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'''Windows Phone 8''' is the second generation of the [[Windows Phone]] [[Mobile operating system|mobile operating system]] from [[Microsoft Corporation|Microsoft]]. It was released on October 29th, 2012, and like its [[Windows Phone 7|predecessor]], it features the interface known as [[Metro (design language)|Metro]] (or Modern UI).
'''Windows Phone 8''' is the second generation of the [[Windows Phone]] [[Mobile operating system|mobile operating system]] from [[Microsoft Corporation|Microsoft]]. It was released on October 29th, 2012, and like its [[Windows Phone 7|predecessor]], it features the interface known as [[Metro (design language)|Metro]] (or Modern UI).


Windows Phone 8 replaces its CE-based architecture used on Windows Phone 7 devices with the Windows NT kernel found on many Windows 8 components. Current Windows Phone 7.x devices cannot run or update to Windows Phone 8 and new applications compiled specifically for Windows Phone 8 are not made available for Windows Phone 7.x devices.<ref>Rubino, Daniel. (Oct 29, 2012). Overview and Review of Windows Phone 8. retrieved from http://www.wpcentral.com/overview-and-review-windows-phone-8</ref>
Windows Phone 8 replaces its [[Windows CE|CE]]-based architecture used on Windows Phone 7 devices with the [[Windows NT]] [[Kernel (computing)|kernel]] found on many [[Windows 8]] components. Current Windows Phone 7.x devices cannot run or update to Windows Phone 8 and new applications compiled specifically for Windows Phone 8 are not made available for Windows Phone 7.x devices.<ref>Rubino, Daniel. (Oct 29, 2012). Overview and Review of Windows Phone 8. retrieved from http://www.wpcentral.com/overview-and-review-windows-phone-8</ref>


Nokia announced a partnership with Microsoft on February 11, 2011 making Windows Phone the primary operating system for Nokia.<ref>Shankland, Stephen (Feb 11, 2011) Nokia, Microsoft becoming Windows Phone bedfellows. retrieved from http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20031468-264.html#!</ref> Windows Phone 8 devices have also been manufactured by [[HTC]] and [[Samsung]].
Nokia announced a partnership with Microsoft on February 11, 2011 making Windows Phone the primary operating system for [[Nokia]].<ref>Shankland, Stephen (Feb 11, 2011) Nokia, Microsoft becoming Windows Phone bedfellows. retrieved from http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20031468-264.html#!</ref> Windows Phone 8 devices have also been manufactured by [[HTC]] and [[Samsung]].


==Unveiling==
==Unveiling==

Revision as of 02:01, 30 December 2012

This article is about the second and latest version of Windows Phone. For Windows Phone as a whole, see Windows Phone. For the first version, see Windows Phone 7.

Windows Phone 8
Windows Phone 8 Start Screen
DeveloperMicrosoft
Source modelClosed-source
Initial releaseOctober 29, 2012; 12 years ago (2012-10-29)
Latest release8.0.10211.204 (Portico)
Kernel typeHybrid (NT kernel)[1]
LicenseCommercial proprietary software
Preceded byWindows Phone 7
Official websitewww.windowsphone.com

Windows Phone 8 is the second generation of the Windows Phone mobile operating system from Microsoft. It was released on October 29th, 2012, and like its predecessor, it features the interface known as Metro (or Modern UI).

Windows Phone 8 replaces its CE-based architecture used on Windows Phone 7 devices with the Windows NT kernel found on many Windows 8 components. Current Windows Phone 7.x devices cannot run or update to Windows Phone 8 and new applications compiled specifically for Windows Phone 8 are not made available for Windows Phone 7.x devices.[2]

Nokia announced a partnership with Microsoft on February 11, 2011 making Windows Phone the primary operating system for Nokia.[3] Windows Phone 8 devices have also been manufactured by HTC and Samsung.

