Earlier in the morning, Microsoft took the wraps off two new devices, the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL. Both devices look attractive, considering what they have to offer at such a catchy price. However, there’s another surprise for Windows Phone fans out in the wild. Both devices are running Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 update, which brings minor changes to the operating system. Microsoft didn’t announce anything about it since they are focusing more on the upcoming Windows 10 operating system, which is expected to see the light of the day later this year.
As spotted, the Lumia 640 and 640 XL ships with Windows Phone 8.1 with version 8.10.15116.125. Among the new features, it seems the new update will allow users to set app permissions, as well as sort and search the settings. It also appears that the settings are now categorized, for instance, under the network settings, you’ll see options like VPN, NFC, etc.
Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 caught in the wild! pic.twitter.com/u5rQQtXofe
— Martin Suchan (@martinsuchan) March 2, 2015
Microsoft also has a lengthy change log available on their website (check out the source link), which mentions features such as Voice over LTE, support for new languages (including Bangla (Bangladesh), Khmer, Kiswahili and Lao), anti-theft mode and much more. You can check out the complete list of changes via the source link below.
Nonetheless, it should be exciting for some people, but the truth is: it’s not a very big update to be honest. It seems the update do bring some useful features, however, do note that it may take a couple of months for the company to release the update for its devices — and even more for carriers. At the moment, the focus is mostly on the upcoming Windows 10 which was unveiled back in January. The technical preview of Windows 10 for phones is already available for some entry-level devices — please bring support for high-end handsets Microsoft, please.
