Microsoft has pulled the wraps off its latest Windows Phone 8 operating system, with HTC, Nokia and Samsung handsets boasting the new mobile OS.
The updated mobile operating system brings a slew of new features, as well as a number of upgrades to the current ones. Europe is expected to get the new Windows Phone 8 (WP8) handsets in early November, while other markets such as Asia are expected to get them later next month. What goodies does the new WP8 software have to offer?
Home and Lock Screens
The Home Screen is by far the most obvious update, as it now sports resizable Live Tiles. Moreover, Microsoft said in a pre-briefing that the Lock Screen itself is now a "Live Tile" of its own. Users are also able to add widgets to display additional information and notifications.
Apps & Games
According to Microsoft, 46 out of the top 50 apps for other mobile platforms will make their way to its Windows Phone 8 mobile OS. Such top apps and games include the popular Temple Run, Angry Birds: Star Wars, and Cut the Rope. A tweaked version of Skype is also designed to run 24/7 in the background without draining the device's battery.
Data Sense
The Data Sense app is designed to automatically compress Web pages to reduce data usage. The app is also Wi-Fi aware, meaning that it will aim to cut down on cellular usage by hopping on to available networks. Meanwhile, a breakdown page within the app will allow users to monitor their data consumption. Microsoft claims the new Data Sense app will help users get 45 percent more Web browsing on the same data plan. Verizon will be the first U.S. carrier to get the app, with other carriers set to follow shortly.
Kids Play
WP8 also comes with a new feature for users who want to let their kids play on the Windows smartphone. The Kids Corner feature is easily activated by swiping to the left when on the Lock Screen, and the child will be able to access previously selected apps. Menu buttons are disabled in this Kids Home screen, and kids can resize, but cannot add new Tiles.
Tweaked Windows Phone Marketplace
Microsoft's app store got some enhancements as well, with new categories such as Top Paid and Best Rated. Apps that support Live Tile will also now state this capability on their description page. Meanwhile, developers are now able to add in-app purchases into their apps.
Internet Explorer 10
After getting on board with the new Windows 8 software, Internet Explorer (IE) 10 now appears on all Windows Phone 8 handsets as well. According to Microsoft, its new mobile browser is now faster and more secure, as it comes with a built-in malware detector for Web sites. Because typical malware targeting PCs are not harmful to smartphones, IE10's malware detector is targeted at threats such as "click fraud."
Office & Skydrive
Microsoft Office is one of the company's greatest assets, and it makes sense for WP8 to offer an improved Office experience. WP8 users will be able to view and edit PowerPoint, Word, and Excel documents on their smartphone, and sync those documents straight to a Windows 8 PC. Moreover, users can also start working on a document on a PC and continue working on it on a WP8 handset. Additionally, photos uploaded to Skydrive will instantly appear on the user's Windows 8 PC and will not be deleted.
People Hub
People Hub now sports a new feature called Rooms, which is more or less a private chat function. Rooms also offers a shared calendar, notes, and photo and video album. Microsoft reportedly plans to allow Android, iOS, and Windows Phone 7.5 users to access the calendar with a Hotmail account.
Wallet App
The Wallet allows users to store credit card numbers or PayPal information on the handset. Provided that apps use the right API, users can make payments using the information stored on the Wallet app, without actually needing the real wallet. A column for purchased deals within the Wallet app can also serve as a reminder.
Nokia Maps
Microsoft's partnership with Finnish company Nokia means that WP8 devices all come preloaded with Nokia's leading navigation software. The app will show up simply as Maps on non-Nokia handsets, while Nokia phones will show it as Nokia Maps. Users can also download offline maps for many countries.
Enhanced Keyboard and Voice Capabilities
Word Flow is a new feature designed to guess the next word when typing a message, aiming to speed up the user's typing. It continually learns the user's writing style, and it works with custom words as well. When it comes to voice capabilities, WP8 smartphones are supposed to be much better now at recognizing voice, and Microsoft added supports for more languages. The new voice recognition function can no open apps, or even open items within an application.
OTA Updates
Over-the-Air (OTA) updates means that users will no longer have to plug in a cable and load up the Zune software to update their devices.
Windows 8 Windows Phone App
Speaking of Zune, the software is no longer required to sync a Windows Phone 8 device to a PC. Users can now access their WP8 handset via the Windows Phone app that appears when their Windows 8 PC when the WP8 smartphone is plugged in. This app, however, is not necessarily required to sync music or add documents to a WP8 handset.
Does Microsoft's mobile operating system now have what it takes to compete against dominant Android and iOS? Leave your comments below.
