions, FM radio support, Glance settings and the Other storage fix to the Verizon flagship Lumia. The update is also rumored to enable group messaging, something that has irritated Verizon customers for some time now.The update can be set to automatically download in the background and you should receive a notification once it is available for your device. You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection before initiating the update, which should take around 10 - 20 minutes to complete. Once the update is completed the phone should restart one last time before it is ready for use.
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The full change-log of the GDR2 + Amber update for the Lumia 928 follows:
Key Device Enhancements:
- Silence your phone easier with Flip to Silence audio feature
- Make assisted calls more easily while roaming in select international destinations
- Select, download and pin music easier with the Xbox Music Experience
- Access song and album information more accurately with the Xbox Music Experience
- Enjoy better web browsing with improved HTML 5 compatibility in Internet Explorer
- Connect with greater stability when using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps like Lync and Skype
Newly Supported Capabilities:
- Group Text; Note: This feature is off by default, but users can configure via the Messaging application by selecting Settings, Group Text, and changing the toggle to On.
- IMAP for email, CardDAV for contacts and CalDAV for calendar when setting up aGmail account
- Easily change advanced settings like shutter speed and light exposure on Nokia Pro Camera (Nokia Pro Camera available for download from the Windows Phone Store)
- Updated Display+Touch Setting; Adjust the color profile of your display; Check the time more easily even when the phone is in idle mode with Glance Screen
- View how your phone’s memory is being used and clear temporary files with StorageCheck
- Updated audio settings, letting you silence the phone’s ringer just by turning the phone face down
- Improved texting performance and Bluetooth connectivity
[NOTE] Lumia 928 hardware doesn't support FM radio.
source - Verizon
DJs
Nokia Lumia 920 users around the world are reporting that they are now receiving the eagerly awaited GDR2 (Microsoft) and Amber (Nokia) updates on their devices. The first reports of the update availability is coming in from users in Denmark, India, Sweden, Spain and Australia, and other regions are expected to receive the latest version of Windows Phone on their devices shortly.
The GDR2 (10327/8) update from Microsoft will bring new features like FM radio, call and SMS filters, improvements for Xbox Music and Internet Explorer, Data Sense, a resolution to the Other storage issue and more.
.jpg)
The Call and SMS filter lets you to add numbers to your blacklist for incoming calls and SMS. Meanwhile the Data Sense feature allows users to monitor your data usage on your carrier to make sure you dont overuse your data allowance.
The Amber component of the update comes from Nokia and adds new Nokia based features like Smart Cam, double-tap to wake, flip to silence and many more improvements.
The update is generally pushed out in waves over-the-air (OTA) and you should receive a notification once it is available in your region for your device. If you have set updates to be downloaded automatically you should receive a notification once the update is ready to be installed on your device.
You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection before initiating the update, which should take around 10 - 20 minutes to complete. Once the update is completed the phone should restart one last time before it is ready for use.
Nokia Lumia 920 receives GDR2 and Amber software updates
Nokia Lumia 920 users around the world are reporting that they are now receiving the eagerly awaited GDR2 (Microsoft) and Amber (Nokia) updates on their devices. The first reports of the update availability is coming in from users in Denmark, India, Sweden, Spain and Australia, and other regions are expected to receive the latest version of Windows Phone on their devices shortly.The GDR2 (10327/8) update from Microsoft will bring new features like FM radio, call and SMS filters, improvements for Xbox Music and Internet Explorer, Data Sense, a resolution to the Other storage issue and more.
.jpg)
The Call and SMS filter lets you to add numbers to your blacklist for incoming calls and SMS. Meanwhile the Data Sense feature allows users to monitor your data usage on your carrier to make sure you dont overuse your data allowance.The Amber component of the update comes from Nokia and adds new Nokia based features like Smart Cam, double-tap to wake, flip to silence and many more improvements.
The update is generally pushed out in waves over-the-air (OTA) and you should receive a notification once it is available in your region for your device. If you have set updates to be downloaded automatically you should receive a notification once the update is ready to be installed on your device.
You can also manually check for the update availability by heading to Settings > Phone Update > Check for Updates.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and that you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection before initiating the update, which should take around 10 - 20 minutes to complete. Once the update is completed the phone should restart one last time before it is ready for use.
