Now, what’s new in Windows Phone 8?
First, Windows Phone 8 will have a shared code with Windows 8. This is huge and opens up a whole new world of cross device experiences & capabilities. Not just for the consumers, but as well for developers & HW manufacturers (like a common driver model to give one example).
8 Windows Phone platform improvements:
1. Latest & greatest hardware
- Multi-core processor support
- Bigger, sharper screen resolutions (adding 720p & WXGA)
- More flexible storage: removable µ-SD card
2. Internet Explorer 10
- The same engine as Windows 8: more secure, faster (hardware accelerated) and with advanced anti-phishing features like SmartScreen Filter, etc…)
3. Cooler apps & games thanks to native code
- More apps, faster app to market
- Nicer types of (killer)games
- Easier to port iOS & Android code
4. NFC wireless sharing
- Sharing will just be touching in the near future: imagine photo’s, office docs & contact info by just touching another NFC enabled device
Most complete Wallet experience (illustrated by a testimonial by Yves Maitre of Orange group)
- Replaces actual wallet with debit & credit cards
- Fidelity cards, secured Payments, Coupons
- Most flexible system as security assets are on the SIM
- Links to 3rd party apps like banking applications
6. Nokia Map technology built-in (not only for Nokia devices)
- Offline data – no roaming surprises & better performance
- More detailed local Navteq data included
- Turn-by-turn directions
7. Windows Phone 8 for Business is enterprise-ready
- Encryption(bitlocker) & secured boot (UEFI)
- LOB app deployment
- Device management
- Familiar Office apps
- Company hub with installed professional apps, recommended apps, company news, warning messages, etc… (example Microsoft IT to the right)
8. A brand new start screen (video)
- More customizable
- Filling the entire screen (no more black space on the right side)
- Tile size adjustable down to 1/4th of the actual tile size