While Windows Phone fans eagerly wait for the GDR3 update, they are in for yet another pleasant surprise: the software update will bring the Notification Center for WP8 devices.
The long-awaited Notification Center will reportedly make an appearance earlier than expected and on the WP8 GDR3 (which is expected this year end) instead of on Windows Blue aka WP8.1, which is scheduled for an early 2014 release.
The latest information comes courtesy of Nokiampoweruser, which colaims to have received the information from a tipster. The source has also disclosed that Nokia India is testing the update and another unheard of feature called "Appetite" is also set to debut with the update.
"We have just received a tip from one of our blog regulars about GDR3 getting tested internally at Nokia India. The real news is the fact that this GDR3 variant has that much talked about feature of 'Notification screen,' which was supposed to come with WP 8.1 aka Blue. Seems interesting!! The tipster also mentions a new feature called 'Appetite' but says he is not much clear about it," notes Nokiapoweruser.
Even though many WP8 fans may find the Start Screen serves the purpose of a notification center, previous leaks have revealed that Microsoft intended to include a Notification Center in WP8 but was unable to do so as it did not have sufficient time.
A missing Notification Center puts the Microsoft platform at a disadvantage when compared to other OS' like Android and iOS.
Previously, reports have suggested that WP8 may not get a notification center until Windows Blue is released in 2014. Earlier in June this year, a Nokia Lumia 920 that was purchased from eBay alleged came pre-loaded with an early build of Windows Blue and showed off a screen that combined multiple notifications.
If the current report is to be believed, then WP8 may get the notification center before the end of 2013, as well as the GDR3 update that is conjectured to debut on the much-rumored Nokia Bandit, the Finnish company's first-ever phablet and the first WP8-powered phablet.
Hopefully, Nokia India is not testing a software solution meant only for internal consumption or else fans will be disappointed.