DJs
Nokia has updated their Display+Touch system setting for their Lumia Windows Phone 8 devices to version 1.6.2.16 which brings support for quick mode under Glance settings along with some bug fixes and performance improvements.
You can download the update directly on your device through the Windows Phone Store or by using the link which follows:
Nokia Display+Touch lets you fine tune your Windows Phone experience on your Lumia device. The 'Quick mode in Glance settings' is only available to devices running the Windows Phone Amber update, which is currently only available on the Nokia Lumia 925. All other Lumia WP8 smartphones are expected to get this new feature after Nokia Amber update when it is released sometime in August.
The Glace Settings are a part of the new "on-screen clock" which will arrive with the Amber/GDR2 update. This setting will allow users to
Check out the Peak feature demonstrated in the following video
source - WPCentral
Nokia updates Display+Touch for Lumia WP8 devices with new peek feature
Nokia has updated their Display+Touch system setting for their Lumia Windows Phone 8 devices to version 1.6.2.16 which brings support for quick mode under Glance settings along with some bug fixes and performance improvements.You can download the update directly on your device through the Windows Phone Store or by using the link which follows:
| Download | |
| Price | Free |
| Requirements | Windows Phone 8 |
Press the Search button on your Windows Phone, tap Vision and then scan the following barcode by pointing your device camera toward it
button on your Windows Phone, tap Vision and then scan the following barcode by pointing your device camera toward it 
Nokia Display+Touch lets you fine tune your Windows Phone experience on your Lumia device. The 'Quick mode in Glance settings' is only available to devices running the Windows Phone Amber update, which is currently only available on the Nokia Lumia 925. All other Lumia WP8 smartphones are expected to get this new feature after Nokia Amber update when it is released sometime in August.
The Glace Settings are a part of the new "on-screen clock" which will arrive with the Amber/GDR2 update. This setting will allow users to
- Hover your hand over your phone to see your glance screen
- Added 'Peek' option to glance menu setting
Check out the Peak feature demonstrated in the following video
source - WPCentral
DJs
We recently learned that the Windows Phone Amber (GRD2) update maybe headed to devices in August. Now a leaked video shows an early build of the Amber update running on the Nokia Lumia 920 which shows the new on-screen clock which is displayed when the device is sleeping. Other features including double tap to wake, flip-to-silent and the ability to add wallpapers from SkyDrive are also demonstrated.
The Amber update will also make the FM radio available for the device which have the hardware. The Datasense feature, which has been exclusive to Verizon customers will be made available across more carriers and will let you know when its time to pay your monthly bill along with with apps consume the most data.
Nokia Lumia smartphones will also receive the Smart Camera apps which brings features liek Action Shot which allows you to photograph moving subjects and produce photo tracking an entire sequence. The app also allows you to change faces on a portrait until you find the best photo out of the lot.
Which feature of the Amber update are you most excited about? Leave us a comment below.
source - UnleashthePhones
Windows Phone 'Amber' update demonstrated on Nokia Lumia 920
We recently learned that the Windows Phone Amber (GRD2) update maybe headed to devices in August. Now a leaked video shows an early build of the Amber update running on the Nokia Lumia 920 which shows the new on-screen clock which is displayed when the device is sleeping. Other features including double tap to wake, flip-to-silent and the ability to add wallpapers from SkyDrive are also demonstrated.The Amber update will also make the FM radio available for the device which have the hardware. The Datasense feature, which has been exclusive to Verizon customers will be made available across more carriers and will let you know when its time to pay your monthly bill along with with apps consume the most data.
Nokia Lumia smartphones will also receive the Smart Camera apps which brings features liek Action Shot which allows you to photograph moving subjects and produce photo tracking an entire sequence. The app also allows you to change faces on a portrait until you find the best photo out of the lot.
Which feature of the Amber update are you most excited about? Leave us a comment below.
source - UnleashthePhones
DJs
Nokia Spain has sent out a tweet claiming that the Windows Phone Amber (GDR2) update will be coming to Windows Phone 8 devices in August. The Amber update will unlock the FM tuner, bring Datasense to all handsets, and improve the Music Hub to make it easier to select and download your favorite tunes from Xbox Music.
