Microsoft may have only just announced Windows
Phone 8 Update 3, but the company plans to start
delivering it to developers later today. After over a year
in the making, Microsoft is finally launching its
Windows Phone Preview for developers. The program
will provide registered developers with early access to
Windows Phone 8 updates, bypassing the complex and
lengthy carrier testing process.

Microsoft is specifically
targeting developers with this program, but for $19 a
year any Windows Phone 8 user can sign up and get
early access to updates.

Even registered Windows
Phone App Studio developers will be able to get early
access.
Windows Phone 8 users that are registered developers
or have a developer-unlocked device will be able to
download a Windows Phone Preview for Developers
app that enables the early access to updates.

There are
no restrictions on phone type, only that existing
Windows Phone 8 handsets have General Distribution
Release 2 (GDR2) installed in order to upgrade to
Windows Phone 8 Update 3. After the special app is
installed, phones will then update through the normal
software update process. While this is the quickest way
to access updates, and is similar to how Apple provides
early access to iOS developers, Microsoft warns it may
void any warranty with a mobile operator or device
manufacturer.

If a Windows Phone user opts to install the pre-release
updates then they’ll have to wait until the update is
released publicly to be in a “released state” as there’s
no way to restore back to an older version of Windows
Phone 8. The pre-release updates only contain
Microsoft’s portion of the update, and the software
maker isn’t rolling out any firmware or driver changes
alongside its own OS update. Today’s update will bring
1080p display support for unreleased devices, rotation
lock, a new Driving Mode, and much more.

http://infolodge.net/blog/blog/2013/10/15/microsoft-bypasses-carriers-deliver-early-windows-phone-updates/