Microsoft announced some huge improvements for the Windows phone platform in Windows Phone 8. In fact, in our last article on the Windows Phone 8
we covered the 8 platform announcements Microsoft presented in their keynote. These included new hard improvements, Nokia map technology, NFC sharing, native code and so much more. With all of these major improvements being announced Microsoft is now going to go under the covers of the Windows Phone 8. As such, Joe Belfiore has left the stage and Kevin Gallo from the Developer Platform will have the privilege of explaining how it all works.
Shared Windows Core
Windows Phone 8 is based on a state of the art kernel that offers increased stability and improved robustness. All of the drivers and networking aspects will be shared across both Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8, meaning porting applications between both platforms will be much easier for developers. There is hardware-based security, IPv6, as well as improved Bluetooth and NFC. The core of graphics and media is build around Direct3D which offers high-fidelity experiences. Additionally, code cane compiled n the cloud, which helps Windows Phone 8 applications open faster than ever.
Native Code
The Windows Phone 8 will support native C and C++, and enables hardware acceleration through Direct3D. It was also mentioned that developers can also write high-performance code and use gaming middleware. Due to Windows Phone 8′s native code, Havok Technology Suite (powering games such as Halo and Assassin’s Creed) will be able to brings their game engine to the Windows 8 Phone. Meaning:
Fast vehicle dynamics, unique user-controlled gameplay moments, fast 3D physics and collision detection on mobile, physics for engaging 3D gameplay, high octane cinematic destruction, dynamic deformation and fracture, advanced character animation with ragdolls, rich dynamic environments.
Apparently porting applications from iOS and Android will also be easier due to Native Code, and of course due to native code both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 will share a set of APIs.
Multitasking
Thanks to new multitasking functionality in Windows Phone 8 VoIP calls feel just like regular cell phone calls. This means for Skye calls, you get the same exact UI as the regular phone app, due to the fact that VoIP apps will continue to run in the background. Another new feature coming to the Windows 8 Phone thanks to improved multitasking is background location. Meaning that location and navigation apps can continue running in the background to, for example, update live tiles with an estimated time of arrival while navigating somewhere.
Speech Platform
Microsoft will be partnering with Audible to make a “Siri clone” in Windows phone 8. Due to
Maximizing Developer Investments
First of all Windows Phone 7 applications will run on Windows Phone 8 with no troubles at all.
we covered the 8 platform announcements Microsoft presented in their keynote. These included new hard improvements, Nokia map technology, NFC sharing, native code and so much more. With all of these major improvements being announced Microsoft is now going to go under the covers of the Windows Phone 8. As such, Joe Belfiore has left the stage and Kevin Gallo from the Developer Platform will have the privilege of explaining how it all works.
Shared Windows Core
Windows Phone 8 is based on a state of the art kernel that offers increased stability and improved robustness. All of the drivers and networking aspects will be shared across both Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8, meaning porting applications between both platforms will be much easier for developers. There is hardware-based security, IPv6, as well as improved Bluetooth and NFC. The core of graphics and media is build around Direct3D which offers high-fidelity experiences. Additionally, code cane compiled n the cloud, which helps Windows Phone 8 applications open faster than ever.
Native Code
The Windows Phone 8 will support native C and C++, and enables hardware acceleration through Direct3D. It was also mentioned that developers can also write high-performance code and use gaming middleware. Due to Windows Phone 8′s native code, Havok Technology Suite (powering games such as Halo and Assassin’s Creed) will be able to brings their game engine to the Windows 8 Phone. Meaning:
Fast vehicle dynamics, unique user-controlled gameplay moments, fast 3D physics and collision detection on mobile, physics for engaging 3D gameplay, high octane cinematic destruction, dynamic deformation and fracture, advanced character animation with ragdolls, rich dynamic environments.
Apparently porting applications from iOS and Android will also be easier due to Native Code, and of course due to native code both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 will share a set of APIs.
Multitasking
Thanks to new multitasking functionality in Windows Phone 8 VoIP calls feel just like regular cell phone calls. This means for Skye calls, you get the same exact UI as the regular phone app, due to the fact that VoIP apps will continue to run in the background. Another new feature coming to the Windows 8 Phone thanks to improved multitasking is background location. Meaning that location and navigation apps can continue running in the background to, for example, update live tiles with an estimated time of arrival while navigating somewhere.
Speech Platform
Microsoft will be partnering with Audible to make a “Siri clone” in Windows phone 8. Due to
this Audible integration you can launch applications, navigate through audiobooks, search the
web etc. If you want to test out this functionality early you will be glad to know Audible for
Mango is available today on the Marketplace.
Maximizing Developer Investments
First of all Windows Phone 7 applications will run on Windows Phone 8 with no troubles at all.
As mentioned in our previous articles Windows Phone 8 will compile apps in the cloud to make launching even faster. Developers can begin developing both Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7.5 applications in Visual Studio 2012 (coming late Summer). Developers can also
choose between three techs: XAML with C# and Visual Basic, Native C++ code and HTML5. As for updates to the Windows 8 platform you can actually expect Over-The-Air updates, which means
no more Zune.
There you have it! Windows Phone 8 looks to be a massive improvement over Windows Phone 7 and there is no doubt a lot to look forward to. What do you think of some of the under the hood improvements of Windows Phone 8? Share your responses and further thoughts in the comments section below…
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web
There you have it! Windows Phone 8 looks to be a massive improvement over Windows Phone 7 and there is no doubt a lot to look forward to. What do you think of some of the under the hood improvements of Windows Phone 8? Share your responses and further thoughts in the comments section below…
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web