Microsoft Logo
The Microsoft logo is seen at their offices in Bucharest March 20, 2013. Reuters/Bogdan Cristel

Even though Windows 10 for phones is hogging all the limelight, Microsoft is rumoured to be working on rolling out the Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 before the arrival of Windows 10. The official documentation of WP 8.1 GDR2 has surfaced on the Dev Center of Windows Phone and it will be made available as developer preview for handsets that are currently on Windows Phone 8.1 GDR 1.

A slew of new features and improvements are going to arrive with Windows Phone 8.1 GDR 2. Some of them include video over LTE, routing a text message to a partner application, support for new languages like Bangla, Khmer, Kiswahli and Lao and a new anti-theft feature.

The Nokia Power User (NPU) states that the Windows Phone 8.1 GDR 2 does not support new processor and higher display resolution. Since the OEM documentation of WP 8.1 GDR2 has been spotted, the update has reached RTM (Release to Manufacturing) stage, claims Phone Arena.

According to another report from NPU, Lumia device owners are expected to receive the Lumia Denim update until the end of the coming month. And the devices that are currently running on Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 will receive GDR2 by April or May.

Nokia Power User claims that users who do not opt for the preview edition of Windows 10 will receive the Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 update. Some of the other features that are expected to arrive with the GDR2 build include easy sorting of listings inside Settings, mobile data toggle and availability of Cortana for more regions. However, there is no overhaul changes expected.

Even though there is no confirmation from Microsoft, Nokia Power User speculates the Lumia 1330 and the Lumia 1335 may come preloaded with Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 update. Microsoft has not revealed any official information on the rumoured Lumia 1330/ 1335 and the arrival time frame of GDR2 update. However, NPU expects that Microsoft will reveal the new update at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2015 tech trade show.

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