Microsoft Launches Windows Phone 8

[webfact]

Microsoft launches Windows Phone 8

SAN FRANCISCO: -- Microsoft on Monday officially launched its Windows Phone 8 operating system, stressing its tight integration with the company's other platforms, as it seeks to expand its small share in the global smartphone market.

The phone software, available on devices from Nokia, Samsung and HTC, differs radically from its Google and Apple rivals by organizing apps around tiles which group together activities, rather than by individual program icons.

Users are able to arrange the so-called Live Tiles according to their preference on the phone’s home screen, including the ability to display live information from various sources without the need to open individual apps.

Together with tight integration with the millions of PCs, tablets and game consoles running the company’s software, Microsoft hopes the rethinking of the smartphone interface will help lure customers to its new platform.

"If you’re one of the hundreds of millions of people who will use Windows 8 in the next year, there is no better phone for you than a Windows Phone," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, referring to the new operating system for PCs and tablets that Microsoft launched last week.

Ballmer unveiled the new phone software at a San Francisco event that also featured an appearance from actress Jessica Alba.

The launch is especially crucial for Nokia, the former smartphone leader, which has seen its market share dissipate under competition from Apple and Google phones, and which has staked its future on the success of the new Microsoft software.

The new phones go on sale in Europe at the weekend, with the United States and Asian countries set for launch later in November.

Microsoft had just a 3.1-per-cent share of the smartphone market in the April-to-June quarter, according to research firm IDC.

-- The Nation 2012-10-30

[Zolt]

To gobal indifference. I've yet to spot any Windows Phone in the wild in Thailand.

[asiawatcher]

Phones with virus', crashes, constant daily updates for security issues. No thanks.

[Gary A]

Microsoft seems to have the idea that one size fits all. It seems obvious, at least to me, that there are major differences between phones, other portable devices and desk top computers.

I'm of the opinion that Microsoft got this one totally wrong. What works great with a touch screen is not going to work well with a keypad. A mouse is somewhere in between but still works well with a keypad.

If the thousands of Linux developers could get together, settle on a standard system and work towards common goals, they could become a serious player.

Edited October 30, 2012 by Gary A

[Chicog]

Microsoft seems to have the idea that one size fits all. It seems obvious, at least to me, that there are major differences between phones, other portable devices and desk top computers.

I'm of the opinion that Microsoft got this one totally wrong. What works great with a touch screen is not going to work well with a keypad. A mouse is somewhere in between but still works well with a keypad.

If the thousands of Linux developers could get together, settle on a standard system and work towards common goals, they could become a serious player.

Like Google then?

Seriously, Meego, Maemo, the Chinese one, there are lots of people trying.

[Chicog]

To gobal indifference. I've yet to spot any Windows Phone in the wild in Thailand.

Unsurprising with no Thai language available.

I assume with 50 languages, WP8 may address this problem. But it's not going to be a hit with kids, looks very boring.

[ozyjon]

Microsoft seems to have the idea that one size fits all. It seems obvious, at least to me, that there are major differences between phones, other portable devices and desk top computers.

I'm of the opinion that Microsoft got this one totally wrong. What works great with a touch screen is not going to work well with a keypad. A mouse is somewhere in between but still works well with a keypad.

If the thousands of Linux developers could get together, settle on a standard system and work towards common goals, they could become a serious player.

How i pray over and over that LINUX got their act together, nearly did with Red Hat but many major players could not integrate, it's the best free operating system in the world that just misses the target,, how sad.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I'm not sure exactly what the "tight integration" they're talking about is... As best as I can follow these things.

--Prior Windows Phone 7 devices can't run Windows Phone 8 Apps...only new Windows Phone 8 devices can.

--The new Windows 8 RT tablets won't run any Windows 7 or Windows 8 Pro (Intel-based) software, although the RT tablets are coming with a special version of IE and MS Office pre-installed.

--And although I'm not entirely sure on this one, I believe Windows 8 Phone apps won't run on Windows 8 Pro (Intel-based) computers, and maybe not even Windows 8 RT tablets.

Is that "tight integration"?

[Bkkboet]

To gobal indifference. I've yet to spot any Windows Phone in the wild in Thailand.

Unsurprising with no Thai language available.

I assume with 50 languages, WP8 may address this problem. But it's not going to be a hit with kids, looks very boring.

True of Windows Phone 7 but not the case with Wndows Phone 8.

http://tech.mthai.com/mobile-tablet/19164.html

Phones with virus', crashes, constant daily updates for security issues. No thanks.

Actually it should be quite the opposite. With Windows 8 & Windows Phone , Microsoft have gone for the closed system where they control everything, ala Apple. This will give them tight control over the software.

Just trying to clear up some misconceptions, although I am a loyal ex Nokia fan, I still need to see the phones in real life to gauge an opinion. In the meantime will continue to enjoy my Note 2.

[guzzi850m2]

There is a test here, 9* of of 10 possible.

http://www.technobuffalo.com/companies/htc/htc-windows-phone-8x-review/

[Chicog]

And, disappointingly, Microsoft did not announce 7.8. The c**ts.

[Chicog]

There is a test here, 9* of of 10 possible.

http://www.technobuf...hone-8x-review/

And that sucks, too.

Unfortunately, however, the minimalist design also means you can’t remove the battery or add additional storage using a microSD card slot.