Windows Phone 8
Windows Phone 8 (codename Apollo) is the next generation of Windows Phone, as officially confirmed by Microsoft at an MSDN seminar in August 2011 and previewed at Microsoft's 'sneak peek' at Windows Phone on June 20, 2012. The expected release date for this update is in Q4 2012.
Devices will be launched by four companies, Nokia, Huawei, Samsung, and HTC. All devices will be based on System on Chips from Qualcomm. Current Windows Phone 7.x devices will not be able to run or update to Windows Phone 8 and new applications compiled specifically for Windows Phone 8 will not be made available for Windows Phone 7.x devices.[1]
Features
The following features were confirmed at Microsoft's 'sneak peek' at Windows Phone on June 20, 2012:
- Transitions to core components from Windows 8, including kernel, file system, drivers, network stack, security components, media and graphics support
- Support for multi-core CPUs of up to 64 cores
- Support for 1280x720 and 1280x768 resolutions
- Support for MicroSD cards
- Internet Explorer 10
- Background multitasking
- NFC support added, including payment and content sharing with Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 machines (NFC is partially supported in Tango update, e.g. ZTE Orbit)
- Native code support (C and C++), simplified porting from platforms such as Android, Symbian, and iOS
- Simplified porting of Windows 8 apps to Windows Phone 8 (compatibility with Windows 8 Metro apps)
- Carrier control and branding of "wallet" element is possible via SIM or phone hardware (Orange will be first)
- Nokia map technology (Navteq maps with offline mode, turn-by-turn directions)
- Native 128-bit Bitlocker encryption, Secure Boot
- Remote device management of Windows Phone similar to management of Windows PCs
- VoIP and video chat integration for any VoIP or video chat app (integrates into the phone dialer, people hub)
- In-app purchases
- Firmware over the air for Windows Phone updates
- Minimum 18 month support of Windows Phone updates to Windows Phone 8 devices
The following features were confirmed at Nokia's Lumia 920 and 820 unveiling on SEptember 5, 2012:
- Camera app now supports "lenses", which allow third parties to skin and add features to camera interface
- Native screen capture by pressing home and power simultaneously
In February 2012, the tech-news site pocketnow.com claimed to have been shown a Microsoft produced video for internal use where Joe Belfiore, senior vice-president and Windows Phone manager, revealed a number of features in Windows Phone 8.[2] About half of these were confirmed at Microsoft's 'sneak peek' at Windows Phone on June 20, 2012. Listed below are features from the video that have not yet been officially confirmed by Microsoft.
- Zune desktop integration scrapped in favor of new, unnamed syncing app
- Deeper Skydrive integration, including ability to sync data such as music collections (confirmed by Microsoft as part of Live Wave 5 update)
- Xbox Companion app will get Windows 8 partner client
- App-to-app communication and integration
- DataSmart tracks and reports usage via app and live tile
- Gives preferential treatment to WiFi, can automatically connect to carrier-owned hotspots
- Proxy server will compress websites in Internet Explorer 10 up to 30 percent
- Support for proprietary, custom built apps to be deployed behind company firewalls
Unveiling
On June 20, 2012, Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 8, a new generation of the operating system for release later in 2012. Windows Phone 8 will replace its previously Windows CE-based architecture with one based off the Windows NT kernel with many components shared with Windows 8, allowing applications to be easily ported between the two platforms.
Windows Phone 8 will also allow devices with larger screens (the 3 confirmed sizes are "WVGA 800x480 15:9","WXGA 1280x768 15:9","720p 1280x720 16:9" resolutions) and multi-core processors, NFC (which can primarily be used to share content and perform payments), backwards compatibility with Windows Phone 7 apps, improved support for removable storage (which now functions more similarly to how such storage is handled on Windows and Android), a redesigned home screen incorporating resizable tiles across the entire screen, Nokia Maps integration, a new Wallet hub (to integrate NFC payments, coupon websites such as Groupon, and loyalty cards), and "first-class" integration of VoIP applications into the core functions of the OS. Additionally, Windows Phone 8 will include more features aimed at the enterprise market, such as device management, BitLocker encryption, and the ability to create a private Marketplace to distribute apps to employees—features expected to meet or exceed the enterprise capabilities of the previous Windows Mobile platform.[3] Additionally, Windows Phone 8 will support over-the-air updates, and all Windows Phone 8 devices will receive software support for at least 18 months after their release.[4]
In the interest of ensuring it is released with devices designed to take advantage of its new features, Windows Phone 8 will not be made available as an update for existing Windows Phone 7 devices. However, a future update, Windows Phone 7.8, will backport select features from 8 to the previous OS, including its redesigned home screen.[5] Windows Phone 8 starts Windows Phone fragmentation as older devices will not be able to update.[6]
References
- ^ http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsofts-windows-phone-8-finally-gets-a-real-windows-core/12975
- ^ "Exclusive: Windows Phone 8 Detailed". Pocketnow. Retrieved 2012-05-30.
- ^ "Windows Phone 8 in detail: new Start Screen, multi-core support, VoIP integration, and NFC". The Verge. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
- ^ "Windows Phone 8 Devices Will Get OTA Updates and 18 Months of Firmware Support". Gizmodo. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
- ^ Warren, Tom (20 June 2012). "Microsoft: no upgrades to Windows Phone 8, but some features will come in Windows Phone 7.8". The Verge. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
- ^ Windows Phone fragmentation: Microsoft says older devices can't update