Windows Phone 8 New Features

Microsoft announced an update to its mobile operating system Windows Phone 7.5 -- Windows Phone 8 (WP8) -- earlier this week. The new mobile OS shares core code with Windows 8, Microsoft's upcoming operating system for personal computers.
WP8 is said to be packed with several new features. We look at some of the top features of the latest player in the mobile OS arena.

Windows Phone 8 will support dual-core processors. The move will certainly help Windows Phone-based gadgets to take on rivals like Apple iPhone and Android smartphones.

Microsoft announced that WP8 will support a 720P resolution screen giving the user sharper quality of display.While Windows Phone 7.5 supported 480X800 (WVGA) resolutions, Windows Phone 8 backs two new screen resolutions - 1280x768 and 1280x720.

The next version of Windows Phone comes with the same web browsing engine as Window 8 PCs and tablets. IE10 is faster and more secure, with advanced anti-phishing features like SmartScreen Filter to block dangerous websites and malware.

Windows Phone 8 will support Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which enables a user to share information with others using radio frequencies without any actual contact between the two devices. 

Windows Phone 8 also packs new digital Wallet feature. The Wallet promises to keep debit and credit cards, coupons, boarding passes, and other important info right at a user's fingertips.
When paired with a secure SIM, users can also pay for things with a tap of their phone at compatible checkout counters.

All Windows Phone 8 devices will come with Nokia Maps with offline navigation capability. These devices will also have an integrated support for Voice over IP (VoIP), better support for voice-based commands and support for enterprise features like secure boot. Microsoft has said that WP8 device will be launched sometimes later this year.