MOBILE

What's New In Windows Phone 8 Update 3

1/19/2014 11:09:55 AM

More commonly known as GDR3, the third(and final) Windows Phone 8 software update of the year (8.0.10512) brings a bunch of long awaited improvements, such as support for larger screens and quad-core processors, screen rotation lock, and custom ringtones. Let's take a closer look.

1.    Support for Quad-core processors

Windows Phone 8 now supports quad-core processors, such as the 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip found in the Lumia 1520, which is a huge improvement over the 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor found in so many prior Windows Phone 8 devices. Indeed, from a hardware perspective, the Lumia 1520 is comparable to high-end Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Sony Xperia Z1.

The new Nokia Lumia 1520 has a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and a 6-inch, 1080p screen.

The new Nokia Lumia 1520 has a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and a 6-inch, 1080p screen.

2.    Support for bigger screens

For the longest time, the biggest Windows Phone 8 phone had a screen size of 4.8 inches. This changed with Update 3, which brings support for screens larger than 5 inches, such as the upcoming 6-inch Nokia Lumia 1520 and 1320. On-screen elements will look a bit different between 5 to 5.9-inch, and 6-inch and above phones though. While both groups will get a 3-column Start screen layout, the latter will show more info in apps like Email, Messaging, People, Photos, Music+Videos, and Store. There are however no new tile sizes; the wide rectangle tile still spans the width of two columns.

With the new 3-column layout for large screen phones, you can have up to six small square tiles on the Start screen.

With the new 3-column layout for large screen phones, you can have up to six small square tiles on the Start screen.

3.    Driving mode

You can now choose to suppress reminders (including texts, calls, and quick status alerts) when you're driving. You can also set the type of response (silently ignore, auto respond, handled by voice) when Driving mode is activated. Navigation and Music apps will continue to work under Driving mode, and you can still unlock the phone and use it. Driving mode is able to automatically start (and stop) when it's connected to (and disconnected from) a Bluetooth device.

Driving Mode turns off all notifications; you can choose to do the same for texts and phone calls.

Driving Mode turns off all notifications; you can choose to do the same for texts and phone calls.

4.    Improved internet sharing

Internet Sharing is a feature in Windows Phone 8 that turns the device into a mobile hotspot so that you can share its cellular data connection with another device (say, a laptop) over Wi-Fi. In Windows Phone 8 Update 3, this feature is improved. After establishing a Bluetooth partnership with a Windows 8.1 device (this feature works *only* with Windows 8.1), you can remotely turn on the Internet Sharing function right from the device without the need to enter a password or fish out the phone.

It's now easier to use Windows Phone 8 as a data hotspot for Windows 8.1 devices.

It's now easier to use Windows Phone 8 as a data hotspot for Windows 8.1 devices.

5.    Screen rotation lock

It took quite a while until Windows Phone finally got copy and paste, and with Update 3, another long awaited feature is taken off this missing list. Yes, we're talking about screen rotation lock. The on/off toggle is now found under Settings > System > Screen Rotation.

Those who like to read in bed can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Those who like to read in bed can now breathe a sigh of relief.

6.    Custom ringtones for more things

You can now set custom tones for instant messages, emails, voicemails, and reminders. Always wanted to assign a different text tone for each contact? You can do so now.

http://theswapfiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/wp_ss_20131015_0008.png

You can assign custom text tones to contacts too.

7.    Better storage management

Under Settings > System > Phone Storage, you can see how storage space is being used. It's also easier to manage storage settings and remove temporary files.

At a glance, you can see what's taking up space.

At a glance, you can see what's taking up space.

8.    Easily close apps

On Windows Phone 8, holding down the Back key brings up the app switcher. With Update 3, you'll now see a Close button at the top right corner of each opened app.

You can now use the app switcher to close apps.

You can now use the app switcher to close apps.

9.    Wi-Fi during setup, better Bluetooth

When setting up Windows Phone 8 for the first time, it's now possible to connect to a Wi-Fi network. This allows Wi-Fi to be used (instead of cellular data) when you're restoring a phone backup. Bluetooth connection quality is also improved in Update 3.

Windows Phone 8 should now work more reliably with more Bluetooth accessories.

Windows Phone 8 should now work more reliably with more Bluetooth accessories.

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