Windows Phone 8 GDR3 screenshots leak, show Driving Mode

The next update to Windows Phone 8 is known as GDR3, but we knew that already. Well now some screenshots have leaked, showing off some of its features.

The grabs were nabbed by a poster on the WP Central forums, who claims they bought a device from Craigslist that includes the new version of the OS.

So what's new? Driving Mode mutes calls and texts automatically when paired by Bluetooth to a car, or you can choose to mute them manually. You can close apps in the multitasking view too, saving time. There's screen rotation, so you can orient your display how you like, and custom sounds are coming to text, voicemail, email and reminder alerts. You'll also be able to restore from back-up over Wi-Fi, which is handy if your device is wiped.

Microsoft is testing the update right now. It should feature in Nokia's much-rumoured 6-inch Lumia 1520, or the Bandit as it's better known. But it should come to existing Windows Phone 8 hardware too (it's seen running on a Lumia 920 in these screengrabs).

Earlier in the week, Microsoft announced it's buying Nokia's phone division. The deal will be finalised early next year. Mobiles will still be Nokia-branded, but expect Windows Phone 8 to be the firm focus. Nokia's Lumia 1520 has also leaked a few times, with an official-looking press image making its way to us just yesterday. Rumours say the handset will have a 6-inch 1080p screen, with a quad-core processor inside.

Nokia is also said to be working on a tablet. Microsoft's Surface has been struggling, so maybe the Finnish phone firm is just what Microsoft needs to give Windows 8 slates a shot in the arm.

Do you use Windows Phone 8? Are you excited by this next update? What do you think of the Nokia deal? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.