Unveiling

On June 20, 2012, Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 8 (codenamed Apollo), a second generation of the Windows Phone operating system for release later in 2012. Windows Phone 8 replaces its previously Windows CE-based architecture with one based on 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.[4] 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.[5]

In the interest of ensuring it is released with devices designed to take advantage of its new features,[6] 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 the redesigned home screen.

Features

File:HTC 8X and Nokia Lumia 820.jpg
HTC Windows Phone 8X and Nokia Lumia 920 running Windows Phone 8

The following features were confirmed at Microsoft's 'sneak peek' at Windows Phone on June 20, 2012 and the unveiling of Windows Phone 8 on October 29, 2012:[7][8][9]

Core

Windows Phone 8 is the first mobile OS from Microsoft to use the Windows NT kernel, which is the same kernel that runs Windows 8. The operating system adds improved file system, drivers, network stack, security components, media and graphics support. Using the NT kernel, Windows Phone can now support multi-core CPUs of up to 64 cores, as well as 1280x720 and 1280x768 resolutions, in addition to the base 800x480 resolution already available on Windows Phone 7. Furthermore, Windows Phone 8 also adds support for MicroSD cards, which are commonly used to add extra storage to phones.

Due to the switch to the NT kernel, Windows Phone 8 also supports native 128-bit Bitlocker encryption and Secure Boot. Windows Phone 8 also supports NTFS file system due to this switch.[10]

Web

Internet Explorer 10 is the default browser in Windows Phone 8, and carries over key improvements also found in the desktop version.

Multitasking

Instead of the card-based multitasking utilized in Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 8 includes true background multitasking. Multitasking is still invoked by pressing the "Back" key available on all Windows Phone devices.

Kids Corner

Windows Phone 8 adds Kids Corner, which operates as a kind of "guest mode". When Kids Corner is activated, apps and games installed on the device can be played or accessed without touching the data of the main user signed in to the Windows Phone.[8]

Rooms

Rooms is a feature added specifically for group messaging and communication. Using Rooms, users can contact and see Facebook and Twitter updates only from members of the group created.[8]

Data Sense

As an exclusive feature to Verizon Windows Phones, Data Sense allows users to set data usage limits based on their individual plan. DataSense can restrict background data when the user is near their set limit. A heart icon is used to notify the user when background tasks are being automatically stopped.[11]

NFC and Wallet

Select Windows Phones running Windows Phone 8 add NFC capability, which allows for data transfer between two Windows Phone devices, or between a Windows Phone device, and a Windows 8 computer or tablet, using a feature called "Tap and Send".

In certain markets, NFC support on Windows Phone 8 can also be used to conduct in-person transactions through credit and debit cards stored on the phone through the Wallet application. Carriers may activate the NFC feature through SIM or integrated phone hardware. Orange will be first carrier to support NFC on Windows Phone 8. Besides NFC support for transactions, Wallet can also be used to store credit cards in order to make Windows Phone Store and other in-app purchases (which is also a new feature), and can be used to store coupons and loyalty cards.[12]

Nokia Maps

Nokia Maps, which is based on Navteq, replaces Bing Maps as the standard mapping application for all devices running Windows Phone 8, as opposed to only Nokia devices in Windows Phone 7. All devices also have access to Nokia Drive, which includes turn-by-turn directions for navigation, and the ability to save maps for offline use.[13]

Other Features

  • Xbox SmartGlass allows control of an Xbox 360 with a phone (Available for Windows Phone, iOS and Android)
  • Xbox Music services support playback audio files in Windows Phone, as well as music purchases.
  • Xbox Video services support playback of video files in Windows Phone but not video purchases. [14]
  • Native code support (C++), allows for simplified porting from platforms such as Android, Symbian, and iOS
  • Simplified porting of Windows 8 apps to Windows Phone 8 (compatibility with Windows 8 "Modern UI" apps)
  • 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)
  • Firmware over the air for Windows Phone updates
  • Minimum 18 month support of Windows Phone updates to Windows Phone 8 devices
  • Camera app now supports "lenses", which allow third parties to skin and add features to camera interface
  • Native screen capture is added by pressing home and power buttons simultaneously
  • Hebrew language support is added for Microsoft to introduce Windows Phone to the Israeli market.[15]

