Key Windows Phone 8 features
Software
- A new Start Screen with more colours, more Live Tile sizes and more personalisation options.
- A common core with Windows 8. Microsoft says “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.”
- Internet Explorer 10, just like on Windows 8 PCs and Tablets, a fast (4x faster JavaScript performance compared to Windows Phone 7.5) and secure browser.
- Nokia Maps for everyone, including other handset vendors.
- Wallet; a digital wallet for credit card and NFC payments.
- Integrated VOIP calling that act just like traditional phone calls.
- Better multitasking.
- Device encryption; built in technology encrypts the entire device including the OS and user data files.
- Language support, a total of 50 languages including more Middle Eastern languages.
- Over-the-air updateability.
Hardware
- Multi-core processor support for up to 64 cores.
- As well as the current Windows Phone standard 800×480 resolution phones may now have screens at 1280×768 and 1280×720 pixels.
- MicroSD card storage support.
- NFC wireless chip support.
However, People with current Windows Phone devices will not be able to update their phones with the new Windows Phone 8 operating system. Also Microsoft will make available an update to Windows Phone 7.5 devices that will bringsthem the new Start Screen interface from Windows Phone 8. This update will be called Windows Phone 7.8. The company hopes this will placate current owners.
By Mark Tyson, hexus.net
