- Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 will be share some core architecture
- Multi-core processor support
- Display scaling is coming to Windows Phone with support for 720p and WXGA displays
- Removable microSD support
- IE10 will be on Phone 8 and will support the same rendering engine that the desktop version
- Native code development
- Native NFC Support
- The "Most Complete" Wallet experience with support for account balances, loyalty cards, saved deals and NFC payments.
- Nokia Maps will be available on all Windows 8 phones
- Business support with encryption and secure boot, device management and office apps.
- Start Screen is getting revamped with more customization and personal tile options
- Deeply integrated VoIP and Video Chat integration
- Device OS updates for at least 18 months
- Big blow here: No current devices will be getting Windows Phone 8
Discussion about
Windows Phone 8 gets officially announced bringing some pretty big improvements. Should Google and Apple be worried?
Windows Phone Summit is happening right now and Microsoft is currently talking about their improvements coming to Phone 8. Check them out below:
I think Microsoft is hitting some crucial improvements, and agree that 3rd party app development needs to accelerate exponentially for the platform to compete. Also, better integration of Google services needs to happen, or at least an easy tool to port Google contacts, caledar, etc over to MS Skydrive. Too many people are hooked into Google Services to ignore this.
It's pretty terrible support. You don't get full access to everything.
Calendar support is terrible. It mashes all the calendars you chose to sync as 1 big calendar. You can only choose which calendars it syncs by going to a specific link via any phone, but not on a computer, but on this link you can choose your sync options for any of your connected devices.
Contacts support is also annoying. Of all the numbers for a contact, it only syncs the first number of each contact, rather than all the numbers of that contact.
You also get very minimal email features. You're missing stars, you can't view chat logs, and many other great features are missing.
All in all, you'll get the bare essentials to survive, but not nearly an ideal situation.
Calendar support is terrible. It mashes all the calendars you chose to sync as 1 big calendar. You can only choose which calendars it syncs by going to a specific link via any phone, but not on a computer, but on this link you can choose your sync options for any of your connected devices.
Contacts support is also annoying. Of all the numbers for a contact, it only syncs the first number of each contact, rather than all the numbers of that contact.
You also get very minimal email features. You're missing stars, you can't view chat logs, and many other great features are missing.
All in all, you'll get the bare essentials to survive, but not nearly an ideal situation.
So my last phone was a Window Phone 7.5 Samsung Focus. I loved it until the hardware flaked out just after warranty. Anyway, I don't know if you've used a Windows Phone because it works great with Google services. In fact, no need to try and port any of it over to a Microsoft service. I stored all my contacts in Google contacts and it synced the seamlessly. I was able to set Google Contacts as the default as well so every contact I saved automatically synced with them. Plus, calendars, gmail, gchat pictures, etc. You name it, it synced and was seamless. All this before Windows Phone 8.
While I have Hotmail for my primary email, I agree with you that GMail integration is actually really great. For my school email I synced my HD7 up. Works really well really..
More than that. if WP8 requires "ZUNE" software for any interactions with the PC its a 100% non starter for me. Mass Storage or NO DEAL. Period. No negotiation. the ZUNE was one of the nicest mp3 players I have ever owned. FAR superior than ipods. why did it get relegated to my junk drawer? ZUNE software. 100% zune software. Horrible horrible. stuff.
Nope you aint got it straight. I love the hardware. I love the GUI on the hardware.
I HATE the ZUNE SOFTWARE. this would be the giant piece of filth you have to download to your pc in order to connect the "Zune" to your home computer.
if the ZUNE had a mass storage interface I would still be using it today. its that good. but after about 3 months I just gave up on the PC interface software. it was just that bad. mandating installing "windows updates" that were flat out NOT NEEDED for an mp3 player that I did NOT want on my system.
I have XP systems with years of uptime BECAUSE I do not install every damned update in the universe on it.
windows phone (lumia series) requires ZUNE software to move anything to or from the phone via usb from what I understand.
No thanks.
