Microsoft Officially Unveils Windows Phone 8 [Video]

Microsoft has officially unveiled Windows Phone 8, its next generation operating system for smartphones.

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.


FEATURES:
● 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.



NEW START SCREEN:
Windows Phone 8 offers a new palette of theme colors and three sizes of Live Tiles, all of which are under your control. Take a look at this short video that shows the new Start screen in action.





WINDOWS PHONE 7.8:
The new Start screen will be delivered it to existing phones as a software update sometime after Window Phone 8 is released. Unfortunately, existing phones will not be eligible for an update to Windows Phone 8.

Windows Phone 8 is a generation shift in technology, which means that it will not run on existing hardware. BUT we care deeply about our existing customers and want to keep their phones fresh, so we're providing the new Start screen in this new update.


100,000 APPS:
The Windows Phone Marketplace has officially hit 100,000 apps and games with more than 200 new titles delivered, on average, each day.

A few upcoming app titles were also announced today including Audible, Chase, Paypal, Asphalt 7, N.O.V.A. 3, Words with Friends, Draw Something, and others.



DEVELOPERS:
Developers can expect some changes in Windows 8 including:

● 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.

WORKPLACE:
Microsoft has introduced a number of features and capabilities that companies and their IT departments demand including:

● 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.



LANGUAGE:
Windows Phone 8 will support a total of 50 languages, or double the current geographic coverage. Marketplace is being expanded to support app downloads in over 180 countries -- nearly triple its current footprint.


SOFTWARE UPDATES:
Windows Phone 8 updates will be delivered wirelessly over-the-air and devices will be supported with updates for at least 18 months from device launch. Microsoft is also working on a program to give registered enthusiasts early access to updates.

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