Windows Phone update chases Android and iPhone features covering phablets

Microsoft is updating Windows Phone 8 for the third time, adding in a Driving mode and making provisions for future 'phablet' devices

Microsoft is updating its Windows Phone software to accommodate larger devices of up to 6in diagonally - classed as a "phablet" (phone-tablet) - and make it easier for motorists to reduce distractions while driving.

The move is part of an effort to give its range of mobile devices greater feature parity with Apple's iPhone and Google's Android, even while it lags in sales behind the two ecosystems.

It's the third update to the Windows Phone 8 software since the system's release a year ago. Devices with this update will start appearing in the coming weeks, and older phones will be eligible for a free upgrade, too. Microsoft couldn't give a precise date when the software will be sent to older handsets, because that will depend on operators' approval.

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