We've been hearing rumblings about Microsoft's new Windows Phone 8 General Distribution Release 2 (GDR2) update since back in February, but now it looks like the talk about the new software will finally end and the fun can begin. HTC Germany has announced on its official Facebook page that the GDR2 update is now rolling out over the air to both the Windows Phone 8X and 8S. The Verge has received reports that GDR2 is making its way to unlocked Samsung ATIV S handsets as well.

Microsoft posted a brief changelog for GDR2 on its official Windows Phone 8 update page earlier this month. The update brings with it FM radio support, expanded carrier support for Data Sense usage tracking, improved stability and performance for Skype and Lync, better HTML5 performance in IE9, and other enhancements. One of the changes that's not included in Microsoft's list is Gmail CardDAV and CalDAV support, which will allow Windows Phone users to continue to sync their Gmail and calendars with their devices.

While GDR2 doesn't introduce any life-changing tweaks to Windows Phone 8, it does contain several small improvements that ought to make using a WP8 device a better overall experience. Neither Microsoft nor any U.S. carriers about have said when GDR2 might make its way stateside, but an internal T-Mobile document sent to WPCentral claims that Magenta's version of the HTC 8X could be updated as soon as July 22. T-Mobile hasn't commented on the leak, but considering that the international 8X is in the process of being updated to GDR2, it's certainly possible that T-Mobile's update could be close.

Via the::unwired, HTC Germany, The Verge, WPCentral