Microsoft Rolls Out Windows Phone 8: All that You Need to Know About the New OS

Internet Explorer 10

Better browsing experience is delivered using IE 10 in Windows Phone 8 OS. The browser app is more secure and speedy. There are 3 functions in address bar which includes refresh, favorite and tabs. Navigation by NFC is also possible. There are also several features like Find on a page, SmartScreen Filter and Do Not Track mode. 

Advanced backup

All the data on the handset can be backed up on cloud. Users will be able to back up their apps and settings, videos, photos and text messages on the cloud. Windows Phone 8 makes distinctions between MMS and SMS when it comes to backing up messages. Users can also choose the way SkyDrive backups their videos and photos. Users can chose to upload these items in high quality or low quality. 

Data Sense

This feature tracks the data usage. Users will be able to see how much data is present in their contract and on which day of the month can they reset the counter. If the data reaches top values, Data Sense will alert the users. A live tile is available for this feature which users can pin to the Start screen. 

Camera

The Zoom bar has been eliminated and zoom functionality has been included in the camera app instead. There are also several options which allow users to control the camera flash effects. 

Lenses

Users will have access to a whole range of different filters also known as Lenses. By clicking on the Lenses button in the camera app, users will be taken to lenses section of lens apps which they have downloaded. Ability to code and download apps that can change the way camera works have also been incorporated into WP8. Facial recognition feature has also been included which allows users to capture smiles or choose the best photo from a series of shots. 

Screenshots

Users will be able to take screenshots and save them right into the photos app. All users need to do is to tap the power and home button at the same time, the screenshot will be automatically saved to the photos app instantly. 

Photo multi-select

A multi selector tool is present in the image gallery in WP8.This makes it easy to delete multiple images at once instead of selecting and deleting it one by one. 

Photo editing

A new photo editing section with cropping and rotation tool has been included while retaining the auto-fix function. The cropping tool arrives with a range of standard dimension presets to use including square. 

Photo share, sync and send

Users can choose to store their photos in phone memory or SD card. Users will also be able to share photos via NFC with phones, tablets and PCs running WP8.They can complete the transfer using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. 

Video sharing

Users can send video using the Tap and Send NFC functionality. Users can also send videos by attaching them as MMS. 

Bing

The functionalities of Bing have been taken to the next level in WP8.The results have been categorized into 4 including local, web, media and shopping. A range of new features have also been added. This includes theater and news information in Bing Explore which gives you latest news headlines, top videos and theater info for reviews and listings. 

Local Scout

This feature combines the social network use of the user with their location to make suggestions of what they can do. The feature will clearly explain how it has arrived at the conclusions. 

Quick Cards

Bing on WP8 offers Quick Cards instead of web pages. These cards offer quick summaries of details, related apps, review scores and what the destination is about. 

Music and Videos hub

The hubs for Music and Video have been re-skinned to like Xbox area. These hubs also offer direct access to the Xbox Music store. 

Buzz Panel

This one is a social sidebar which comes up and relates to artists that a user is browsing via Xbox Music or in their own media collection. Relevant twitter feeds, images and news feeds will be displayed in the panel. 

Xbox Music Store

Get an Xbox Music Pass and WP8 will give you access to unlimited streaming and download access to millions of tracks. Songs will be listed in the cloud collection automatically. Users can store as much as content that fits in the micro SD card. 

Games Hub

A notifications panel has replaced the request panel in Games Hub. Users will be notified when their turn comes in a particular game, when new messages have been received, upon receiving friend requests etc. There is also support for in game purchases.WP8 also comes along with Xbox Smart Glass which enhances the Xbox gaming experience. 

Windows Phone Store

The store now has better ways of browsing for apps. Top app lists are available which offer recommendations from editors and staff at Microsoft. Payments for app purchases can be made using Paypal, credit cards, Microsoft Gift cards etc. The app purchases made by a user are stored in the cloud. All the apps get automatically downloaded when users restore their phone. 

Windows Phone 7.8 Update for Current Users

The start screen is one of the few Windows 8 features which will be available in the existing handsets running on Windows Phone OS. The upgrade will be called Windows Phone 8. All apps compatible with Windows Phone 7 and Windows Phone 7.5 will run on Windows Phone 7.8 and Windows Phone 8.Users will not be able to upgrade to Windows Phone 8 as of now. However they will be able to upgrade to Windows Phone 7.5.

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