Microsoft Details the Windows Phone 8 GDR2 Update

Redmond-based software giant Microsoft is getting ready for the launch of a new update for the owners of Windows Phone 8 devices, one that will arrive on handsets as version 8.0.10327.77 or 8.0.10328.78, and has already published a changelog for it. 

The update, which is currently referred to as Windows Phone 8 General Distribution Release 2 (GRD2), will bring along some appealing improvements, most of which have been already rumored before. 

Windows Phone 8 GDR2 will land on devices with a different version number, depending on the specific handset model that users have and on the wireless carrier they are on, it seems. 

The aforementioned changelog has been published on the Windows Phone 8 Update History page on Microsoft’s website, and shows a series of improvements to Skype, Internet Explorer and Xbox Music, as WMPoweruser notes. 

Furthermore, the update will pack the new features that Nokia’s Lumia 925 smartphone was announced with, including FM radio, Data Sense, and the like. 

The complete release notes for the update include:

- 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 Windows Phone.

Given that Nokia has already announced a series of other enhancements set to arrive on its Windows Phone 8 smartphones as part of this update (called Nokia Amber), we can expect for other manufacturers to include device specific improvements to it as well. 

What remains to be seen is whether the previously rumored CalDAV and CardDAV support will be included in this release as part of the “other improvements,” so stay tuned for more on this.