The camera is also expected to be improved as Nokia brings more of its Symbian camera enhancements over to its Lumia Windows Phone devices. The Amber update is already available on the Nokia Lumia 925 and will bring all its advantages across the other devices when it arrives.
Nokia has scheduled an event on July 11th during which the company is expected to unveil the Nokia EOS, and we are likely to hear more about the Amber update at that time.
The Amber update is just one step forward as Microsoft is planning the GDR3 update for later this year. At that time Windows Phones will include support for 1080p displays and quad-core processors, putting them in a better position to compete with the Android super phones. Will that be too late for Windows Phones or will Nokia continue to wow us with their amazing cameras until then?
source - Nokia (Twitter)
Nokia Spain claims Amber update coming in August
Nokia Spain has sent out a tweet claiming that the Windows Phone Amber (GDR2) update will be coming to Windows Phone 8 devices in August. The Amber update will unlock the FM tuner, bring Datasense to all handsets, and improve the Music Hub to make it easier to select and download your favorite tunes from Xbox Music.The camera is also expected to be improved as Nokia brings more of its Symbian camera enhancements over to its Lumia Windows Phone devices. The Amber update is already available on the Nokia Lumia 925 and will bring all its advantages across the other devices when it arrives.
Nokia has scheduled an event on July 11th during which the company is expected to unveil the Nokia EOS, and we are likely to hear more about the Amber update at that time.
The Amber update is just one step forward as Microsoft is planning the GDR3 update for later this year. At that time Windows Phones will include support for 1080p displays and quad-core processors, putting them in a better position to compete with the Android super phones. Will that be too late for Windows Phones or will Nokia continue to wow us with their amazing cameras until then?
source - Nokia (Twitter)
DJs
In this article we hope to offer an in depth guide to the new features and improvements offered in the Windows Phone 8 GDR2 update and the Nokia Lumia Amber updates.Both the GDR2 and Lumia Amber updates have started rolling out, but are not yet available for all devices. The majority of Windows Phone 8 devices are expected to receive the update before the end of September.
What's new in Windows Phone 8 GDR2
FM radio returns to Windows Phone with the GDR2 update. As on Windows Phone 7 devices, the FM radio is accessed via the Music+Videos hub. Do note that FM radio is not available on all phones as it requires a connection between the FM radio chipset and the 3.5mm audio jack so that headset / headphones can act as an aerial. Our feature, FM radio return to Windows Phone 8 in GDR2, has the full run down on this addition.
Xbox Music receives a number of small updates in GDR2. It is now easier to download, pin, and select music, and meta data is more accurate (i.e. song and album information). It's now also possible to add songs to Kid's Corner from within the Music+Video hub (long press on album). The start up time of the app has been improved and the use of streaming music is more reliable.
Data Sense is now available to more, but not all users (varies by operator and country). Data Sense lets you track the amount of data you are consuming and set usage limits. Our feature, Wider Data Sense availability in Windows Phone 8 GDR2, explains how Data Sense works and what you can use it for.
The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) stack has been optimised in GDR2. This means that apps like Lync and Skype should be more stable and have better performance (e.g. Skype calls more reliably trigger a ringing/incoming call event).
A number of improvements have been made to Internet Explorer. The most notable is improved media playback reliability. There's no change to the HTML 5 test score for the browser, but there are improvement in performance. These are most noticeable when loading large or complex web pages.
Another new feature offered by the GDR2 update is CardDAV and CalDAV support, which will allow Windows Phone users to continue to using GMail and Google Calendar on their devices once Google drops Exchange Activesync support
A default camera app can now be set in the camera+photos settings. The default camera will automatically start when you hold down the camera capture key on the side of the device. This is useful in Lumia devices because it lets you choose between the standard Windows Phone Camera app, Nokia Smart Camera, and Nokia Pro Camera (on supported devices).
The Me Live Tile now supports high resolution profile pictures. This is most noticeable when using a double wide size Live Tile on devices with higher resolution screens (e.g. HTC 8X, Nokia Lumia 92x). In some cases it may be necessary to update your profile picture in order to see a change.
