Microsoft has lifted the lid on their new Windows Phone 8 OS due in the Autumn with a variety of new features both in hardware and software. Nokia, Huawei, Samsung, and HTC confirmed as hardware partners for new OS.
1. All new Start Screen - you can now customise tiles in size (small, medium, and large) which reflect changes in Live Tiles - Nokia Maps can still be viewed in medium/large size in the background. The screen estate will be larger due to the removal of the right side bar.
2. Uses the 'Windows Core' heavily linking with Windows 8 in terms of app infrastructure and NFC sharing.
3. Will support multi-core processors, device encryption, removable storage with microSD cards and three new screen resolutions.
4. Built in NFC in a new 'Wallet Hub' storing credit card information for in-app purchasing, member cards and deals.
5. Skype and VoIP integration - collect Skype calls like you would when receiving a phone call.
7. Nokia Maps will power the map experience with turn-by-turn navigation and offline support.
8. Internet Explorer 10 with added security which will share the same ecosystem and IE10 on Windows 8.
9. Upgrades to Nokia Drive/Maps and Camera - self-timer, action shot for burst mode, panorama, and group-shot.
With these upgrades will Microsoft be able to gain a foothold in the mobile space? The relationship between Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 is crucial but Microsoft seem to be in full confidence coming off the back of the Surface announcement.
Note: Current Windows Phone users will not upgrade to Windows 8 due to hardware specifics. They will upgrade to Windows 7.8 which will include the new Start screen and other features due to be shown in the future.
1. All new Start Screen - you can now customise tiles in size (small, medium, and large) which reflect changes in Live Tiles - Nokia Maps can still be viewed in medium/large size in the background. The screen estate will be larger due to the removal of the right side bar.
2. Uses the 'Windows Core' heavily linking with Windows 8 in terms of app infrastructure and NFC sharing.
3. Will support multi-core processors, device encryption, removable storage with microSD cards and three new screen resolutions.
4. Built in NFC in a new 'Wallet Hub' storing credit card information for in-app purchasing, member cards and deals.
5. Skype and VoIP integration - collect Skype calls like you would when receiving a phone call.
7. Nokia Maps will power the map experience with turn-by-turn navigation and offline support.
8. Internet Explorer 10 with added security which will share the same ecosystem and IE10 on Windows 8.
9. Upgrades to Nokia Drive/Maps and Camera - self-timer, action shot for burst mode, panorama, and group-shot.
With these upgrades will Microsoft be able to gain a foothold in the mobile space? The relationship between Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 is crucial but Microsoft seem to be in full confidence coming off the back of the Surface announcement.
Note: Current Windows Phone users will not upgrade to Windows 8 due to hardware specifics. They will upgrade to Windows 7.8 which will include the new Start screen and other features due to be shown in the future.




