We've already had big hints that the next WP8 software update from Microsoft, GDR3, will be wrapped with a Nokia firmware update called Lumia Bittersweet Shimmer.
A forum member at Windows Phone Central has posted screenshots claimed to show the new updates on a Lumia bought on Craigslist and loaded with developer software.
It seems we'll be getting the ability to close apps in the multi-tasking list and lock the screen rotation.
But more interestingly, WPC says it's found out from a different source that the updates will also bring custom alert sounds for text messages, emails, reminders and missed calls.
This, in particular, is a feature much demanded by users and, to be honest, available for years in even the cheapest feature phones.
And it seems Microsoft will be putting right another bugbear: restoring over WiFi. At the moment when you hard reset and restore a WP8 device, it fails to give you the option of activating a WiFi connection until settings have been restored and the phone is downloading apps. This eats into valuable mobile data until you can get WiFi turned on. Now, turning on WiFi will be an early option.
There are also other claimed improvements to Bluetooth, screen resolution and a driving mode feature.
But, you'll notice no mention of a Notification Centre. This is a big miss and Microsoft really has to get its act together on this one and get it out soon. It's a feature that can transform the way users interact with smartphones and is being constantly refined and improved on Android and iOS operating systems.
GDR3/Lumia Bittersweet Shimmer are expected around November and will probably first appear on Nokia's planned phablet, the six-inch-screen Lumia 1520.
The next big update after that will be WP 8.1 probably around Spring 2014.
(Source: WPCentral)
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