Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Windows Phone 8 'Apollo': What's new and noteworthy

We have seen the likes of Mango and Tango, but now it is time for the Windows Phone system's newest iteration in the form of 'Apollo'. Notching up to a full figure of 8 (from Windows Phone 7.6), the OS is set to go through some major improvements and alterations, as opposed to minor updates of the previous version. As a matter of fact, senior vice president and Windows Phone manager Joe Belfiore has contrived a video that clearly showcases the slew of changes to be brought on by this mobile platform. However, since the video belongs to the internal domain of Microsoft, we have listed out some of the new and noteworthy features of the one and only Apollo for your convenience.
Cross-platform synergy
Windows 8 is already touted as the true 'collective' operating system, since its advanced user interface can be utilized in various platforms ranging from smartphones, tablets to personal computers. This electronic 'symbiosis' is more impressive for the fact that these devices can feature the same level of vivacity with the 'live' Metro tiles. Even behind the scenes, third party developers can utilize (or re-utilize) much of the same code for both tablet and PC platforms, thus solving many of the integration problems for apps between these devices. Moreover, Microsoft is also ready to ditch the desktop Zune client in favor of a syncing relationship with a full-blown companion application.
Hardware support
Beyond the realm of apps and software, the intrinsic support for processing power forms a major part of the overall user experience. Well, Microsoft certainly notched up their level in this department, with the OS to add support for multicore processors, new screen resolutions of up to four components (though, their pixels were unspecified) and a fully removable microSD card storage system.
Improved scope of applications
Microsoft predicts that by the launch of the much touted Apollo, the Windows will have nearly 100,000 apps in its Marketplace. But, more importantly, it is the improved utilization feature of the native code support that would allow the development of more applications. This integration attribute actually helps in the porting of the basic codes of various apps, initially released for operating systems such as iOS and Android.
Skype acquisition
The biggest impact of this enhanced app related ecosystem will be the ability to implement app-to-app communication. In allusion to this attribute, the Windows Phone 8 will feature the direct integration of Skype into the OS. In simpler terms, this means Skype calls will exhibit the same level of ease as conventional non-VoIP calls, but with high audio-visual quality. Moreover, Microsoft will also arrange for a lens app, which can be customized by OEMs, or from viewfinders provided by third party developers.
DataSmart
Until now, we have been talking about hardware support and communication apps, but, as far as user friendly aspects go, Windows Mobile 8 is surely going to get a few of them. The DataSmart is one such useful feature that regulates the usage of your precious net planned data. Its primary function is to allow more access to Wi-Fi connections, while the magnitude of data usage can be visually monitored with a live tile on the homescreen. Furthermore, the version of Internet Explorer 10 ingrained within the OS will consume up to 30 percent less data, as the browser will utilize a proxy server to feed compressed pages to mobile devices.
Business support/ BitLocker encryption support
Looking forth to give business oriented operating systems like BlackBerry a run for their money, the Windows Mobile 8 is about to add a native BitLocker encryption. Very similar to the desktop counterpart, this attribute has the potential to capture the currently divided enterprise market. In fact, some of the business tailored apps allow for a more secured transfer of encoded services for sensitive business communications.
Near Field Communication
The fascinatingly advantageous nature of NFCs has been utilized in very few areas (with Japan being one of them), when it comes to global scale. Well, the Windows 8 is definitely set to change all of that with its so-called 'Wallet experience'. This feature entails the scope of contact-less payment, which could be done through branded carriers via SIM cards or utilization of hardware in the mobile phone itself. When we move into the territory of conventional NFC, the OS will allow transfer of data across various device platforms ranging from tablets, PCs to phones.

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