Windows Phone 8 – The Unveiling

Microsoft Corp. debuted the Windows Phone 8 at the end of October this year. This is the latest version of the company’s smartphone operating system. The system is designed to offer personal phone experience. Kid’s Corner and Rooms are some of the new features being introduced by this system. Windows Phone 8 devices go on sale this November at AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in the U.S. It is also expected that other carriers and retailers around the will be stocking the devices.

One of the main features of the Windows Phone is Live Tiles. Live Apps stream the latest information from news channels and social networks to a customizable start screen. There is also a Kid’s Corner provided by the new mobile OS for when the kids need to play with the phone. You can now hand over the phone your kids without worrying about misdirected emails or accidental phone calls. Rooms allow you to create private groups of people who have Windows Phone 8 and easily connect with just them. Chat, share calendars, shopping lists or photos in an ongoing conversation where only those invited can join in. With the Windows Phone Store already stocking close to 120,000 apps, Microsoft is promising Windows Phone 8 users one year free of ad-free music starting from early 2013.

The mobile OS provides Data Sense compresses Web images and makes automatic adjustments to your data usage as you reach your data plan limit. This also monitors the data used per application. Microsoft has included a wallet with the mobile OS. The Wallet stores your debit, credit, loyalty and membership card information on your phone. A new Skype app has also been promised for the Windows Phone 8, allowing the user to make and receive Skype calls as you would a regular phone call.

The Nokia Lumia 920, 822, 820 and 810, HTC’s Windows Phone 8X and 8S, Samsung’s ATIV S and ATIV Odyssey are some of the devices carrying the Windows Phone 8. With the same look, technology core, and built-in SkyDrive cloud service, Windows Phone 8 works seamlessly with other Windows 8 devices.

Verizon Wireless is providing 2-year contracts for the Windows Phone 8X by HTC for $199.99 and the Nokia Lumia 822 for $99.99. The Samsung ATIV Odyssey will be available exclusively in Verizon this December. AT&T will carry the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820, and HTC’s Windows Phone 8X this November. T-Mobile will offer the by HTC’s Windows Phone 8X starting at $149.99 for and the Nokia Lumia 810 from $99.99.