Windows Phone Summit: the future of Windows Phone revealed

Windows Phone VP Terry Myerson and Joe Belfiore took to the stage to preview the next chapter in Microsoft's story: Windows Phone 8.

20 June - Microsoft held their first-ever Windows Phone Summit. During the event Microsoft unveiled a major Windows Phone 8 system update and speakers took to the stage to share the platform's more salient points.

Joe Belifore was quick to point out that Microsoft wouldn't share "all of the end user features", instead choosing to
focus on some of the headline-grabbing hardware changes.

Windows Phone 8 will share the same core as Windows 8

Windows Phone 8 will share the same kernel, multimedia and driver support as Windows 8. The same code will be used on both Windows 8 (for PC/tablet) and Windows Phone 8. The only differences between the two are the form-factors.

Support for dual-core processors

Dual-core support is new to Windows Phone 8. This will mean faster performance, a greater choice in hardware and a range of form factors and price points.

Huge resolutions

Windows Phone 8 will support three different screen resolutions: WVGA, WXGA and 720p, 800 x 480 15:9, 1280x768 15:9, and 1280x720 16:9 respectively.

MicroSD support

Windows Phone 8 will benefit from expandable storage - removable microSD has been added! Storage can be used to store photos, music, videos and installing apps.

Redesigned Start Screen

"The sexiest thing" in Windows Phone 8 is arguably the redesigned Start Screen. Instead of the two tile-wide design found in Windows Phone 7, users will benefit from a wider three tile display.

You can now set the size of any tile to any of these three sizes, double wide, standard medium and small.

Windows Phone 8 will also deliver more colours, so we'll be able to customise the appearance even more.

NFC and Wallet

Phones will support NFC payments, thanks to the new Wallet app. Users will be able to use their phone at tills to make purchases and integration with third-party services means in-app purchasing will be possible.

Windows Phone 8 will offer "the most complete wallet experience" on any platform. To replace the physical wallet you have in your pocket.

"Tap and send"

"Tap and send" is a universal way of sharing stuff with Windows Phone 8. "Tap to receive content fron another device" - simply tap your phone to the back of the second device (a tablet etc).

Internet Explorer 10

Windows Phone 8 will benefit from HTML5 technology thanks to shared core componentry.

Belifore displayed the results of a SunSpider (Java) test during his presentation; we witness Windows Phone 8 out-perform the Galaxy S III, HTC One S, and iPhone 4S on iOS 6 Beta.

"Freakin' killer games"

Games will only require very small code changes to run on the new Windows Phone 8 platform. This is all thanks to shared code which will enable "native code developers" to port their titles more easily.

Favourites like "Draw Something" and "Words With Friends" are due to arrive on Windows Phone too.

Nokia Maps

Windows Phone 8 will include Nokia Maps technology built-in. Nokia Maps work offline, and offer the ability to store data on your removable storage - saving on data costs and traffic.

More on MSN:
Relive the Windows Phone Summit

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