I HATE the ZUNE SOFTWARE. this would be the giant piece of filth you have to download to your pc in order to connect the "Zune" to your home computer.
if the ZUNE had a mass storage interface I would still be using it today. its that good. but after about 3 months I just gave up on the PC interface software. it was just that bad. mandating installing "windows updates" that were flat out NOT NEEDED for an mp3 player that I did NOT want on my system.
I have XP systems with years of uptime BECAUSE I do not install every damned update in the universe on it.
windows phone (lumia series) requires ZUNE software to move anything to or from the phone via usb from what I understand.
No thanks.
I hear you.
I think the Zune software is (at least) not ugly to look at, and the mix view is kind of neat in how it will automatically make a slide show of art of the musician you're listening to.
But as far as managing playlists, syncing stuff to the device, and other things that it's REQUIRED for; I'm not a fan:
I think the Zune software is (at least) not ugly to look at, and the mix view is kind of neat in how it will automatically make a slide show of art of the musician you're listening to.
But as far as managing playlists, syncing stuff to the device, and other things that it's REQUIRED for; I'm not a fan:
- it too aggressively signs you out of your account (annoying)
- it's not a light app (to be fair, neither is iTunes)
- It seems to take a lot of clicks to do anything
- the streaming integration isn't as good as Spotify or Rdio
- It's like MS tried so hard to be different than iTunes that they ignored some of the things that it does really well
As do all windows phones. By not installing ANY update to your windows xp machines you are EXTREMELY vulnerable to viruses. Also, XP? Really? I cannot stand XP. I mean it was a great OS at the time, bu its wireless hookup interface SUCKED. Vista's was an improvement, but I hated Vista with a passion. Seven's was even better and I had no problem with that OS.
No he hates the desktop s/w but loves the firmware on the device. I understand exactly what he's saying.
ZUNE IS DEAD. MicroSD support AS IN EXTERNAL. Windows Phone 8, Windows 8 and Xbox will now use the evolution of zune music and video services: Xbox Music. Also, the Zune software was 20x, no 1000x better than iTunes, and also the best sync client I have ever used. And one more thing(if you think of Uncle more power to you), GDGT left out that WINDOWS PHONE 8 WILL BE ABLE TO UPDATE OTA!!!!! There is no more need for a computer, or Zune for that matter.
WP8 dosn't require you to ever hook up the phone to your PC, as they announced over the air updates. Didn't they?
Porting was always relatively easy:
- Silverlight - Web/Desktop apps & Windows Phone 7
- XNA - Xbox & Windows Phone 7
But now instead of a "few lines of code" now it's "a few MINOR tweaks." In other words easy porting, especially from iPhone or Android, will be EXTREMELY Easy.
It probably depends from person to person and what you need as a 'must have' app...if you're really stuck to one particular, specialized/niche thing then that might hold someone back from switching (particular language dictionaries, banking apps, diabetic software, words with friends...).
Over time, that should be less of a thing (it's good news that the Chase app and Words with friends/draw something apps are on the way).
Over time, that should be less of a thing (it's good news that the Chase app and Words with friends/draw something apps are on the way).
Android has the numbers. but, a lot of the apps are pretty much useless. trust me!!! Android has been unattractive for developers as it is not as profitable as iOS Of course, developers are attracted by the high number of Android Users. Windows phone marketplace is growing pretty fast. The ease of porting between Windows and Windows Phone is a major factor here and the presence of DirectX is a real deal breaker. For your info, all the games on your computer is powered by DirectX. Mobile devices are now powerful enough to run developers.
They have reached 100000 apps faster than Android. Zynga has announced support and A recent developer survey as shown that 54% of developers plan to build applications for Windows Phone in the future. In other words, Windows Phone was a complete reset and people tend to forget that Windows Phone is only a little more than a year old. Microsoft has been late to the game before (Xbox, anyone) and they have been able to pull off becoming the number one selling console on the planet. Also Windows Phone 7 application growth is growing exponentially, according to a recent study. With Windows Phone 8, Havok is bringing over their Physics engine and other companies can do the same thanks to native code development, so I expect to see some pretty awesome games and apps coming to Windows Phone. Also considering how well current Nokia Windows Phone 7.5 models are selling in Finland (the most adoption) and the rest of the world, I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft's marketshare explodes when they release Apollo. In other words, If Microsoft plays their cards right, I think with Apollo, Apple and Google really do have to worry, especially if Microsoft can convince HTC, Nokia, Huawei, and Samsung to produce "God" devices and multiple devices at different price points on as many carriers as possible.
