Microsoft’s plans for updates for its mobile platform took a bit of a hit recently, with news that the Windows Phone GDR2 update was causing some issues during testing. This offset the GDR2 update by a few weeks, pushed GDR3 for later this year, and Windows Phone Blue for early next.
Nevertheless, word is that some fine folks in Germany are already receiving update notifications for the Windows Phone GDR2 update — which as you may recall is designed for all Windows Phones.
According to a report over at WPArea.de, many of its readers who own Samsung ATIV S devices are receiving the notifications to update their mobile operating system. It appears that the update is only rolling out for unlocked Samsung ATIV handsets.
The update itself brings a number of improvements, but nothing significant in terms of new features.
Stuff like Xbox Music, Skype, Internet Explorer, and Datasense are some of the notable options that are getting improvements with this new update. But as is usually the case, not all of these features are available in all markets.
While it may seem a bit disappointing to see unlocked devices in on the action early, instead of contract smartphones, this actually is a good sign.
According to some insider gossip, Microsoft was said to be have having trouble with the GDR2 update with unlocked devices not being recognized by their wireless carriers after the update was deployed. This, in fact, is the main reason for the delay.
But the ball is finally rolling, and it appears that global rollout of the GDR2 update should soon begin. Nokia, HTC, Samsung and Huawei are most likely testing the update and users should hopefully be receiving the notifications in the coming weeks.
