Featured: Windows Phone 8: the next generation of Windows Phone unveiled

Microsoft has unveiled the next big update to its Windows Phone operating system, with a teasing glimpse of Windows Phone 8. Microsoft says the new update will offer even more features to Windows Phone users such as customised Live Tiles, NFC, better games, microSD memory card support, and more to take on main rival operating systems Android and Apple’s iOS. 


The Windows Phone 8 unveiling comes on the back of its recent Microsoft Surface tablet announcement, where Microsoft detailed plans to deliver an improved Windows Phone 8 experience. 



Microsoft said that Windows Phone 8 will share a lot of its code with the PC system, making it easier for developers to write programs for different devices. The payoff being less fragmentation, with apps able to work across a variety of devices without compatibility issues.

It’s a problem Android devices currently suffer from, where some apps work on some Android devices, but not others. That includes games, said Microsoft, making a promise to deliver some “amazing” flagship titles to Windows Phone 8 users.

Microsoft went on to reveal some of the features can expect from Windows Phone 8. One of the most important was support for multi-core chips, such as the quad-core processors found in smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S3 and HTC One X. The most high-end Windows Phones will be faster, and be better at preserving battery power.

MicroSD memory card support was also confirmed, to let users expand the memory of their device – a feature currently missing in the flagship Nokia Lumia Windows Phone range.

Other promised features of note will include HD video support, a digital wallet for NFC (Near Field Communication) payments to let the phone act as a debit card, built-in maps from Nokia, support for programmes such as Skype, and customisable homescreens.

It’s Microsoft’s alliance with Nokia that has grabbed the most attention, but Microsoft said Samsung, HTC and Huawei will all be making Windows Phone 8 smartphones. Will you be buying one? 


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This blog was posted by The Gadget Show.

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