Nokia Lumia Amber update rolling out globally now

The long-awaited Nokia Lumia Amber update is rolling out for all Windows Phone 8-powered Nokia Lumia phones. The update is built on top of the WP8 GDR2 update from Microsoft, but has some exclusive features, developed by Nokia.

This includes a brand new camera app, the Smart Camera. This app launched with the Lumia 925 and will now be available to all other WP8 Lumia phones. The high-end devices – Lumia 920, 925 and 928 – will also get the Pro Camera app, which was introduced with the Lumia 1020.

It's not just apps either – the Amber update brings better noise reduction, better color rendering, better exposure metering and improved autofocus to the whole WP8 range, while the Lumia 920 will also get its ISO setting ceiling pushed from 800 to 3,200.

The Nokia Lumia Amber update will allow you to install a number of cool apps, too (that are not themselves part of the update). The Nokia Video Trimmer and Nokia Video Upload will help you edit and share videos that you've captured with your Lumia phone.

The Nokia HERE suite can be updated, once Amber is installed. The new version allows for easier map updates, only downloading the changes in a map instead of downloading the whole thing (this saves time and data).

Additionally, the new Nokia Glance Screen brings a clock and notifications to the lockscreen. Unfortunately, the Lumia 520 and Lumia 625 will miss out on this feature.

The Amber update also enables a couple of new gestures – double-tap the screen in standby to wake the phone (ala Nokia N9) and flip-to-mute-ringer.

There's also the FM radio, which will be enabled on all but the Lumia 620. The new Storage Check tool will show you how much storage is used for apps, media files and the system should you need to clear up some space (and you might, on Lumias with no microSD card slot).

Here's how to install the update – go to Settings and hit Phone update. It's a simple process, but if you need help you can watch this video.

The update will be rolled out in stages depending on the model and country. The Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 will be getting it first, along with US models 928, 810, 521. Nokia expects to complete the rollout for the 920, 820, 720, 620 and 520 by the end of September.

You can check if the update is available for your phone and country here.

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