Microsoft has announced Windows Phone Update 3 will start to be delivered to users in the next few weeks and take several months to complete. Microsoft says the update takes so long due to carriers and your phone model. I cannot believe fragmentation is an issue with Microsoft, so really these updates should be done quicker.

However developers from today will be able to download Windows Phone 8 Update 3, through the Windows Phone Preview Program for Developers.

On top of Microsoft’s update it is likely that other manufacturers will deliver extra features , improvements, and bug fixes.

So what’s new –

Higher resolution screen support – 1080p (1080×1920) screens and support for 5 and 6 inch touch screens, such as the Nokia Lumia 1520.

Support for higher resolution screens includes software updates for the Start screen and other key built in Windows Phone apps (email, People, Photos, and Music and Videos).

For example, the Start screen will include a third column of standard size Live Tiles.

Updated hardware support eg Snapdragon 800 processor support. This helps power the 1080p screens and provide a more fluid and longer battery life too.

Driving Mode – Driving Mode is automatically triggered when the phone is connected to a pre-defined Bluetooth accessory. This mode limits notifications on the lock screen—including texts, calls, and quick status alerts—until you’re safely parked. Driving Mode can also be configured to send automatic replies to people who call or text you while driving, so that you can let them know you are driving and will get back to them as soon as possible. A safety type feature which could be useful.

Accessibility features – A screen reader is included making it easier for blind and visually impaired users to manage calls and contacts, send texts and emails, browse the web, make Skype and Lync calls, and hear notifications like alarms, calendar events, and low-battery warnings. This really is needed as currently Windows Phone is behind its competitors.

Custom ringtones can now be set for more events, including instant messages, emails, voicemails, and reminders.

New storage settings to free space on your phone and manage temporary files.

A new setting has been added to control automatic screen rotation. This makes it possible to lock the screen is a specific rotation state. Ideal when you are reading a book in bed at an angle, but don’t want the screen to rotate.

The app switcher now makes it easier to close apps.

When setting up a Windows Phone device for the fist time it will not be possible to set up a WiFi connection on first start-up. Makes you wonder why this wasn’t enabled already.

The connection quality for Bluetooth accessories has been improved with more compatibility with car systems.

The Internet Sharing feature has been improved.Internet Sharing triggered remotely via a Bluetooth connection.

All in all not big improvements, but big enough to allow more powerful hardware, leading to more possibilities.