Microsoft confirms Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 update

Microsoft was originally expected to released two GDR (General Distribution Release) updates to Windows Phone 8.1. The Update 1 (GDR1) was released last year, and is still in the process of rolling out to handsets. While we initially expected Microsoft to skip GDR2 in favor of focussing on Windows 10 for phones, it looks like the Update 2 will soon be on its way to Windows Phone users.

Microsoft has published the full OEM changelog for Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, detailing some of the new and updated features heading to Microsoft's mobile platform.

Since this changelog is aimed at manufacturing partners, it doesn't really give us an insight on consumer features, but it is still a good reference point for what we can expect from the update.

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 key features for consumers:

• Video over LTE – Customize specific settings and behavior for Video over LTE to meet mobile operator requirements including Showing or hiding the LTE video calling switch, Enabling video conferencing, etc.
• Restore Start tile layout – Append the OEM-defined Start screen layout to the bottom of the user’s backed up Start screen layout when the user restores their device from a backup.
• More phone languages – Bangla (Bangladesh), Khmer, Kiswahili, Lao
• VPN Configuration service provider – New AlwaysOn value in ConnectionType; New Policies/AppIdleTimeout setting in the CSP

You can check out the detailed changelog of the update here. Initially, the GDR2 update was rumored to bring support for 2K display and Snapdragon 805 chipsets, but unfortunately, there is no mention of these improvements in changelog.


source - Microsoft | WindowsCentral