Telstra Australia, which has really good track record of supporting Windows Phone owners with all released OS updates, has GDR3 under testing now. The testing is expected to finish by 23rd of December. Deployment of the software update is expected from mid-January, but exact dates are not known at this time.
Before this, Telus Canada has also confirmed January roll-out for the GDR3 update. So, seems GDR3 will start hitting devices worldwide from January 2014 followed by Nokia Black for Lumia devices.
In case you want to know what new stuff the GDR3 update beings, below is a quick changelog,
Driving Mode
Driving Mode helps you get from point A to point B with fewer distractions. Working with a connected Bluetooth device, Driving Mode is designed to limit notifications on the lock screen—including texts, calls, and quick status alerts—until you’re safely parked.
New accessibility features
Another highlight of the new update is Mobile Accessibility for Windows Phone 8, which isn’t a single feature but a suite of apps designed to make Windows Phone easier to see, hear, and use. The apps, which include a screen reader, make it easier for blind and visually impaired users to manage calls and contacts, send texts and emails, browse the web, make Skype and Lync calls, and hear notifications like alarms, calendar events, and low-battery warnings.
Improved Internet Sharing
It is easier to use your phone as a data-savvy hotspot for Windows 8.1 devices. Just pair your phone and Windows 8.1 PC or tablet over Bluetooth, tap your network name, and you’ll be connected and ready to go. No need to enter a password or dig out your phone and turn on Internet Sharing—it’s done for you.
More useful ringtones
With Update 3, you can use custom ringtones for more things—including instant messages, emails, voicemails, and reminders. You can also assign custom ringtones to contacts for text messages, so you’ll know who’s texting you without even looking.
No more twist and shout (Rotation Lock)
Does your screen keep spinning when you’re trying to read emails in bed? Use the new rotation lock option to keep it fixed in place.
Better storage management
New storage settings make it easier to free up space on your phone and manage temporary files. A new category view shows what’s taking up space at a glance.
Easily close apps (New Multitasking UI)
Now you can use the App switcher to quickly close apps when you’re finished with them.
Wi-Fi access out of the box
You can now connect to Wi-Fi during phone set up, so you can start conserving cellular data right out of the box.
Better Bluetooth
The team made a bunch of improvements to improve connection quality for Bluetooth accessories.
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