Windows Phone 8 Features

Expecting to debut in the autumn, Microsoft’s latest Windows Phone 8 features are just around the corner. Handsets such as the Nokia Lumina 900 demonstrated the ease of use, and refreshing look of the Windows Phone Operating System; currently WP 7.5. The Windows Phone 8 release heralds the launch of Microsoft’s most significant mobile operating system ever. Can WP8 features compete with the likes of iOS 6 feautures and Android Jelly Bean? What’s new with Windows Phone?

NFC Wallet

Perhaps the most exciting Windows Phone 8 feature is its ability to transact mobile payments. Microsoft promise that not only will their service be safer than Google Wallet, but Windows Phone 8 will be able to pull in information from 3rd party apps.

In App-Purchases

Current software versions of Windows Phone don’t allow the smartphone user to make a purchase within an app. With the latest Windows Phone 8 features, app developers will be able to make their Windows Phone Marketplace apps transact with the user.
Such features may encourage more app developers to promote their applications on the Windows Phone Marketplace. Currently there are over 100,000 available apps to choose from; a small amount compared to the likes of the App Store or Google Play. If the returns are more favourable for developers, then we’re sure to see a greater quantity and quality of applications to appear on the Marketplace, thanks to Windows Phone 8 features.

Greater Customisation

Windows Phone Mango uses a fantastic tile themed system to lay out your essential apps. Moving forward onto Windows Phone 8, Microsoft have now granted you permission to resize tiles as well as give you greater control in the design of the lock screen.

microSD card support

It may sound basic, but Windows Phone 8 smartphones will finally be able to accept SD cards. This will enhance the available memory on these phones dramatically to give you even more space for your favourite music tracks and video clips.

Keep text messages

As you progress from one smartphone to the next, wouldn’t it be nice to keep your favourite text message moments? Using the Microsoft SkyDrive this Windows Phone 8 feature will let you choose which magic messages you wish to savour. Considering more people use texting as their main communication tool over phone calls, there could be some essential information in those characters you wish to keep.

Windows 8 Handsets

Nokia look set to keep on board the Windows Phone train with a new smartphone codenamed the Nokia Phi. Expected to have a similar design to the Nokia Lumia 900, the Phi is highly rumoured to have a dual-core Qualcomm chip, NFC technology and 4G connectivity.
In the recent Apple vs Samsung court case, two Samsung headset were brought into discussion. Codenamed Odyssey and Marco, the releases are likely to spawn into action towards the end of 2012. The Odyssey promises to have a 4.65 inch display, 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and 8 megapixel camera. The Samsung Marco on the other hand, will be a 4 inch display with basic dual core processor and 5 megapixel camera.
Overall, Windows Phone 8 looks set to offer some fantastic features. Will it compete with the hype of Android Jelly Bean Feature? Let’s wait until the handsets are released to answer that question!