The update will soon be pushed to current Windows Phone 8 devices

Oct 23, 2013 13:37 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft announced about a week ago that Windows Phone Update 3 early access was available for developers and confirmed some of the changes included.

Previously known as Windows Phone GDR3, the update features OS version 8.0.10501.127 or 8.0.10512.142. Microsoft has announced that it will be available in the coming weeks and will be rolled out over several months, which means that it will be a staged release.

Today, Microsoft has posted the official changelog of the Windows Phone 8 Update 3, which is made up of the main features and improvements included. You can check out below Microsoft’s original post.

Accessibility: We've made several improvements for customers who are visually impaired.

Storage: Now you can easily free up storage space on your phone and manage temporary files. New categories show what's taking up space.

Driving Mode: Feeling distracted behind the wheel? Driving Mode allows you to minimize incoming calls and text messages to help you focus on the road.

Screen: Reading emails in bed? You can lock your screen orientation so it doesn't shift when you move your phone around.

Wi-Fi: Start preserving cellular data on your phone right out of the box—you can now connect to Wi-Fi during set up.

Internet sharing: Now you can use your phone’s cellular data connection from your Microsoft Windows 8.1 devices by pairing them over Bluetooth.

Bluetooth: Several fixes were made to address known issues, and improvements were made to connection quality for Bluetooth accessories.

Ringtones: Do more with ringtones now. Assign ringtones for text messages, so you'll know who's texting you without even looking. Use your custom ringtones for more things—text messages, instant messages, emails, voicemail, and reminders.

App switcher: Don't look back. Now you can use the App switcher to quickly close apps when you're finished with them.

Other improvements: Includes many other improvements to Windows Phone.

Those who own a Nokia smartphone powered by Windows Phone are also eligible for additional improvements via “Nokia Black” update.