I don't know why I was down-ranked, but if it was because of an underlying sassy tone, I apologize. Anyways, if you were looking for where I'm getting my information here's the link about developers planning to adopt Windows Phone: wmpoweruser.com/survey-finds-57-of-mobile-develope...
and acceleration in app growth:wmpoweruser.com/flurry-analytics-windows-phone-app...
and acceleration in app growth:wmpoweruser.com/flurry-analytics-windows-phone-app...
No current devices will be getting Windows Phone 8
I think this is a huge problem. Windows phones are less than two years old, the iPhone 4 is older, will get iOS 6 this year and, probably, iOS 7 in a year. Windows Phone and Android may catch Apple in features, but they are still too far in service and customer allegiance. They´ll remain far if customers like me find that their phones are outdated while they still work. Most people will either not update (Android) , or not buy (Windows Phone).
I think this is a huge problem. Windows phones are less than two years old, the iPhone 4 is older, will get iOS 6 this year and, probably, iOS 7 in a year. Windows Phone and Android may catch Apple in features, but they are still too far in service and customer allegiance. They´ll remain far if customers like me find that their phones are outdated while they still work. Most people will either not update (Android) , or not buy (Windows Phone).
iPhone 4 is 2 years old. Lumia 900 is months old and won't get WP8. That's quite a difference! The one year old 4S gets all the announced iOS 6 features.
The biggest blow by far is that WP8 apps will NOT be compatible with currently being sold WP7 hardware. This has never happened in the history of iOS.
The biggest blow by far is that WP8 apps will NOT be compatible with currently being sold WP7 hardware. This has never happened in the history of iOS.
To be fair. Apple is currently still selling the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS
Still people know what they are expecting when they buy a phone from them.
As I usually say. Buy the phone that is good right now, not one that is promised to be good with updates. Things change and promises fall through. I feel bad for Lumia owners
Still people know what they are expecting when they buy a phone from them.
As I usually say. Buy the phone that is good right now, not one that is promised to be good with updates. Things change and promises fall through. I feel bad for Lumia owners
They're using 1- to 2-generation old h/w, though. The h/w they are running is simply not able to handle what is coming from Microsoft in Windows Phone 8.
Considering that windows phone 7.5 doesn't need extraordinary hardware to run, no, but they have SINGLE CORE processors, 512MB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. Considering the move to the windows core, I think that Microsoft made the right decision to not allow this update on single core devices. Have you ever used windows 7 on a single core atom processor? Horrid experience. I think that Microsoft would rather piss off a few that don't like being left behind rather than pissing off everyone with a poor running update that practically bricks phones. Microsoft Windows Phone 8 is made for MULTICORE PROCESSOR enabled phones. That is my point.
but this only works because apple uses outdated lame hardware. so sure when you keep your hardware basically the same sucky hardware its easy to keep adding new OS's to it.
Seriously its a big reason I chose android (S2) over Apple. Horrible hardware from apple. tiny low res screen boring lame GUI etc.. and the "lock in" is a 100% deal breaker to me (ie you don't OWN your iphone apple retains partial ownership by refusing to allow you to install software from "ANYWHERE" but their store short of "hacking" your own device.
no thanks.
Seriously its a big reason I chose android (S2) over Apple. Horrible hardware from apple. tiny low res screen boring lame GUI etc.. and the "lock in" is a 100% deal breaker to me (ie you don't OWN your iphone apple retains partial ownership by refusing to allow you to install software from "ANYWHERE" but their store short of "hacking" your own device.
no thanks.
