Microsoft Posts Complete Details Of Windows Phone 8 Amber Update
Microsoft has detailed the upcoming ‘Amber’ update for Windows Phone 8, also known as GDR2. While the update is not as significant as some Windows Phone users are hoping for, it adds a bunch of much-needed functionality to the operating system, and should quench the public’s thirst for a few more months.
OEMs will release ‘Amber’, which adds FM radio support to handsets that support it, improves Xbox Music and stabilizes Skype, which has heretofore upset the balance of the People hub.
Users will also be able to set a favourite Lens app to open as the default camera, and use Data Sense to keep track of data usage overall, or on a per-app basis.
Here’s what’s new in Windows Phone versions 8.0.10327.77 and 8.0.10328.78:
- 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.
While a huge overhaul of Microsoft’s mobile OS isn’t expected until early 2014, this update will hopefully keep Windows Phone 8 users happy until then. Look for the update to be rolling out to devices soon.
The newly launched Nokia Lumia 1020 is the second device to come pre-loaded with Windows Phone 8 Amber, with the Lumia 925 being the first.
[Via]
