Microsoft rumored to be bringing the Windows 8 kernel to Windows Phone Apollo
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To combat this Microsoft has planned a massive update scheduled for Q4 2012. Code-named Apollo, it will unleash high-resolution screens, dual-core CPUs, and greater integration with the upcoming Windows 8, which is scheduled for release in the same time frame.
According to rumored information reported by All About Microsoft’s Mary-Jo Foley, that’s not all Apollo and Windows 8 will share – they may end up running the same kernel. Right now WP7 doesn’t share the Windows NT kernel that Windows 7 runs, it’s instead based on the Windows CE kernel. If the reports are true, by the end of the year both the desktop and mobile OSes would share the same Windows NT-derived kernel.
There are advantages and disadvantages to this strategy. Just like Apple’s decision to base iOS on the same kernel as OSX, sharing more of the code base between Windows Phone and Windows 8 would mean faster (and cheaper) development of each. It would also allow developers to use one tool to develop apps for both the mobile and desktop versions of the operating system.
On the other hand, apps written for WP7 would have to be recompiled or otherwise updated to work on a new kernel. This has the potential to be a real show-stopper for Windows Phone developers who may already be frustrated by the low market penetration of the WP7 platform.
If this information turns out to be true, it may explain one of our previous news stories; Windows Phone head Andy Lees was abruptly moved out his leadership position in Windows Phone for a “time-critical opportunity focused on driving maximum impact in 2012 with Windows Phone and Windows 8”. Could Lees have been tasked to create new developer tools to ease the transition from WP7’s kernel over to the Windows NT-based kernel in Apollo? Perhaps a new environment that let developers easily port their existing projects not just to Apollo, but to the Windows 8 desktop app store as well?
Perhaps we’ll learn more at Mobile World Congress next month in Barcelona. Exciting things may be coming down the Windows Phone pipeline…
source: ZDNet via intomobile
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14 Comments
1. ACCTDADDY posted on 25 Jan 2012, 12:17 3 0
It's all starting to come together with WP. If this is true I think WP8 will bring MS back to be a real contender in cell phone market they just need to make it more for enterpise, phones cheaper to intise people to adopt it and market the hell out of it.
5. itsthenew posted on 25 Jan 2012, 13:33 2 0
That's what is holding back most consumers, what kernel WP7 is using! /sarcasm
7. speckledapple posted on 25 Jan 2012, 14:35 0 0
I agree. They certainly have my vote for the future of OS capability and most importantly a unfied solution that allows my items to move from one device to another without downloading an app or some special program to "enhance" something that should already be there. This should be natural.
2. MalakiMills posted on 25 Jan 2012, 12:19 4 0
Put a nice windows phone on Verizon and I would love to give it a shot. Like the nokia 900 or the titan II, I have heard good things about it, and using them in stores they feel really smooth and fast. Just give me a good option.
8. speckledapple posted on 25 Jan 2012, 14:37 0 0
I am waiting as well, I upgrade at the end of the year and my choice is pretty much between Android and WP7 so at that time I will choose which is the better of the brunch for me.
10. MalakiMills posted on 25 Jan 2012, 15:19 0 0
Well I have my upgrade right now and I am at a lost as to whether jump on one of the pretty awesome androids that Verizon has on it's line up, or wait to see what WP7 offers. I've been holding on for a while now and don't no if I can wait till summer or fall though.
3. Bluesky02 posted on 25 Jan 2012, 12:38 5 0
Sweet Article Scott. H really appreciate what you said in the first paragraph.
I think this rumor is true, since Microsoft repeatedly said they wanted a Unify windows ecosystem across all Windows Platform including the next generation Xbox.
6. snowgator posted on 25 Jan 2012, 14:03 0 0
This rumor has really been back and forth. If true, it may be one of those "2 steps back to get 3 ahead" things. The uniformity from Windows PC software and XBOX gamers is a huge bump ahead for their ecosystem. Those two are the biggest consumer base for Microsoft, and to bring WP into that fold step for step is a monster selling point for the future of their mobile OS. Where as Apple has a larger mobile base it can be said the iPhone and iPod drove the success of the iPad and keeps Mac afloat, it could work in reverse for WP.
11. vivek_ananda posted on 25 Jan 2012, 17:56 0 0
can this change of kernal be a potential reason for win 7.5 phones not to get the apollo update? Dying to buy a windows phone but the doubts of the apollo update is holding me
12. thelegend6657 posted on 25 Jan 2012, 18:33 0 0
If this true I don't think 1st gen phone will get the update
13. Vrils posted on 25 Jan 2012, 20:30 0 0
Windows Phone Market is only available to a few countries, that is why it`s unsuccessful
14. BattleBrat posted on 25 Jan 2012, 20:41 0 0
Gimmie a Quad core Intel MOTO windows phone, that's all I need!
