Microsoft may be on track to deliver the upcoming update to Windows Phone 8, called General Distribution Release 2 (GDR2), but that’s not stopping users from itching to know why Microsoft hasn’t released a major update since Windows Phone 8 was released. Microsoft’s Windows Phone boss Joe Belfiore has responded to comments about Microsoft listening to user feedback, stating “We’re definitely here and paying attention to what you folks are asking for.”
Microsoft has been open to user feedback, especially on the Windows Phone platform, and numerous users have taken it to Microsoft’s official feedback site to request features or demand changes. One question revolved around why Microsoft was taking so long to implement new features to the platform.
“We’re definitely here and paying attention to what you folks are asking for… keep in mind the trick for us is balancing things that make EXISTING devices better for you, our enthusiast users, versus things that create new devices to sell to a broader audience. A lot of the work in GDR2 was around enabling new devices– like the Lumia 1020, devices on Sprint, etc. so that we could keep growing the size of the WP ecosystem. We need to grow the number of people using WP so we get ISVs writing the apps, we get better/more accessories built, etc,” Belfiore explained.
Belfiore added that the upcoming GDR2 update adds DataSense and FM Radio, among other user requested features, which is coming later this year. He reassures consumers that they shouldn’t worry since Microsoft is indeed listening to user feedback.
Another Windows Phone support administrator also posted that Microsoft was actively paying attention to what consumers were asking for. “Thanks for all your suggestions and comments. It’s always great to see feedback and passion about Windows Phone, and we’re definitely here and paying attention to what you folks are asking for.”
