How To Get The Windows Phone 8 GDR3 Update Early

The much awaited GDR3 update, or now simply called Update 3, for Windows Phone 8 was finally announced by Microsoft. Bringing in a slew of new features, the update is set to roll out within the next month or two, and will come preloaded on the devices which will launch at Nokia World 2013 on October 22 in Abu Dhabi. For the uninitiated, GDR stands for “General Distribution Release”, a major update akin to Service Packs for desktop Windows, for Windows Phone 8. This will be the last major update before the rumored Windows Phone 8.1 overhaul due sometime early next year. Although just announced, Microsoft has revealed that the GDR3 update is available to download right now, with some terms and conditions of course. Read on to find out what you’ll get in the update and how you can get it!

Windows Phone 8 GDR3 Features

As of now, the GDR3 update includes the following features, which were also detailed by us in a previous article. Keep in mind that it’s still in the preview stage, so features may or may note be added, but that doesn’t mean it’s incomplete in any way.

• 1080P screen resolution support
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset support
• Driving Mode
• Close apps from multitasking screen
• Screen orientation lock
• Custom tones for messages, emails, contacts and more
• Improved accessibility options for disabled users
• Enhanced storage management
• Attach files in email
• Ability to connect to WiFi in initial setup
• Progress bar under cogwheels during update procedure
• 6 columns of live tiles for phones with 1280 x 720 resolution or higher* (Not available yet)

The first two changes basically confirm all we’ve been hearing about the upcoming Nokia Lumia 1520, a large full HD screened “phablet” with a quad core chipset on par with Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, HTC One Max, Sony Xperia Z1 and more, at least spec wise. The rest are much welcomed additions that we’ve detailed earlier too. Improved accessibility options are a very good addition, and will help Windows Phones cater to all customers, and the ability to connect to WiFi during initial phone setup will reduce a lot of headaches as well. Similarly, enhanced storage management now lets you get rid of temporary files much more effectively, and the progress bar under the usual cogwheels animation during the update gives a much better idea about how the update is progressing.

Getting the Windows Phone 8 GDR3 Update Early

Similar to the desktop Windows preview program, Microsoft has launched the Preview for Developers, which will allow users to access all future Windows Phone 8 updates, including the GDR3 update. It’s fairly easy to get into the preview program, but there’s a few terms and conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

• Your device warranty will be void
• You cannot revert back to a previous version
• This does not include manufacturer firmwares such as the upcoming Nokia Bittersweet Shimmer update

As for the good news:

• You will continue to get firmware updates and officially released updates as usual
• You will able to access updates and features before general release
• You can opt out of pre-releases and get only officially released updates whenever you want

Note: As long as you’re on an officially released update and don’t have the preview app installed, your warranty is not void.

Interested? You just need to meet one of the following criteria:

• Have an active Windows Phone Developer Account (Developer license costs $19)
• Have an active App Studio Account (Account can be obtained for free from here)
• Have an unlocked developer device

Here’s how to get in on the Preview for Developers program:

Step 1 – Head over to the Windows Phone App Store and download the Preview for Developers app.

Step 2 – Once installed, accept the terms and conditions and sign in with your Microsoft Account tied to the above requirements.

Step 3 – Now, go to Settings and check for Phone Updates, you should get the GDR3 update notification, download and install!

So that was all about the Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update, or now known simply as Update 3. Do let us know what you think of the new update and if we can help you with any problems faced while updating!