Microsoft has posted the details of upcoming ‘Amber’ update for Windows Phone 8 also know as GDR2 on WindowsPhone website. This update is not as significant as some Windows Phone users are hoping for it as it adds bunch of much-needed functionality to the operating system.
According to release notes,
OEMs and carriers will release ‘Amber’, which adds FM radio support to handsets that support it, improved Xbox Music and stabilizes Skype which has heretofore upset the balance of the People hub.
Users will also be able to set a favorite Lens app to open as the default camera and use Data Sense to keep track of data usage overall or on per-app basis.
Internet Explorer 10 will also be improved, with added HTML5 functionality and faster performance.
As of now only Nokia Lumia 1020 is the first device which comes with pre-loaded Windows Phone 8 Amber update. Unfortunately, this update isn’t expected until early 2014 and Microsoft expected to add a notification center and an improved multitasking workflow.
Windows Phone versions 8.0.10327.77 and 8.0.10328.78 – What’s New?
- Xbox Music – It’s now easier to select, download, and pin music. Plus, music fans will see more accurate metadata (such as song and album information) and many other performance improvements.
- FM radio – Listen to FM radio right from the Music+Videos hub. (Not available for all phones.)
- Data Sense – Stay on top of your phone’s data usage with Data Sense. You can set a limit based on your data plan, or just keep track of which apps use the most data. (Not all mobile operators offer Data Sense.)
- Skype – Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps like Lync and Skype now feature improved stability and performance.
- Internet Explorer – Your web browsing experience is now better than ever with improved HTML 5 compatibility.
- Camera – Set your favorite Lens so it opens automatically when you press the camera button. (Not available for all phones.) Other improvements. Includes many other improvements to WindowsPhone.