On Monday, we told you about the GDR3 update for Windows Phone 8 that adds some new features and capabilities to many of those handsets running Microsoft's mobile OS. One of the new features is called Driving Mode which allows you to block texts and calls from coming through your phone while you are behind the wheel of a car. You can even set up an auto-response for both texts and calls, telling those seeking you out that you are behind the wheel of a powerful machine and can't be bothered.
On Tuesday, Driving Mode was highlighted on NBC's morning show Today, and while the entire clip lasts all of 15 seconds, it still is national exposure for a platform that always seems overshadowed by iOS and Android (which explains some of Microsoft's new ads including the Wedding Day disaster).
While the GDR 3 update will officially roll out later this year, developers and others can update their Windows Phone 8 handset now from Microsoft. Check out the Windows Phone Developer Blog to see how to update to GDR3 today. Meanwhile, you can check out the brief Today appearance of Driving Mode along with some screenshots from the new feature, below.
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: