Check out some of the new features in Windows Phone 8 GDR2 (video)

Zac Bowden

WP8

With the recent release of the Windows Phone 8 GDR2 SDK, developers have been able to get their hands on an emulator version of GDR2. We got our hands on the final code of the Windows Phone 8 GDR2 update. As GDR2 isn’t a super major update, changes in this build remain rather small. As the video was a recording of the emulator, some features were un-demo able. Also, Nokia devices will be getting more features with GDR2 such as Glance screen.

Changes in GDR2 include an improved Xbox Music app, FM radio, IE10 HTML5 improvements, Skype stability improvements and other small bug fixes and features. The update has already begun rolling out to a select amount of handsets, a few HTC 8X devices as well as Samsung ATIV S devices have been reported to be receiving the update already.

GDR2 for Nokia devices is expected to arrive later this month. The update is said to include a variety of exclusive features only available for Nokia devices, such as the glance screen, flip to silence and a few other features. You can check out the full change-log here.

While GDR2 update rolls out, Microsoft is working on GDR3 which is expected to bring support for 5 or 6 inch Windows phone devices, as well as quad-core chipsets. This update will debut first on new devices, then eventually be released for existing devices. Microsoft is also working on Windows Phone Blue, which is rumored for release in early 2014.

Check out the video below for GDR2 running in an emulator! Remember, as this is an emulator not all features are demo-able, however they are explained in the video.