Microsoft has been making a lot of noise the last couple of weeks and they’ve got plenty more up their sleeve. Microsoft recently announced their version of the tablet, the Surface. Next up after that is Windows 8 phone Apollo. Microsoft will complete the trifecta with the highly anticipated release of the Windows 8 operating system.Today we’re going to take a closer look at what Windows Phone 8 has in store for its users.
Upgraded Processor
Windows Phone 8 is getting a much needed hardware upgrade as it will now support dual-core chips just like iPhone and Android powered devices have.
Screen Resolution
The last version of Windows Phone (ver. 7.5) only supported one resolution. Windows 8 supports three. Namely, WVGA at 800×480 pixels with a 15:9 aspect ratio, WXGA at 1280×769 with a 15:9 aspect ratio and 720p at 1280×720 at an aspect ratio of 16:9.
MicroSD Slot
Windows Phone 8 will now support microSD card expansion. This means that manufacturers can now add a microSD slot on their handhelds. Now data can be freely transferred from phone to phone or from PC to phone.
Internet Explorer 10
There’s a new browser in WP8 and it’s Internet Explorer 10. The new version features Smart Screen, which is an all new anti-phishing filter. IE 10 is also getting a JavaScript update, making the browser four times faster than the current browser in Windows Phone 7.5.
Start Screen
The most visible change in Windows Phone 8 is the new Start Screen. The Live Tiles are now more customizable than before, as users will now be able to choose between a small, medium and large size for the tiles.
Wallet
In Windows 8, users will have access to a Wallet hub where they can store their credit card information (as well as store reward cards and coupons). This may not seem new at all, since you could do the same with the Passbook app in iOS 6 and with Google Wallet. But the key difference is that the information is stored in the SIM card, rather than on the device itself. The key advantage of that is that you can take your information along with you to another device. Google wallet on the other hand is built directly into the device.
Nokia Maps
In a move that surprised many, Microsoft is not going to use Bing Maps in Windows Phone 8. It will now be using Nokia’s mapping technology. But don’t consider this a downgrade by any stretch of the imagination as there will be turn by turn directions and offline map support. Still though, with iOS 6 the iPhone will have this as well, plus 3D navigation, something Windows 8 Phone doesn’t have.