This extract is taken from
Announcing Windows Phone 8.
Also worth reading is
Windows Phone 8 in detail.
This major release of windows is a shift from existing Windows Phone OS, so there is no update for WP 7 or WP 7.5 users to WP 8.
Now from the extract,
The power of Windows
With Windows Phone 8, the similarity is more than skin deep. We’ve
based the next release of Windows Phone on the rock-solid technology
core of Windows 8. It means Windows Phone and its bigger sibling will
share common networking, security, media and web browser technology, and
a common file system. That translates into better performance, more
features, and new opportunities for app developers and hardware makers
to innovate faster.
This new shared core—along with all the extra work we’ve done on top
of it—opens up a new world of capabilities, which you don’t have to be a
techie to appreciate. Here’s a taste:
- Multi-core processor support: As reviewers have
noted, Windows Phone runs buttery smooth on phones with a single
processor. But piggybacking on the Windows core provides support for
multiple cores—so we’re ready for whatever hardware makers dream up.
- Bigger, sharper screens: Windows Phone 8 supports
two new screen resolutions—1280x768 and 1280x720, opening the door to
amazing new handsets with high-definition 720p displays.
- More flexible storage: Windows Phone 8 supports
removable MicroSD cards, so you can stuff your phone with extra photos,
music, and whatever else is important to you, and then easily move it
all onto your PC.
- NFC wireless sharing: If you haven’t heard the term
“NFC” yet, I’m betting you soon will. This emerging wireless technology
lets phones share things over short distances. In Windows Phone 8, it
helps make sharing photos, Office docs, and contact info easier—just tap
your phone another NFC-equipped device. How cool is that?
- Internet Explorer 10: The next version of Windows
Phone comes with the same web browsing engine that’s headed for Window 8
PCs and tablets. IE10 is faster and more secure, with advanced
anti-phishing features like SmartScreen Filter to block dangerous
websites and malware.
- Wallet: Windows Phone 8’s new digital Wallet
feature does two great things. It can keep debit and credit cards,
coupons, boarding passes, and other important info right at your
fingertips. And when paired with a secure SIM from your carrier, you can
also pay for things with a tap of your phone at compatible checkout
counters.
- Better maps and directions: Windows Phone 8 builds
in Nokia mapping as part of the platform. Our partnership will provide
more detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions in many countries, plus
the ability to store maps offline on your phone so you can work with
maps without a data connection.
- Cooler apps and games: Basing Windows Phone 8 on
the Windows core will unleash a new wave of amazing apps and especially
games, for reasons I’ll touch on in a moment.
Developers, developers, developers
Since we’re talking about apps, I want to tell developers a little
bit about what they can expect in Windows Phone 8. Some of the exciting
changes on the way include:
- Native code support: Windows Phone 8 has full C and
C++ support, making it easier to write apps for multiple platforms more
quickly. It also means Windows Phone 8 supports popular gaming
middleware such as Havok Vision Engine, Autodesk Scaleform, Audiokinetic
Wwise, and Firelight FMOD, as well as native DirectX-based game
development.
- In-app payments: In Windows Phone 8 we make it possible for app makers to sell virtual and digital goods within their apps.
- Integrated Internet calling: In Windows Phone 8,
developers can create VoIP apps that plug into our existing calling
feature so Internet calls can be answered like traditional phone calls,
using the same calling interface.
- Multitasking enhancements. Windows Phone 8 now
allows location-based apps like exercise trackers or navigation aids to
run in the background, so they keep working even when you’re doing other
things on your phone.
This is just a taste. Later this summer, we’ll have much more for
developers on the Windows Phone 8 Software Development Kit (SDK) and the
new Visual Studio 11-based development tools. So stay tuned.
Windows Phone 8 @ work
In Windows Phone 8, we’re also moving into the workplace in a big
way, introducing a number of features and capabilities that companies
and their IT departments demand. This is just one more benefit of
sharing a common core with Windows 8. Some of the new business-friendly
features include:
- Device encryption: To help keep everything from
documents to passwords safe, Windows Phone 8 includes built-in
technology to encrypt the entire device, including the operating system
and data files.
- Better security: Windows Phone 8 supports the
United Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) secure boot protocol and
features improved app “sandboxing,” so the phone is better protected
from malware with multiple layers of security.
- Remote management: With Windows Phone 8, IT
departments can manage apps and phones remotely, with tools similar to
ones they now employ for Windows PCs.
- Company Hub and apps: Companies can create their own Windows Phone 8 Hub for custom employee apps and other critical business info.
Waiting for hands on with a new Windows phone with WP8 installed.
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