Before you can walk, you must learn to crawl. While we are all anticipating the arrival of Windows Phone Blue, before Microsoft delivers this bigger update, there are several small GDRs (General Distribution Releases) planned in the meantime.
We’ve already seen the first GDR, known as Portico. Now it seems that GDR2 is on its way in the near future, bringing with it FM radio support, and additional Nokia-only firmware improvements that will introduce a few new changes such as a new screen activation gesture.
As for the radio feature, does that mean future handsets will come with radio tuners just like some Windows Phone 7 handsets did? Actually, the Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 already have tuners, they just don’t work because the software doesn’t support them. That means that after this update, 920 users that want to rock some tunes from a local FM station will be able to do so.
Is FM radio really needed in this day and age? The easiest answer is “it depends”. For those with unlimited data and great mobile carrier coverage? Probably not. For those that want to preserve their data or live in countries that have less reliable Internet Access, it could prove to be a very welcome feature.
As already mentioned, GDR2 is expected within the next few months, but what does that mean for Windows Phone Blue? That’s a good question. It is believed there might be a GDR3 as well before Blue comes around, so does that mean there is enough time to get Blue out to the phone before the year’s end?
Microsoft will more than likely want a uniform Blue release for all of its products (or at least the same target month), so yes, I wouldn’t be shocked if Microsoft gets Phone Blue out in time for the holiday season – in the meantime, just be happy that you don’t have to wait all the way until then to get a few new minor changes and features added to your Windows Phone experience.
What do you think of the addition of FM radio, something you are interested in or not? Share your thoughts below.
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FM radio? Meh……
Not really interested in radio reception on the smartphone..
I have been missing the FM radio after upgrading to Windows Phone 8 from my old Windows Phone 7 device. Glad it is coming back. Also being that most carriers are no longer unlimited data this is a welcome feature.