The OneNote app now has an option to pin a secondary "new note" Live Tile to the start screen. The feature, which was previously available in Windows Phone 7, returns in GDR2, making it easier to add a quick note (i.e. saves a few screen taps).
Wider .wav codec support is included in GDR2, making it more likely that you will be able to play back voice mail messages attached to emails. The most notable additions in GDR2 are the support for Ulaw and GSM6.10 codecs. Both of these allow audio to be compressed, which results in smaller file sizes, making them popular in voicemail systems (when compared to an uncompressed format like PCM).
A fix for the "Other" storage bug is included in GDR2. Previously, the size of "other" storage, as seen in the phone storage module of the Settings app, would grow over time, with no way to recover the used space (short of resetting the phone). It was caused by the OS failing to clean up temporary files in certain situations (when uninstalling an app). Do note that "other" storage will still take some space as it is used for storing email attachments, the web cache and other temporary data. Nokia (storage check) and HTC (customised phone storage) both now include an option to delete temporary files manually.
Map data can now be updated in place. This means that only new or changed data will be downloaded when updating map data. For example, we noted that during the last map data update the download size for the United Kingdom was 295.9MB on the Lumia 920 (running Windows Phone 8 GDR1), but only 61MB on the Lumia 925 (running Windows Phone GDR2).
Support for Bluetooth SMART (also know as Bluetooth Low Energy) has been added in GDR2 (select devices). Bluetooth Smart is normally used in low power accessories (e.g. activity trackers and smart watches). However, there are currently no Bluetooth SMART accessories that support Windows Phone (almost all such accessories require a companion app of some kind). Updated apps are expected to be released in the next few months, and both Nokia and HTC are expected to release their own Bluetooth SMART accessories.
A number of APIs are fixed in GDR2. For example, there's a fix for ResourceIntensiveTask, an API that allows for allows apps to perform processing even when the main apps is not in the foreground. It is typically used for tasks that need to run infrequently, but need to run for longer periods than provided for by PeriodicTask. The app Podcast Lounge uses this API to enable unattended downloads (i.e. podcast download overnight without having to start the app).
What's new in Nokia's Lumia Amber update
While all manufacturers will bring new enhancements with Windows Phone 8 GDR2, Nokia's GDR2 update, which has been codenamed "Amber" is substantial, arguably adding more functionality than the GDR2 update itself. We cover the Lumia Amber update in its own section below.
Nokia Lumia users will notice that 'Lumia Amber' will be displayed under Software Release in their extras+info screen after installing the update.
Nokia's new image processing algorithms, which premiered on the Nokia Lumia 925 and 1020, come to all of Nokia's other Windows Phone 8 devices with the Amber update. The exact details vary from device to device (dependent on camera module technology), but the end result is an across the board improvement in both photo and video capture results
The improvements come into two main categories: benefits from improved processing and benefits from a wider settings range. Nokia says the general aim of the first is to "keep things as natural as possible in all conditions" and our own experience suggest captured photos have improved colour accuracy, a better level of detail, and less of a "soft" focus feel. A good example of the second is the expansion in ISO setting range on selected devices, which gives better low light performance (e.g. Lumia 920 gets ISO 800 to 3200).
With the Amber update installed, all Lumia devices are able to run the Nokia Smart Camera app. Nokia Smart Camera, an evolution of the Smart Shoot Lens app, provides various experiences around the shooting of burst images (i.e. a series of images). The app has five modes: Best Shot (pick best photo from selection), Action Shot (showing a moving object multiples times in one image), Motion Focus (emphasise a moving object), Erase Object (remove moving object), and Change Face (choose best face for each person in a group). On Lumia devices with 1GB RAM the app will capture 10 frames in a burst sequence, at a resolution of 5MP. A cut down experience is offered on devices with 512MB RAM (520, 521, 620, 625, 720), where 7 frames will be captured in a burst sequence, at a resolution of 1MP.
Nokia Pro Camera, which shipped first on the Nokia Lumia 1020, is available to Lumia 920, 925, 928 devices running the Amber update. It is not included as part of the software update, but is installed seperately from the Windows Phone Store. Nokia Pro Camera is a replacement app for the standard Windows Phone Camera app, providing a superior user interface and camera experience. It provides easier access to key camera settings, additional functionality (bracketing mode, tutorial mode, delayed shutter mode, and more), enables improved video recording (stereo audio recording and customisable audio bass filter), and provides a post capture smart crop mode that is referred to as reframing. We covered Nokia Pro Camera in detail in our news story Nokia Pro Camera now available for Lumia 920, 925, and 928.
