Windows Phone 7 applications are currently completely isolated from one another. We would expect this to mean that Metro-style applications written using Windows 8's WinRT will be readily portable. Belfiore promises that 'most' code will be portable between the desktop and the phone. Microsoft also plans to follow in Amazon and Opera's footsteps, using server-side compression and proxying to reduce the amount of data needed to load webpages by a claimed 30 percent.įull compatibility with current Windows Phone applications-expected to number 100,000 by the time Windows Phone 8 is launched-is assured, and there will be added support for native code development in addition to the current Silverlight-based model. The Web browser, too, will be in common, with Internet Explorer 10 making its way to the phone. Belfiore mentions that the kernel, networking stacks, security subsystems, and multimedia support will heavily overlap between the two. Under the hood, the operating system will be built on the same foundation as Windows 8.

There will also be greater support for private deployment of custom line-of-business applications. In a move that will make Windows Phone a better option for enterprise users, Windows Phone 8 will include full device encryption, based on the same technology as desktop Windows' BitLocker encryption. Apollo will sport richer support for Exchange ActiveSync policies, and Systems Center inventorying and management. In the video intended only for internal consumption by Microsoft and its partners, Joe Belfiore, director of the Windows Phone program, describes the extensive features that Windows Phone 8, codenamed 'Apollo,' will contain.Īddressing widespread concerns about Windows Phone's mid-range hardware specification, Apollo will support processors with up to four cores, four different (and unspecified) screen resolutions, NFC for contactless payment, and removable microSD storage. This in turn inspired Paul Thurrott to reveal a little more about the software too.

Windows Phone 8 will be based on the same kernel as Windows 8, and will support multicore processors, NFC, and full device encryption according to a leaked video seen by PocketNow.

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