Hardware Requirements

File:Black Nokia Lumia 920.jpg
Nokia Lumia 920
Windows Phone 8 minimum device requirements
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor
Minimum 512MB RAM for WVGA phones; minimum 1GB RAM for 720p / WXGA
Minimum 4GB flash memory
GPS and A-GNSS; GLONASS is supported if OEMs decide to include it
Support for micro-USB 2.0
3.5mm stereo headphone jack with three-button detection support
Rear-facing AF camera with LED or Xenon flash, optional front-facing camera (both need to be VGA or better) and dedicated camera button
Accelerometer, proximity and ambient light sensors, as well as vibration motor (magnetometer and gyroscope are optional)
802.11b/g and Bluetooth (802.11n is optional)
DirectX graphics hardware support with hardware acceleration for Direct3D using programmable GPU
Multi-touch capacitive touch screen with minimum of four simultaneous points

Windows Phone App

The Windows Phone app succeeds Zune Software as a sync application to transfer documents, music, videos, and other files between Windows Phone 8 and a Windows computer or tablet. A version for Mac OSX computers is also available.

USB Outlook sync

Windows Phone does not support usual USB sync with Microsoft Outlook's Calendar, Contacts, Tasks and Notes as opposed to older versions of Windows Mobile with Desktop ActiveSync.[16][17] Syncing Contacts and Appointments is done via a cloud-based service (Windows Live, Google, or Exchange Server) only. Microsoft provides no way to sync this personal information directly from a computer to a Windows Phone and back.[18] Third party software, such as Akruto Sync is required in order to sync personal information directly, without relying on cloud-based services.[19][20] A petition to Microsoft was filed to reinstate USB sync for Outlook.[21]

Reception

Windows Phone 8 was met with mostly positive reception, with reviewers generally praising the increased capabilities of the system, but criticizing the smaller app selection when compared to other phones. Brad Molen of Engadget mentioned that "Windows Phone 8 is precisely what we wanted to see come out of Redmond in the first place," and praised the more customizable Start Screen, compatibility with Windows 8, and improved NFC support. However, Molen also noted the drawback of a lack of apps in the Windows Phone Store.[22] The Verge gave the OS a 7.9/10 rating, stating that "Redmond is presenting one of the most compelling ecosystem stories in the business right now," but criticized the lack of a unified notifications center.[23] Alexandra Chang of Wired gave Windows Phone 8 an 8/10, noting improvement in features previously lacking in Windows Phone 7, such as multi-core processor support, faster Internet browsing, and the switch from Bing Maps to Nokia Maps, but again criticized the smaller selection of apps.[24]

Reported problems

  • Wi-Fi connection was, on launch devices, lost when the phone is locked. Microsoft acknowledged the issue and issued a fix that has been distributed to most devices, as well as arriving as standard on some initially delayed phones. [25][26]
  • Windows Phone 8 users are reporting random reboots and freezes while in use.[27] Unfortunately, Microsoft delivered an update to try to fix those issues, but the reboot issues are still there.[28]
  • Battery issues have been reported that seem to be fixed by disabling the tap + send (NFC) feature.[27]
  • Many users are reporting Bluetooth pairing issues with car Bluetooth systems[29]
  • Videos larger than 4GB get corrupted when transferred to the computer.[30]

