brotkasten
Member
If you're new to Windows Phone, I suggest you read the excellent Windows Phone |OT3| by Anton Sugar. It should contain all the information you need.
This is just a stop-gap solution, because we reached the 20.000 post limit, before Microsoft put out a new, full OS release.
Update 3, formerly known as GDR3 or General Distribution Release 3, is Microsoft's latest interim update for their mobile operating system Windows Phone 8.
Like the two updates before it, Update 3 only adds some small enhancements and fixes to the OS, including some long requested user features like rotation lock and the ability to close apps in the app switcher.
Here's the complete list of changes:
OS version: 8.0.10501.127, 8.0.10512.142, or 8.0.10521.155*
Accessibility. We've made several improvements for customers who are visually impaired.
Storage. Now you can easily free up storage space on your phone and manage temporary files. New categories show what's taking up space.
Driving Mode. Feeling distracted behind the wheel? Driving Mode allows you to minimize incoming calls and text messages to help you focus on the road.
Screen. Reading emails in bed? You can lock your screen orientation so it doesn't shift when you move your phone around.
Wi-Fi. Start preserving cellular data on your phone right out of the box—you can now connect to Wi-Fi during set up.
Internet sharing. Now you can use your phone’s cellular data connection from your Microsoft Windows 8.1 devices by pairing them over Bluetooth.
Bluetooth. Several fixes were made to address known issues, and improvements were made to connection quality for Bluetooth accessories.
Ringtones. Do more with ringtones now. Assign ringtones for text messages, so you'll know who's texting you without even looking. Use your custom ringtones for more things—text messages, instant messages, emails, voicemail, and reminders.
App switcher. Don't look back. Now you can use the App switcher to quickly close apps when you're finished with them.
Other improvements. Includes many other improvements to Windows Phone.
*Your update version number depends on your specific phone model and mobile operator.
But wait! Don't leave this thread disappointed like that. There is more!
Update 3 also adds support for 1080p displays and quad-core SoCs, like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800. With Update 3, new Windows Phones are finally on par with the current batch of Android phones for at least 3 months. If you like really big phones, that is.
Big ass phones, or phablets as they seem to be called these days, are all the rage now. And to make use of those gigantic screens, Microsoft added another column of tiles to the home screen. From now on, Windows Phones with 5" screens or bigger, can display another extra set of live tiles. Because you can never be updated and live enough.
Anyway, here's the current Windows Phone line-up.
I know, I know. "But brot, what about the other manufacturers?" What other manufacturers? They don't matter. They don't care, Microsoft doesn't care and they suck anyway. If you want a Windows Phone, get a Nokia. Period.
Unless you're on Sprint in the US. Then you have no other choice than getting some shitty HTC 8XT or Samsung ATIV S Neo or whatever. In that case, don't get a Windows Phone. Seriously.
And if you're wondering what the difference between the Lumia 520 and the Lumia 525 is, it's only the +512 MB of RAM on the 525. I know, that's just as disappointing as the lack of news about Windows Phone 8.1.
While the lack of a major OS release this Fall is disappointing, you should know that the Windows Phone team is hard at work to release the next major version in a timely manner and as soon as possible.
And when that happens, this OS will get a proper Official Thread again. Until then …
