During an event held a couple of days ago in San Francisco, Microsoft detailed a set of new features for the next version of its Windows Phone platform – Windows Phone 8.

Although the event focused more on the details addressed by developers, Microsoft also revealed some of the innovations of the new mobile OS.

Windows Phone 8 Will Bring Substantial Changes. Would This Be Enough?

Here is a brief presentation of the most important elements discussed during last week’s Windows Phone Summit:

-          Windows Phone 8 will finally support the latest hardware configurations, including multi-core processors and several resolutions: 800 x 480, 1280 x 768, 1280 x 720.

-          The default browser, Internet Explorer, will receive major improvements – malware blocking, support for twice as many HTML features compared to WP 7.5.

-          Native games development – using the DirectX technology. We may see cross-platform games that run just as well on a PC with Windows 8 and a WP8 smartphone.

-          Native NFC support

-          Cartographic technology from Nokia with maps and points of interest from Navteq.

-          Optimizations designed specifically for business users – secured boot, data encryption, centralized deployment system for applications, device management, plus all the Microsoft Office applications.

-          New Start Screen – will include squares of varying sizes with a series of elements that will work as widgets for calendar, inbox, social networks, games achievements, sports information.

Leaving aside the benefits of the next Windows Phone version, the biggest frustration comes from the fact that a device bought couple of weeks ago, not cheap at all, like the Nokia Lumia 900, will not be able to run Windows Phone 8.

Personally, I am very intrigued by this system, even if I’m not a Windows Phone user, but, after all, although Microsoft’s effort is evident and the direction the company goes with the launch of new applications and hardware devices is very good, it is possible that this may not be enough.

Unfortunately, announcing a tablet with 3 or 6 months before reaching the users is a bad idea, no matter what. Forcing a very small number of Windows Phone users to buy a new slate, after being encouraged by friends to purchase an Android or an iPhone, is also a very uninspiring idea.

Personally, I do not see how this vision can work. Have I missed some important details that would make the difference?

About Laurentiu Stan

Laurentiu is a young writer, who seeks to become a big name in the news field. He discovers his passion for writing in primary school and starts with short essays in his mother tongue. In college he begins writing essays in English as a freelancer, being attracted by news reporting. Now he’s the one who brings you the latest news as soon as they happen! He’s a soccer fan, music enthusiast and loves to travel.