The installation of the Nokia Video Trimmer app requires, but is not included i,n the Amber update (i.e. you will need to install it separately). Nokia Video Trimmer, which lets you cut out (trim) a portion of a video, is able to edit any user captured video that is visible in the Photos+Videos hub (i.e. captured with the standard or Nokia camera apps). Videos saved in the Video Trimmer app are stored as new videos to the Photos+Videos hub (i.e. does not overwrite the source file).
Similarly the installation of the Nokia Video Upload app is enabled by the Amber update (update: now appears to also work on pre-GDR2 software). The Nokia Video Upload app allows you to upload any video captured using the default Camera app or the Nokia Pro Camera app to YouTube. It is able to upload video clips up to 15 minutes, but in order to upload a video of more than 15 seconds you must be connected to WiFi. Before uploading, you will need to log into or create a YouTube account.
Nokia Glance Screen ("glance" in the display+touch Settings module) offers the option of having a clock displayed on screen when your device is fully locked (i.e. when the screen would have previously been blank). The main utility is that you can glance at your phone and see the time without having to touch or unlock the device. Nokia Glance screen can be customised with three different display options: peek (hover hand over phone to activate), timed (on for a specified time after locking device), and always on. Keep in mind that because of this, Nokia Glance screen can have a negative impact on your device battery life.
A Lumia colour profiles module is added to the display section of the display+touch Settings app, which allows you to change the way the screen displays colours. A "colour saturation" control offers a range from "natural", through "enhanced", to "vivid"; while a "colour temperature" control offers a range from "cool", through "neutral", to "warm". Both the colour saturation and colour temperature options have 10 gradations, allowing a fine level of control.
A double tap to wake feature is added to select Lumia devices. It is switched on and off in the touch section of the display+touch Settings app module. When switched on, if the phone is fully locked (i.e. screen switched off or display Glance Screen), double tapping on the screen will wake up the phone (and display the lock screen). It provides an alternative to pressing the lock key on the side of the device.
The flip to silence feature returns to Lumia devices running Amber, having previously been available on earlier devices (e.g. Lumia 900). The feature can be activated on the enhancements page of the audio Settings app module (Settings -> audio -> enhancements). With flip to silence turned on, turning over the phone, in response to an incoming call, will silence the ringer. The incoming call remains active, so it is still possible to answer the call.
Call and SMS blocking has been enabled by the Lumia Amber update. A call+SMS filter module is added to the Settings app after installing the latest version of the extras+info app. The call+SMS filter Settings app module lets you turn blocking on and off, viewed blocked numbers, view how many calls and messages have been blocked, and to configure advanced settings. Numbers can be added to the blocked number list from either the Telephone app (call history page), or from the Messaging app threads index page). In both cases, a long press on the number in question will pop-up a menu with "block number..." being one of the options.
There also seems to be added the ability add picture backgrounds, where you are currently restricted to Black or White colors. We are curious to see how these backgrounds will work without interfering with the Live Tiles.
The update includes support for IBM Notes Traveler (formerly IBM Lotus Notes Traveler) which is an alternative to Microsoft Exchange for enterprise users.
Nokia has, on select devices, included some new ringtones with the Lumia Amber update, specifically Blom, Breathing, Dawn, Launch, and Wobbles. These can be set via the ringtones+sound Settings app module.
Battery life is improved for devices running Lumia Amber. The level of improvement will depend on the device and usage patterns, but our own experience suggests you can expect to see up to a 10% improvement in battery life. This is primarily due to optimisations in hardware integration (i.e. device drivers, chipset power management, and lower level platform functionality).
What's new from other Windows Phone 8 manufacturers
The other Windows Phone 8 manufacturers like Samsung and HTC are also delivering updates on top of Windows Phone 8 GDR2.
