GDR3 update being tested on various Windows Phone 8 models for Telstra

Australian carrier Telstra is testing out the GDR3 update for a quartet of Windows Phone 8 models. The HTC Windows Phone 8X, HTC Windows Phone 8S, Nokia Lumia 1020 and Nokia Lumia 925 are all in the midst of first round testing, according to the mobile operator's Handset Software Update notice. All four are supposed to deploy the update in the middle of January, but an exact date is unknown.

Among the features of the GDR3 update is the lock that will freeze the screen in either portrait or landscape orientation. The driving mode intercepts texts and calls while you are behind the wheel, and can send a personal message to the person trying to get in touch with you. The update adds custom ring tones and allows users to close open apps on the multitasking page and the always-on glance screen shows the time and certain notifications. The update also allows OEMs to produce large screened Windows Phone 8 models with resolution of 1080 x 1920, that are driven by quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPUs. The first phone to have the update out of the box is the Nokia Lumia 1520. That device features specs rivaling those on top-shelf Android phones.

The Telstra page also includes information on the Nokia Lumia 920.The former Windows Phone 8 flagship is expected to have GDR3 tested on the phone in January with deployment the following month. And switching platforms, both the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Sony Xperia Z1 are currently in first round testing for the Android 4.3 update. The update should arrive on both handsets January 6th, although that date could change at the whim of either manufacturer.


source: Telstra