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Windows Phone 8 "Apollo" Supports Multi-Core, NFC

- By - Source : PocketNow

A video meant for Nokia's eyes reveals details surrounding Windows Phone 8 "Apollo" including NFC capabilities, the previously reported Wallet and more.

PocketNow has gained information regarding the upcoming release of Windows Phone 8 which stems from a video hosted by senior vice president and Windows Phone manager Joe Belfiore. The top secret video was reportedly intended for Nokia eyes only, and details Windows 8 integration, multi-core SoC support, support for near field communication (NFC) and more.

Windows Phone 8, currently codenamed "Apollo," will be the next release once Microsoft pushes Windows Phone 7 "Tango" to devices. As previously mentioned, the build will support multi-core SoCs and four new screen resolutions. Apollo will also (finally) support removable microSD card storage and NFC radios, the latter of which Microsoft will use to push contactless payments Belfiore referred to as the "Wallet experience."

This "Wallet experience" links back to our previous report revealing a patent filed by Microsoft in September 2011 which describes a "Mobile Wallet and Digital payment" service. The filing covers a "method that facilitates securing a wireless digital transaction" for "at least one of a good or a service."

The filing also refers to mobile devices that "can include at least one mobile payment card (m-card), wherein the m-card is created by establishing a PKC-secured link to an account associated with a form of currency." Naturally the link between mobile device and terminal is created via near field communication (NFC), but the p[patent also covers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID just in case.

Belfiore said that NFC radios in Windows Phone 8 devices will have the capability to be carrier branded and controlled. This will be done either by a secure element on the SIM card or utilizing hardware in the phone itself. Even more, tap-to-share will work across multiple platforms like notebooks, desktops and tablets.

On the interface front, Windows Phone 8 will share the same visual design as the desktop, laptop and tablet versions, and will even use many of the same components, allowing developers to "reuse -- by far -- most of their code" when porting an app from desktop to phone. Here Belfiore specifically mentions the kernel, networking stacks, security, and multimedia support as "areas of heavy overlap."

Belfiore's video also covered additional features like a richer version of ActiveSync, Skydrive support, an Xbox Companion app for full-blown Windows 8, app-to-app communication, a revamped Skype client that hooks directly into the OS, data management, business support and more. To read the full list of details, check out PocketNow's report here.

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phamhlam 02/03/2012 5:09 PM
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Windows Phone 8 is going to be AWESOME!!!

kawininjazx 02/03/2012 5:13 PM
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I bet not as awesome as Windows Phone 9!!!

CaedenV 02/03/2012 5:27 PM
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is a 'p[patent' some sort of super patent?

shardey 02/03/2012 5:42 PM
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"multi-core SoC support"

Cool, we already have had this in Android and iOS and now microsoft may have a chance of catching up.

jhansonxi 02/03/2012 5:44 PM
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CaedenV 02/03/2012 5:45 PM
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If it was not for the ridiculous prices and requirement for a data plan I would be all over a win7 phone. They are great, simple, fast, and all without sacrificing too much in the way of customization and flexibility. As it is now though I just signed a 2 year contract on my new dumb-phone, so I guess I'll be sitting out until phone 8.5 or 9. But at least phones are getting somewhere, and hopefully after my contract is up I will be able to get a phone that does what I want it to: Hold all my documents and programs, and have it take utilize any hardware that I plug it into (or wirelessly connect it to). It would simplify life so much to just have everything in once place (backed up elsewhere of course), and to simply attach to whatever hardware is needed for specific programs (My PC for video editing or gaming, a audio interface for recording, the HTPC for movies and such, etc).... It's a good dream

rakesh_toms 02/03/2012 6:07 PM
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COLGeek 02/03/2012 6:33 PM
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Anonymous 02/03/2012 8:02 PM
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I fail to see how they failed to live up to the hype - I am one who switch from a iPhone to windows phone 7.5 and I am very happy. Yes, the lack of sales is a bit bothersome but it not because of the phone it's self. I believe it is all the negative perception the trolls give it that have never even tried to use it. If a single core device can out perform a dual / quad core device why would you bash it for being single core. It performs and that is what counts.

opmopadop 02/03/2012 10:31 PM
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Im willing to put my life savings on the line that the next version after WP8 (8.1 or 8.5 or whatever) will start with the letter H... Halo perhaps :-)
M ango... count 7 letters
T ango... count another 7 (yes it loops)
A pollo... hhmmm, will they keep the pattern? I am betting they will. Halo has a nice ring to it anyway.

mcd023 02/03/2012 11:01 PM
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opmopadop :
Im willing to put my life savings on the line that the next version after WP8 (8.1 or 8.5 or whatever) will start with the letter H... Halo perhaps :-)M ango... count 7 lettersT ango... count another 7 (yes it loops)A pollo... hhmmm, will they keep the pattern? I am betting they will. Halo has a nice ring to it anyway.



How the heck did you figure that out?

opmopadop 02/03/2012 11:09 PM
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mcd023 :
How the heck did you figure that out?


This is the kind of mental state I need to be in when my idiot manager keeps distracting me from my work.

I really should get some work done but Toms helps me stay happy ;-)

JOSHSKORN 02/04/2012 1:24 AM
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But can it run Crysis? No, seriously, can it? I wouldn't mind not having a Desktop PC any longer and just working off of my mobile phone in a sort of Webtop environment and docking station AND still be able to play games and run all of the other apps I love to use.

Maybe I'll just get my upgrade now, then there might be a usable product in 2 years.

Anonymous 02/04/2012 1:48 AM
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Clever observation, but you've left out Nodo. From N odo to M ango represents a step of 26 letters. If there is any validity to your model, one might consider that WP 8 might start with an i rather than an h. It is an *8* after all. If that's the case, perhaps Iago, Indio, Imbrolio, or even Impetigo. I'm inclined to believe that MS would be reluctant to use a disease as a name, but it beats the hell out of Ice Cream Sandwich. In short, I'd hold on to the paycheck for a while longer. It's a weird world where mobile electronics is concerned.

vaughn2k 02/04/2012 9:56 AM
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I'll keep my praises in time, till I get my hands on it...

hannibal 02/05/2012 2:35 PM
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Well windows phone can be really important corporate persons, and what I have read even win7 phones has been very snap and easy to use... So if win8 phone is any better, it is ok.
Apple is apple in good and bad (easy to use, very limited enviroment, luxury price)
Android phones are for those who likes power or freedom (like linux users). A lot of customization (good and bad)
Win phones are for those who need tools for centrall settings and "familiar" name and big company to offer support! (and allso pay the price in phone prices that are relative high)

del35 02/06/2012 8:59 PM
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Quote :Cool, we already have had this in Android and iOS and now microsoft may have a chance of catching up.


Umm never mind Microsoft. It would be nice if iOS caught up with Android.