Samsung has not released a specific set of updates that it is including with GDR2, but it has released a number of exclusive apps that appear to be enabled by GDR2. For example, Samsung has published a Video Trimmer app allow that you to do the most basic type of video editing (cutting a video to the section you specify). Samsung is also thought to have included some Qualcomm chipset optimisations with its software update that improve performance and power management.
Similarly, HTC has not released any specific information about the updates it has included on top of GDR2, but they are thought to be minor. One known customisation is the inclusion of a "delete temporary files" link on the phone storage Settings app module on HTC devices.
Are you excited about the GDR2 - Amber update? Leave us a comment and let us know which of these feature are your favorites.
What new features will we get with Windows Phone GDR2 and Lumia Amber updates
In this article we hope to offer an in depth guide to the new features and improvements offered in the Windows Phone 8 GDR2 update and the Nokia Lumia Amber updates.Both the GDR2 and Lumia Amber updates have started rolling out, but are not yet available for all devices. The majority of Windows Phone 8 devices are expected to receive the update before the end of September.Microsoft's GDR2 update is the second major update for Windows Phone 8, following on from GDR1 (Portico) earlier this year, and is expected to be followed by GDR3 later this year. In terms of new features, GDR2 is a relatively small update, but it does add a number of important enablers, some of which Nokia has used in its Lumia Amber update to add new features.
The GDR2 update takes the OS version number up to 8.0.10327.77 or 8.0.10328.78 (this can be seen in the 'about' module of Settings app). Microsoft has published its own change log for GDR2, but it is relatively brief, and neglects to mention some of the more interesting minor parts of the update. Below we list, in detail, all the known additions, changes, and improvements that are part of both the GDR2 update and the manufacturer specific updates.
What's new in Windows Phone 8 GDR2
FM radio returns to Windows Phone with the GDR2 update. As on Windows Phone 7 devices, the FM radio is accessed via the Music+Videos hub. Do note that FM radio is not available on all phones as it requires a connection between the FM radio chipset and the 3.5mm audio jack so that headset / headphones can act as an aerial. Our feature, FM radio return to Windows Phone 8 in GDR2, has the full run down on this addition.
Xbox Music receives a number of small updates in GDR2. It is now easier to download, pin, and select music, and meta data is more accurate (i.e. song and album information). It's now also possible to add songs to Kid's Corner from within the Music+Video hub (long press on album). The start up time of the app has been improved and the use of streaming music is more reliable.
Data Sense is now available to more, but not all users (varies by operator and country). Data Sense lets you track the amount of data you are consuming and set usage limits. Our feature, Wider Data Sense availability in Windows Phone 8 GDR2, explains how Data Sense works and what you can use it for.
The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) stack has been optimised in GDR2. This means that apps like Lync and Skype should be more stable and have better performance (e.g. Skype calls more reliably trigger a ringing/incoming call event).
A number of improvements have been made to Internet Explorer. The most notable is improved media playback reliability. There's no change to the HTML 5 test score for the browser, but there are improvement in performance. These are most noticeable when loading large or complex web pages.
Another new feature offered by the GDR2 update is CardDAV and CalDAV support, which will allow Windows Phone users to continue to using GMail and Google Calendar on their devices once Google drops Exchange Activesync support
A default camera app can now be set in the camera+photos settings. The default camera will automatically start when you hold down the camera capture key on the side of the device. This is useful in Lumia devices because it lets you choose between the standard Windows Phone Camera app, Nokia Smart Camera, and Nokia Pro Camera (on supported devices).
The Me Live Tile now supports high resolution profile pictures. This is most noticeable when using a double wide size Live Tile on devices with higher resolution screens (e.g. HTC 8X, Nokia Lumia 92x). In some cases it may be necessary to update your profile picture in order to see a change.
The OneNote app now has an option to pin a secondary "new note" Live Tile to the start screen. The feature, which was previously available in Windows Phone 7, returns in GDR2, making it easier to add a quick note (i.e. saves a few screen taps).
Wider .wav codec support is included in GDR2, making it more likely that you will be able to play back voice mail messages attached to emails. The most notable additions in GDR2 are the support for Ulaw and GSM6.10 codecs. Both of these allow audio to be compressed, which results in smaller file sizes, making them popular in voicemail systems (when compared to an uncompressed format like PCM).
