We got an early look at Windows Phone 8 back in June, but thanks to a Software Development Kit (SDK) leak this week we've been able to uncover even more features destined for Microsoft's next mobile operating system. The SDK contains an emulator that provides basic access to some of the new functionality in Windows Phone 8.
The new Start Screen is present, and the option to change tile sizes appears to work well for customization. Microsoft revealed greater color customizations for Windows Phone 8 at its Summit in June, but it appears the company will offer a number of theme colors via a picker in the settings menu — with 20 colors to choose from right now.
Outside of the customization and Start Screen, there's two new features that Microsoft hasn't detailed fully yet. First up is Data Sense, a built-in app that allows you to monitor data usage on Windows Phone 8. At first launch it will ask you to configure a single-use, monthly, or unlimited data allowance and the date it resets. From this information, Data Sense is able to monitor how much data allowance is used. You can track this using a live tile on the Start Screen and the app will warn you when you're close to your limit.
The second new feature that's a big deal for Windows Phone users is backup. Microsoft has built much greater backup options into Windows Phone 8, offering users the ability to store SMS data in the cloud alongside app lists and settings. The existing auto-upload to SkyDrive feature for pictures is still present, but there's greater control over video and picture backups now too.
Most hubs have been updated with functionality. The built-in Maps app is now powered by Nokia and you can download maps to use offline. Internet Explorer now includes settings to allow you to change the functionality of the address bar button from fresh to favorites and tabs — something that Windows Phone users will be pleased to see. The Xbox and Music / Video hubs have a fresh user interface that closely matches Microsoft's SmartGlass theme, and there's even access to the Xbox Music store which is designed to replace Zune.
Photos and Camera functionality has also been updated. The Photo hub now lets you select multiple pictures for sharing or deletion, and there's also an edit option to crop, rotate, or fix pictures. On the Camera side, Microsoft is building in a Lenses functionality that pulls in apps that use the camera into one single UI. At present we could only test the Bing Vision feature, but there's a link to fetch more Lenses so it's clear this will be expanded somewhat.
We weren't able to test all of the functionality using a Microsoft Account within the SDK as this isn't currently supported within the emulator, but it's clear that Microsoft has a number of improvements planned that the company hasn't officially announced. We're expecting to see the SDK released in preview form shortly — a time when Microsoft will likely detail its remaining features for Windows Phone 8.
Comments
Are we being serious right now?
By datOneperson on 07.27.12 7:36am
super serious.
By Aaron Souppouris on 07.27.12 7:38am
i LOVE IT. Come ooooon Nokia Germany gimme that Lumia 1000 for Christmas!
By TerionLanister on 07.27.12 8:58am
Nokia already stated that the great phones are not coming until spring.
By Bleached on 07.27.12 9:22am
everything I’ve seen has said Nokia’s going to have one out by holiday season. they said they’d be the first manufacturer out with a WP8 phone.
By onedrummer2401 on 07.27.12 11:04am
This all looks like a step in the right direction but I don’t like how you resize the tiles, they move around kind of weird.
By jdog25 on 07.27.12 11:32am
It’s pretty clear in the start of the video how you resize tiles.
By delta470 on 07.27.12 11:38am
I didn’t say that, I said that the tiles move around weird. Also they should make the resizing button bigger, it doesn’t even stay on his finger, it just jumps around.
By jdog25 on 07.27.12 2:28pm
I saw that too, I suspect it’s an issue with the emulator/screen rather than what we will see in a retail product.
By Double entendre on 07.27.12 3:24pm
Hopefully.
By jdog25 on 07.27.12 4:25pm
There’s nothing weird about it. The tiles jumped cos when you size from a small tile to bigger tile, the other tiles reposition themselves to give room to maneuver.
By alistaire on 07.27.12 10:29pm
Well that is kind of dumb because I can see people accidentally clicking on an app that they didn’t mean to because of this repositioning.
By jdog25 on 07.28.12 11:22am
Yeah, they said they will have phones out in the fall but the great ones are not coming until spring.
By Bleached on 07.27.12 6:49pm
http://www.thinkdigit.com/Mobiles-PDAs/Nokia-to-unveil-something-amazing-on-September_10202.html
you’re wrong.
By Nathann on 07.27.12 12:53pm
thats september the 9th for us U.S folks. And win8 is suppose to release in october so everything points to an october launch.
By Nathann on 07.27.12 12:59pm
They can announce a month early (pre orders and stuff)
By deva_p on 07.27.12 1:36pm
..knowing nokia they could announce 6 months early. or 3. or 9.
By lassikin on 07.28.12 11:57am
I’m pretty sure that would be September 7th, not the 9th.
By RoboDad on 07.27.12 1:47pm
september the 9th’s my birthday. haha sorry.
By Nathann on 07.27.12 11:33pm
September 7th, actually.
By Smerp on 07.27.12 4:29pm
I will actually be amazed if they announced Windows 8 for the Nokia Lumia.
By jdog25 on 07.27.12 2:29pm
why wouldn’t they? im sure thats expected.
By Nathann on 07.27.12 11:34pm
http://m.intomobile.com/2012/07/09/nokia-products-youll-really-want-us-ship-during-spring-2013/
By Bleached on 07.27.12 6:55pm
Did I miss something? Nokia’s a Finnish company.
By ebolamonkey3 on 07.27.12 10:34am
He is probably talking about the branch that brings Nokia phones to Germany. :)
By numberoneoppa on 07.27.12 1:08pm