Windows Phone 8 video overview of notable features and the future

We were fortunate enough to be able to read up on a lot of features, hardware and other pieces of information that leaked over the summer following Microsoft's announcement of Windows Phone 8.

At the official unveiling of Windows Phone 8 today in San Francisco, most of the leaked information turned out to be true, and in some ways, things will be even better depending on your point of view. After the presentation, we got to see many of the devices up-close and there was a row of Microsoft specialists who were on-hand to go in-depth with some of the features.

Having read so much about what was coming with Windows Phone 8 before its release, we all felt pretty well informed with many features on Microsoft's new OS. While it has the familiar look of Windows Phone 7/7.5, it is a whole new OS, built from the ground up, and designed to deliver on a unified experience not just across Windows Phone devices, but the entire Microsoft ecosystem. As it pertains to the phones though, we got to see a bit more at the Windows Phone 8 event.

In the six videos below, we get to look at Wallet, Local Scout, Rooms, and Kids Corner. In addition to that, developers and interested users will want to take a look at the last two videos which touch on Nokia Drive+ "Alpha" and the vision Microsoft wants developers to have with the lock screen, and some forward looking ideas the company wants to see in Windows Phone.

Wallet we are somewhat familiar with, but Local Scout was completely redesigned for Windows Phone 8, and none of its features managed to leak prior to today's event. Local Scout's integration with Wallet is a nice set-up, and that is why those two videos are side-by-side.

Following that, we take a look at Rooms, and the features that it packs. Granted, it does not hold as much feature appeal if a lot of people in your "room" are not also on Windows Phone, but the set-up as a whole is nicely appointed. Kids Corner is something we know a fair amount about, but in case you are not up-to-speed with it, and you have kids that are always nagging you to play with your phone, we are sure you will want to know more.

Next, we can confirm that Nokia is working on a version of Nokia Drive+, which is in "alpha" state and Microsoft is working with Nokia to deliver a feature rich product that is certain to please Nokia owners and perhaps raise a bit of jealousy of other Windows Phone users. The Microsoft representative indicated that the features will have a wide appeal for developers and that means there will be all sorts of apps we can look forward to. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to dig any deeper than seeing the app.

Last but not least, Microsoft explains what they hope developers will take advantage of with the lock screen, and its accessibility to third-party apps in terms of content and notifications. The company envisions applications that will find appeal to users across a broad spectrum of services, and that means more choices and customization as well.

In short, Microsoft is putting a lot of energy into this roll-out. Steve Ballmer said that we are going to be hard pressed to find an ad space that does not highlight Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8. We have no doubts about that.

Check these out and tell us what you think.

Windows Phone 8 features and the future

Wallet

Local Scout

Rooms

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+ 3 images

22 Comments

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posted on 29 Oct 2012, 19:51 15

1. wp8forever (unregistered)

windows phone 8 rocks , a lot of ppl mad as hell today , let em hate lol

posted on 29 Oct 2012, 21:46

6. edward_collins (Posts: 2; Member since: 29 Oct 2012)

well i guess it's better than what android 4.2 on the lg nexus brings. I just kept waiting for the reviewer to say something good about but... looks like another failed iteration of what google calles their "it" phone

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 05:03

13. picka_vi_materina (Posts: 174; Member since: 21 Nov 2011)

You have to be blind in order to consider WP good or beautiful. That desktop is a huge disorganized mess. PPL are mad for a reason. This will push other crap out in the market.

posted on 29 Oct 2012, 19:52 10

2. mydi.maus (unregistered)

rise of the windows phone 8,...cant wait til i get my hands on one of these bad ass wp8.

posted on 29 Oct 2012, 21:36 8

5. Mxyzptlk (unregistered)

i know rite? Windows Phone 8 looks phenomenal. talk about a big step forward for a mobile os.

posted on 29 Oct 2012, 20:11 2

3. someones4 (Posts: 625; Member since: 16 Sep 2012)

while these are great, I still believe Google and Samsung can one up all of these features.

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 07:50

19. chaoticrazor (Posts: 2347; Member since: 28 Aug 2012)

How? You shouldn't think Samsung and Google are the best and can do better then everyone else as they can't all have strong points.

Besides the new nexus ain't a great breakthrough

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 19:22

21. someones4 (Posts: 625; Member since: 16 Sep 2012)

Maybe so. But they have proved to be more than formidable opponents. They introduced improved features every month.
I have no idea what wp is capable of. Can it do everything that android does? Is it like ios?

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 19:57

22. chaoticrazor (Posts: 2347; Member since: 28 Aug 2012)

i think wp8 bridges the 2, and i believe it has all the core features you need and more so there cant be anymore 'half baked os' comments from trolls

formidable opponent........really, if so then why isnt wp8 or lets focus on individual devices the 920 a formidable opponent

as for introducing improved features every month, well lets give wp8 time before judging , every os needs a fair start look how far androids come so wp8 could continue to evolve.

posted on 29 Oct 2012, 20:12 6

4. Mxyzptlk (unregistered)

I think I want one.

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 04:33

12. dblue45 (Posts: 77; Member since: 26 Aug 2009)

I KNOW I want one :P

posted on 29 Oct 2012, 22:36 2

7. Gaytor (Posts: 51; Member since: 09 Sep 2012)

Note 2 and then stay on course for 3 and 4 and ... I am hooked and booked !

posted on 29 Oct 2012, 22:42 2

8. J1919 (Posts: 32; Member since: 28 Aug 2012)

Does this still not support Bluetooth file transfer and not allow you to use custom ringtones? I refuse to buy a cell phone in this day and age that won't let me do such basic functions that have been around forever.

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 00:25

10. Evil_SaNz (Posts: 259; Member since: 20 Oct 2011)

Someone explain me wp plz, it's real curiosity - no sarcasm!

Is it possible to browse the filesystem? Can I download files from a website with wp8? Can I switch to desktop ua?

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 07:26 1

17. Mobile-X-Pert (Posts: 565; Member since: 20 Dec 2010)

For right now you can only browse your filesystem connecting your phone to a PC/Mac, but there are also many cool homebrew apps to brawse your filesystem and customize your phone.

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 06:57

14. No_Nonsense (unregistered)

BT FT is supported, not sure about the ringtones.

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 07:15

15. Mobile-X-Pert (Posts: 565; Member since: 20 Dec 2010)

Yes, it does support bluetooth file transfer and NFC.

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 00:19

9. aboona777 (Posts: 18; Member since: 30 Oct 2012)

looks so good, but will W8P allow organizing apps in folders? (unlike 7.5)?
what about file manager?
... couldn't find any info about those!!

posted on 30 Oct 2012, 07:18 1

16. Mobile-X-Pert (Posts: 565; Member since: 20 Dec 2010)

Yes, there is an app that lets you create a live tile and use it as a folder to add your preferred apps.