How to download Windows Phone 8 GDR 3?

Here comes an opportunity for Windows Phone Developers to try out the GDR3 update before it reaches to the actual consumers. If you are a WPDev, you can now download Update 3 in your unlocked WP8 device and test your applications against it.

Windows Phone 8 GDR3 comes with a plenty of features and enhancements including bigger screen resolutions, screen rotations and more. Read to get the GDR3 bits in your device.

Today Microsoft announced a Preview Program for the Windows Phone developers. If you are eligible to this program, you will be able to download the pre-release version of Windows Phone 8 GDR 3 OS right now in your WP8 device, actually before the consumers get it after few months from now. This will enable you to test your apps against the latest bits and fix them before the final update comes up and releases to the consumers.

If you are willing to download the GDR3 update, make sure that your device meet any one of the below three conditions:

• Your phone should be unlocked for developers
• You should be a registered Windows Phone Store Developer
• You should be a Windows Phone App Studio Developer

Once you meet any one of the above three requirements, you are good to go to download the GDR3 update and test your applications against this pre-release update. There are no SDKs available yet for this release but this could be available later when it comes near to final build.

How to get the Windows Phone 8 GDR 3 (pre-release)?

To get the pre-release version of GDR3, download the “Preview for Developers” application from Windows Phone Store (marketplace) and install it. Here is the link: http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=178ac8a1-6519-4a0b-960c-038393741e96

Once you are done installing the application from Marketplace, open it and follow the steps mentioned in the screen. You have to accept the “Terms and Conditions” before getting this update. Don’t forget to read the “Important Notes” section at the end of this post prior to get the GDR3 pre-release version. Sign-in with your Microsoft account when prompted and enable the preview for developers checkbox and tap done. Now you will be eligible to get the update from Microsoft by participating in this program.

Now go to “Settings –> Phone update” and check new updates. Just follow the on screen steps to install the latest bits. Don’t forget to read the “Important Notes” section below prior to install this OS update.

Important Notes

If you are eligible to download this pre-release update of the WP8 OS, make sure to read the following points before starting the update process of your device:

• Updates will only include the Microsoft update and not additional OEM drivers/firmware.
• To ensure the best experience, your device must be running the latest OS release (currently 8.0.10322.71) or greater to receive early updates via this program.
• You will be required to accept additional terms & conditions within the app prior to opt-in.
• You CANNOT REVERT to a prior OS version once you have taken an update via this program.

Check out this blog post to know “What’s new in Windows Phone 8 GDR 3 update?” for a list of features and enhancements. BTW, you will not get a bigger start screen to accommodate 6 icons in a single row unless you have a higher resolution (1080p) supported device.