Microsoft is trying hard to catch up with Apple and Google in the tablet and mobile operating software race. The software giant took a big-step earlier this week by announcing that it would be manufacturing its own tablet, the Surface running on Windows 8 OS.
Today it announced a newer version for its mobile OS, Windows 8, which will succeed, Windows 7 for mobile. Window 8 for mobiles will be release in October this year. So what are the key features of Microsoft’s new OS? Here’s a quick look:
Support for dual core and multi-core processors: Its a step that Microsoft had to take since the Windows 7 phone did not support phones with multi-processors. With rivals like Samsung, HTC, Apple releasing phones with quad-core processor, it makes very bad consumer choice to go for a Windows phone which won’t support a faster processor.
But is Microsoft too late in the multi-core processor race? Will Windows 8 be much faster? It remains to be seen.
Will support bigger screens: It seems that Windows Phone 8 will support two new screen resolutions—1280×768 and 1280×720, thus catching up with all those high-res smartphones already available in the market.
Windows 8: Just catching up with iOS and Android. Reuters
NFC wireless sharing: Near-Field communication technology is being used by all major mobile manufacturers for their flagship devices. Samsung’s Galaxy SIII to HTC’s One X, they all have NFC capabilities. Finally Windows 8 phones t00 shall support this capability.
Internet Explorer 10: Android’s Explorer and Opera mini might be popular for mobile browsing but Microsoft’s Windows 8 for mobile will have the latest IE10. Nothing remotely interesting here.
Wallet: Microsoft is hoping to capitalise its mobile venture, by launching the digital wallet feature. It will keep debit,credit cards, coupons, boarding passes and other important information of users. It can be used to pay for mobile purchases. But will this be better than Google’s failed Wallet?
Nokia Maps: Microsoft is collaborating with Nokia to bring Nokia’s Ovi maps for users of Windows 8. With Google and Apple both planning to launch 3-D maps, will Nokia’s maps stand a chance against them?
Apps: This is one department where Microsoft really lags behind its competitors. App developers still prefer Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. With Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to lure developers. With Nokia promising to help launch Zynga’s popular Draw Something and Words with Friends on Windows phones later this year, things could start to look up. The app store for Windows 8, Marketplace, will also support app downloads in over 180 countries.
Windows Phone 8 will also support a total of 50 languages.
In essence Windows 8 is just catching up with Android and iOS. If truth be told, it’s not offering anything radically different to users. Sadly the new OS won’t be available to current Windows 7 phone users.
