Microsoft announces Windows Phone GDR3 update, brings 1080p and Snapdragon 800 support
Windows Phone has been lacking in several aspects and most of which are not hardware related, but to survive in the specs race and remain relevant, Microsoft has just announced the GDR3 update to Windows Phone.
What's New
This update will add support for 1080p displays on Windows Phone 8 devices alongwith support for quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset. GDR3 update brings with it support for 5-inch and 6-inch displays, meaning WP is finally ready for the onslaught into phablet kingdom where Samsung is the kingpin.
Another major change in this update to Windows Phone is to the Start Screen, which will get new live tiles and more customization. Now every horizontal row can have 6 Live Tiles which was previously limited to 4. The task switcher or multitasking menu if you will, now gets the option to close open apps by tapping on the little 'X' mark on the thumbnails of open apps, a very welcome feature. A new Driving Mode has also been built in, and when set, removes all interface elements out of the way apart from your driving instructions and map.
And finally, custom ringtones for emails, voicemails, instant messaging and reminders will also be available with update 3. Windows Phone 8 GDR3 also gets better with more accessibility features which can speak aloud text messages, emails, as well as battery alarms. Guess what? The update also brings screen orientation lock to Windows Phone.
Does this change anything?
With Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's device and services unit, and the company focusing on an internal re-organization, it seems mobile first should be the new mantra for the company. Microsoft certainly has the resources and brains to get the job done. Windows Phone will not bow out like BlackBerry, but the Redmont giant needs to get some less heavy headed people into the Windows Phone development arena, who believe in usability more than their own philosophy on how things should be done.
Using Android and iOS is like drinking a glass of water, whereas Windows Phone making doing even the most mundane things a task. If any platform has the chance to combat the rise of Android and iOS, its Windows Phone and not just because its backed by Microsoft, but it has a unique perspective on how the future of user interaction should be. Glance-able information is the future, whether it is using Live Tiles or widgets or smartwatches, and here is where Windows Phone is better.