A fix for the "Other" storage bug is included in GDR2. Previously, the size of "other" storage, as seen in the phone storage module of the Settings app, would grow over time, with no way to recover the used space (short of resetting the phone). It was caused by the OS failing to clean up temporary files in certain situations (when uninstalling an app). Do note that "other" storage will still take some space as it is used for storing email attachments, the web cache and other temporary data. Nokia (storage check) and HTC (customised phone storage) both now include an option to delete temporary files manually.
Map data can now be updated in place. This means that only new or changed data will be downloaded when updating map data. For example, we noted that during the last map data update the download size for the United Kingdom was 295.9MB on the Lumia 920 (running Windows Phone 8 GDR1), but only 61MB on the Lumia 925 (running Windows Phone GDR2).
Support for Bluetooth SMART (also know as Bluetooth Low Energy) has been added in GDR2 (select devices). Bluetooth Smart is normally used in low power accessories (e.g. activity trackers and smart watches). However, there are currently no Bluetooth SMART accessories that support Windows Phone (almost all such accessories require a companion app of some kind). Updated apps are expected to be released in the next few months, and both Nokia and HTC are expected to release their own Bluetooth SMART accessories.
A number of APIs are fixed in GDR2. For example, there's a fix for ResourceIntensiveTask, an API that allows for allows apps to perform processing even when the main apps is not in the foreground. It is typically used for tasks that need to run infrequently, but need to run for longer periods than provided for by PeriodicTask. The app Podcast Lounge uses this API to enable unattended downloads (i.e. podcast download overnight without having to start the app).
What's new in Nokia's Lumia Amber update
While all manufacturers will bring new enhancements with Windows Phone 8 GDR2, Nokia's GDR2 update, which has been codenamed "Amber" is substantial, arguably adding more functionality than the GDR2 update itself. We cover the Lumia Amber update in its own section below.
Nokia Lumia users will notice that 'Lumia Amber' will be displayed under Software Release in their extras+info screen after installing the update.
Nokia's new image processing algorithms, which premiered on the Nokia Lumia 925 and 1020, come to all of Nokia's other Windows Phone 8 devices with the Amber update. The exact details vary from device to device (dependent on camera module technology), but the end result is an across the board improvement in both photo and video capture results
The improvements come into two main categories: benefits from improved processing and benefits from a wider settings range. Nokia says the general aim of the first is to "keep things as natural as possible in all conditions" and our own experience suggest captured photos have improved colour accuracy, a better level of detail, and less of a "soft" focus feel. A good example of the second is the expansion in ISO setting range on selected devices, which gives better low light performance (e.g. Lumia 920 gets ISO 800 to 3200).
With the Amber update installed, all Lumia devices are able to run the Nokia Smart Camera app. Nokia Smart Camera, an evolution of the Smart Shoot Lens app, provides various experiences around the shooting of burst images (i.e. a series of images). The app has five modes: Best Shot (pick best photo from selection), Action Shot (showing a moving object multiples times in one image), Motion Focus (emphasise a moving object), Erase Object (remove moving object), and Change Face (choose best face for each person in a group). On Lumia devices with 1GB RAM the app will capture 10 frames in a burst sequence, at a resolution of 5MP. A cut down experience is offered on devices with 512MB RAM (520, 521, 620, 625, 720), where 7 frames will be captured in a burst sequence, at a resolution of 1MP.
Nokia Pro Camera, which shipped first on the Nokia Lumia 1020, is available to Lumia 920, 925, 928 devices running the Amber update. It is not included as part of the software update, but is installed seperately from the Windows Phone Store. Nokia Pro Camera is a replacement app for the standard Windows Phone Camera app, providing a superior user interface and camera experience. It provides easier access to key camera settings, additional functionality (bracketing mode, tutorial mode, delayed shutter mode, and more), enables improved video recording (stereo audio recording and customisable audio bass filter), and provides a post capture smart crop mode that is referred to as reframing. We covered Nokia Pro Camera in detail in our news story Nokia Pro Camera now available for Lumia 920, 925, and 928.
