Microsoft follows the Surface tablet reveal with another mobile-related announcement-- Windows Phone 8 (aka Apollo), the next full-blown version of the smartphone OS, currently at version 7.5.
The biggest change Windows Phone 8 has is the NT kernel, meaning the mobile OS shares a kernel, file system, media foundation, device drivers and partial security model with Windows 8.
The NT kernel also provides multi-core processor support, removable storage (via microSD cards), NFC capability and even improvements aiming at enterprise use (device encryption, remote management, custom app support).
Windows Phone 8 supports x3 screen resolutions-- WVGA (800x480), WXGA (1280x769) and 720p (1280x720).
Other consumer-aimed updates include a revamped Internet Explorer 10, Nokia-powered mapping, a Wallet app (stores debit/credit card data, coupons, boarding passes) and a more customisable Start screen.
The upgrade however comes at a price-- Windows Phone 7 devices will not get WP8. Instead, WP7 users can enjoy playing with the new Start screen through a 7.8 update.
Microsoft gives no Windows Phone 8 release date, but says the OS will be available in Qualcomm-powered smartphones from Nokia, Huawei, Samsung and HTC.
