Microsoft has announced Windows Phone 8

Yesterday Microsoft has made a major announcement few days right after the announcement of Surface Tablet.   NFC, MicroSD, dual-core support, more memory  – oomphh!!!! I am gonna love new windows phone.

Windows Phone 8 is going to be a game changer and Microsoft has revamped it to fit with modern mobile user needs.

As per Joe Belfiore’s announcement blog on Windows Phone Team blog, Windows Phone 8 is going to have the ultimate power of Windows 8. Revamped from older Windows CE kernel to Windows kernel, there would be tight integration between Windows 8 and windows phone 8.

Windows Phone 8 for Consumers:

Here are the some announced features of Windows Phone 8 extracted from Windows Phone Team blog:

 

  • 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—1280×768 and 1280×720, 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.

How about existing users with Windows Phone 7.5 (will they get an upgrade)?

NO, they will receive an update to integrate new home screen feature to existing Windows Phone 7.5, and this update would be called as “Windows Phone 7.8”

Because Windows Phone 8 is a generation shift in technology, and Windows Phone 8 cannot run on the current hardware’s of Windows Phone 7.5.

 

Windows Phone 8 for Developers

As per the announcement Developers will get the beta or preview version of new Windows Phone 8 SDK.

Windows Phone 8 for Enterprise

Windows Phone 8 will provide drive encryption, better security, remote management capability and Company Hub and apps: Companies can create their own Windows Phone 8 Hub for custom employee apps and other critical business info.

 

You need more answers? Visit the Windows Phone 8 announcement blog

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2012/06/20/announcing-windows-phone-8.aspx

Windows Phone 8: Everything you need to know (FAQ)

Videos from Windows Phone Summit Channel 9