The installation of the Nokia Video Trimmer app requires, but is not included i,n the Amber update (i.e. you will need to install it separately). Nokia Video Trimmer, which lets you cut out (trim) a portion of a video, is able to edit any user captured video that is visible in the Photos+Videos hub (i.e. captured with the standard or Nokia camera apps). Videos saved in the Video Trimmer app are stored as new videos to the Photos+Videos hub (i.e. does not overwrite the source file).
Similarly the installation of the Nokia Video Upload app is enabled by the Amber update (update: now appears to also work on pre-GDR2 software). The Nokia Video Upload app allows you to upload any video captured using the default Camera app or the Nokia Pro Camera app to YouTube. It is able to upload video clips up to 15 minutes, but in order to upload a video of more than 15 seconds you must be connected to WiFi. Before uploading, you will need to log into or create a YouTube account.
Nokia Glance Screen ("glance" in the display+touch Settings module) offers the option of having a clock displayed on screen when your device is fully locked (i.e. when the screen would have previously been blank). The main utility is that you can glance at your phone and see the time without having to touch or unlock the device. Nokia Glance screen can be customised with three different display options: peek (hover hand over phone to activate), timed (on for a specified time after locking device), and always on. Keep in mind that because of this, Nokia Glance screen can have a negative impact on your device battery life.
A Lumia colour profiles module is added to the display section of the display+touch Settings app, which allows you to change the way the screen displays colours. A "colour saturation" control offers a range from "natural", through "enhanced", to "vivid"; while a "colour temperature" control offers a range from "cool", through "neutral", to "warm". Both the colour saturation and colour temperature options have 10 gradations, allowing a fine level of control.
A double tap to wake feature is added to select Lumia devices. It is switched on and off in the touch section of the display+touch Settings app module. When switched on, if the phone is fully locked (i.e. screen switched off or display Glance Screen), double tapping on the screen will wake up the phone (and display the lock screen). It provides an alternative to pressing the lock key on the side of the device.
The flip to silence feature returns to Lumia devices running Amber, having previously been available on earlier devices (e.g. Lumia 900). The feature can be activated on the enhancements page of the audio Settings app module (Settings -> audio -> enhancements). With flip to silence turned on, turning over the phone, in response to an incoming call, will silence the ringer. The incoming call remains active, so it is still possible to answer the call.
Call and SMS blocking has been enabled by the Lumia Amber update. A call+SMS filter module is added to the Settings app after installing the latest version of the extras+info app. The call+SMS filter Settings app module lets you turn blocking on and off, viewed blocked numbers, view how many calls and messages have been blocked, and to configure advanced settings. Numbers can be added to the blocked number list from either the Telephone app (call history page), or from the Messaging app threads index page). In both cases, a long press on the number in question will pop-up a menu with "block number..." being one of the options.
There also seems to be added the ability add picture backgrounds, where you are currently restricted to Black or White colors. We are curious to see how these backgrounds will work without interfering with the Live Tiles.
The update includes support for IBM Notes Traveler (formerly IBM Lotus Notes Traveler) which is an alternative to Microsoft Exchange for enterprise users.
Nokia has, on select devices, included some new ringtones with the Lumia Amber update, specifically Blom, Breathing, Dawn, Launch, and Wobbles. These can be set via the ringtones+sound Settings app module.
Battery life is improved for devices running Lumia Amber. The level of improvement will depend on the device and usage patterns, but our own experience suggests you can expect to see up to a 10% improvement in battery life. This is primarily due to optimisations in hardware integration (i.e. device drivers, chipset power management, and lower level platform functionality).
What's new from other Windows Phone 8 manufacturers
The other Windows Phone 8 manufacturers like Samsung and HTC are also delivering updates on top of Windows Phone 8 GDR2.
Samsung has not released a specific set of updates that it is including with GDR2, but it has released a number of exclusive apps that appear to be enabled by GDR2. For example, Samsung has published a Video Trimmer app allow that you to do the most basic type of video editing (cutting a video to the section you specify). Samsung is also thought to have included some Qualcomm chipset optimisations with its software update that improve performance and power management.
Similarly, HTC has not released any specific information about the updates it has included on top of GDR2, but they are thought to be minor. One known customisation is the inclusion of a "delete temporary files" link on the phone storage Settings app module on HTC devices.
Are you excited about the GDR2 - Amber update? Leave us a comment and let us know which of these feature are your favorites.