See also

References

  1. ^ Jo Foley, Mary (June 20, 2012). "Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 finally gets a 'real' Windows core". ZDNet. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
  2. ^ Rubino, Daniel. (Oct 29, 2012). Overview and Review of Windows Phone 8. retrieved from http://www.wpcentral.com/overview-and-review-windows-phone-8
  3. ^ Shankland, Stephen (Feb 11, 2011) Nokia, Microsoft becoming Windows Phone bedfellows. retrieved from http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20031468-264.html#!
  4. ^ Warren, Tom (June 20, 2012). "Windows Phone 8 in detail: new Start Screen, multi-core support, VoIP integration, and NFC". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  5. ^ Barrett, Brian (June 20, 2012). "Windows Phone 8 Devices Will Get OTA Updates and 18 Months of Firmware Support". Gizmodo. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  6. ^ Warren, Tom (June 20, 2012). "Microsoft: no upgrades to Windows Phone 8, but some features will come in Windows Phone 7.8". The Verge. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  7. ^ Fingas, Jon (June 20, 2012). "Windows Phone 8 to support multi-core CPUs, HD resolutions, SD cards and NFC". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  8. ^ a b c Seifert, Dan (October 29, 2012). "Here's what's new in Windows Phone 8: Kid's Corner, Rooms, instant photo uploads". The Verge. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  9. ^ Branscombe, Mary (October 30, 2012). "Windows Phone 8 release date and latest details". TechRadar. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  10. ^ "What does Windows Phone 8 share your core Windows 8?". technewspedia.com. June 20, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  11. ^ Welch, Chris (October 29, 2012). "Microsoft's Data Sense for Windows Phone 8 looks to make data overages a thing of the past". The Verge. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  12. ^ Melanson, Donald (June 20, 2012). "Microsoft brings NFC payments and loyalty cards to Windows Phone 8". Engadget. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  13. ^ Fingas, Jon (June 20, 2012). "Windows Phone 8 to use Nokia map data with built-in turn-by-turn navigation". Engadget. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  14. ^ http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2768674
  15. ^ Mohr, Yair; Ziv, Amitai (April 2, 2008). "Microsoft launches game-changing smartphones in Israel". Haaretz. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  16. ^ Lein, Adam Z. (February 25, 2011). "How to Sync Windows Phone 7 with Outlook". Pocketnow. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
  17. ^ "Win phone 7 Outlook 2010 Sync with stand alone PC". Microsoft Answers. Microsoft. September 6, 2011. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
  18. ^ "File management where did it go? What no Windows Explorer? No". Microsoft Answers. Microsoft. September 6, 2011. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
  19. ^ "Is there a non-cloud way to sync Windows Phone 7 with Outlook?". Microsoft Answers. Microsoft. June 20, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
  20. ^ "Is Windows Phone 7 going to support direct sync with standalone Outlook?". Microsoft Answers. Microsoft. July 22, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
  21. ^ "Petition Microsoft to reinstate usb sync for Outlook". Microsoft Answers. Microsoft. September 6, 2011. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
  22. ^ Molen, Brad (October 29, 2012). "Windows Phone 8 review". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  23. ^ "Windows Phone 8 review". The Verge. Vox Media. October 29, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  24. ^ Chang, Alexandra (October 29, 2012). "Review: Microsoft Windows Phone 8". Wired.com. Condé Nast Digital. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  25. ^ Almeida, Aaron (November 12, 2012). "Fix for Windows Phone 8 Wi-Fi issue coming soon". tech2.in. India: Network 18. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  26. ^ Rubino, Daniel (December 10, 2012). "Microsoft's first OTA update for Windows Phone 8 OS now live for HTC 8X". wpcentral. United States: Mobile Nations. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  27. ^ a b Warren, Tom (November 18, 2012). "Windows Phone 8 users report random reboots and battery issues (update)". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  28. ^ Windows Phone 8 update did not solve spontaneous reset issue | WMPoweruser
  29. ^ Mick, Jason (November 19, 2012). "Quick Note: Windows Phone 8 Not Working With Car Bluetooth Systems". DailyTech. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  30. ^ Schenck, Stephen (December 7, 2012). "Windows Phone 8 Chokes On Large Video Transfers". PocketNow. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
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