There's a reason behind this: the switch from Windows CE to the actual Windows Core. Also the older h/w in use by current gen and last gen Windows Phones will not be powerful enough for Windows Phone 8. Though I understand the reasoning, there are several people like you who think this is a bad idea. Understand though, Microsoft is only trying to do things that people asked for. By doing that, though, Microsoft has alienated WP7/7.5 users. There is an understandable upside to this point, with the exception of Lumia buyers a lot of Windows Phone users are coming up on their contract upgrade dates. For example, I bought my HTC Trophy(US version) about a year ago and my upgrade date is in December, this is in perfect synchrony with When most Windows Phone 8 devices will be available from carriers.
It's not totally surprising though; the new OS is targeting new hardware (with more RAM, multi-core processors, and NFC support). Windows phones to date have all pretty much been based on the same 2010-era specs.
When you were buying a WP7 phone, did you not know that any new hardware features like multi core, NFS etc cannot be be upgraded? I agree if some of the software features also don't get upgraded, then it's an issue. With 7.8 upgrade you are going to get the software part anyway. I don't understand why this is slap in the face.
you seriously miss the point. there WILL BE NO SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUR PHONE. Ever.
the reason is simple. WP8 is almost literally here. so NO developer in their right mind will develope for PRE 8 knowing its been 100% abandoned by MS and "NO" new hardware will be designed around it.
They just won;t it would be stupid. so while of course you won't get any MS updates and obviously you won't get any hardware updates you just slammed yourself with a nice sweet 2 year contract for a phone that is literally a "lame duck" that NO developer in their right mind except a hobbyist will design "ANY" software for.
There is not even a significant "EXISTING" user base to support the old software.
I mean after running those beta tester commercials and getting people to by the lumia 800/900 Microsoft just put two to the head to anyone who bought one and bi$%h slapped them while they shot them while laughing at them.
only a masochist would buy another MS phone after that assassination. and a highly insulting assassination at that.
They made a "HUGE" mistake doing this. Typical MS very conservative on the hardware. multi core and higher res screens are a freaking "DUH"
to CHANGE the architecture enough that they literally alienate the old but still brand spanking new hardware is just an incredibly stupid move on their part.
The only way I could see MS saving face is to GIVE a new WP8 phone to anyone who bought at least a LUMIA 900. ie any WP made in the last 12 months should be replace gratis.
the reason is simple. WP8 is almost literally here. so NO developer in their right mind will develope for PRE 8 knowing its been 100% abandoned by MS and "NO" new hardware will be designed around it.
They just won;t it would be stupid. so while of course you won't get any MS updates and obviously you won't get any hardware updates you just slammed yourself with a nice sweet 2 year contract for a phone that is literally a "lame duck" that NO developer in their right mind except a hobbyist will design "ANY" software for.
There is not even a significant "EXISTING" user base to support the old software.
I mean after running those beta tester commercials and getting people to by the lumia 800/900 Microsoft just put two to the head to anyone who bought one and bi$%h slapped them while they shot them while laughing at them.
only a masochist would buy another MS phone after that assassination. and a highly insulting assassination at that.
They made a "HUGE" mistake doing this. Typical MS very conservative on the hardware. multi core and higher res screens are a freaking "DUH"
to CHANGE the architecture enough that they literally alienate the old but still brand spanking new hardware is just an incredibly stupid move on their part.
The only way I could see MS saving face is to GIVE a new WP8 phone to anyone who bought at least a LUMIA 900. ie any WP made in the last 12 months should be replace gratis.
Actually, you're 100% wrong. WP7 software runs on both platforms - until the WP8 devices get a decent base developers will continue to write software that hits the largest number of devices.
Actually you're 50% wrong. Windows Phone 8 apps may be able to run on windows phone 7.8 if developed in Silverlight, however, native development means that Certain Windows Phone 8 apps won't be able to run on the non-Windows RTP based Windows Phone 7 devices.
You see that part where I said developers will continue to write software that hits the largest number of devices? You realise I didn't mean by accident right?
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