Microsoft considering notification centre for WP8

The Windows Phone 8 OS was launched only a couple of days ago, and if you’re among those who find the missing notification centre a niggling issue, then here’s the explanation. The Verge reports that Microsoft has admitted it ran out of time to include the notification centre on its brand new OS, but it is considering adding one. 

According to the report, the admission came recently during a notifications session at Build, wherein Microsoft’s Thomas Fennel admitted to have ran out of time to include the notificatiosn centre. “It’s very very important to me… we get tons of feedback from developers that they want something like that as well. I promise we’re thinking very very hard on that one,” explained Fennel when questioned by someone in the audience. A system acting as a notification centre as on iOS and Android notifies the user if he has notifications, and in the absence of a notification centre on Windows Phone 8, users would miss out on the notifications. 

The Verge’s Tom Warren shared, “Other Microsoft representatives that The Verge has talked to at Build this week have pointed towards Live Tiles as a way to display notifications, but it’s clear that Microsoft is considering a system to aggregate toast notifications for a quick overview.”

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

Microsoft is considering the Notification Centre on WP8

Microsoft claims that Windows Phone 8 offers a truly personal phone experience, connecting you to the people and things that matter most.

As part of the announcement, Microsoft revealed new features, including Kid’s Corner and Rooms. Details and pricing for a range of new smartphones from Nokia, Samsung and HTC were revealed. Each of these smartphones have their own differentiated designs, colours and features. Windows Phone 8 devices will go on sale in November through carriers and retailers around the world. However, it is still too early to tell when these devices would be launched in India.

“We can’t wait for the world to meet Windows Phone 8, the most personal smartphone there is,” said Terry Myerson, corporate vice president of the Windows Phone Division at Microsoft. “Windows Phone 8 comes on a range of phones that are stunning, colorful and unique.”

Microsoft states that Live Tiles are the core of Windows Phone. Users can arrange the iconic Start screen whichever way they like by pinning people, apps, music, games, photos and other tiles. One has the option of customising the Live Tiles; there are three different sizes and 20 different colours of tiles to choose from. Among the WP8 features are Live Apps, Kid’s Corner, Top Apps, Rooms, Data Sense, Wallet, NFC, Always-on and Skype experience. 

Windows Phone 8 devices are set to go on sale this November, with Microsoft betting that a smartphone designed with people in mind can connect with the masses.

“Microsoft is excited for the world to meet the new Windows Phone,” said Terry Myerson, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Windows Phone Division. “We set out to create the most personal smartphone there is, focused on keeping you closer to the people and things that matter most,” he said. “It’s also the best phone for Windows, helping you stay connected across devices. And finally, of course, there’s the hardware. We have a killer lineup of new phones featuring big bright screens, awesome audio capabilities and great cameras from HTC, Nokia and Samsung.”