14 DAY TRIAL // It looks like Microsoft is serious about the second update for Windows Phone 8.1, even if previous rumors might have indicated that the Redmond-based company has cut out GDR2 to make room for Windows 10 for Phones.
Several screenshots have leaked in the past weeks, which pointed to an imminent release of Windows Phone 8.1 GDR 2. Apart from that though, we had nothing and Microsoft was mum on the launch of another Windows Phone 8.1 update this year.
The official documentation for the Windows Phone 8.1 GDR 2 has just been published on Microsoft's Dev Center, which is proof that it was already sent to manufacturers.
This is probably one of the reasons the previously leaked screenshots come from unannounced Lumia smartphones, as Microsoft is now planning to launch a few more handsets with Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2.
Video over LTE and support for more languages
Among the most important changes included in the second major update for Windows Phone 8.1, we noticed the anti-theft mode. This security feature is meant to drop the theft of smartphones powered by Windows Phone and Microsoft promised that such an option would be added to its devices sometime this year.
Another feature that Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 will bring to smartphones is VoLTE (voice over LTE). This feature will come with multiple settings and options.
VPN configuration service provides support for more languages (Bangladesh, Khmer, Kiswahili, Lao), and lots of testing changes are included in Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 as well.
For the full changelog of Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2, make sure to check out the official documentation available on Microsoft's Dev Center. We have also attached screenshots in case Microsoft decides to hide these from the public.
As for release date, Microsoft has yet to come out with an official statement regarding Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2, but considering the past experiences, it might take at least a few months until all devices get it.
