Microsoft seems to be on a roll these days as it recently announced their newest product: Windows Phone 8, code-named "Apollo". Through this new release from Microsoft, can it compete with the big players in the smartphone market such as Google's Android and Apple's iPhone?

Windows Phone 8

The release of Windows Phone 8 came about after Microsoft has released its Windows 8 tablet. According to Microsoft, Windows Phone 8 will have the same Windows 8 software that is utilized in Windows PCs and their new Surface tablets which means a tighter and closer integration among the Windows devices that were launched. Joe Belfiore, the VP for Windows Phone explained the working process of the Windows Phone 8 stating that "The future of Windows Phone is about a shared Windows core."

The Windows Phone 8 will implement new features for the Windows Phone. Some of these improved features and specifications include the following:

  • Support dual-core and quad-core processor (with a possibility of 64-core processor)
  • New screen resolution WVGA (800x480 pixels), WXVGA (1280x768) and "true 720p" (1280x720)
  • Expandable memory storage (16GB, 32GB, and 64GB through micro SD)
  • Improved Start Screen (with personalization option of colors and sizes)
  • VoIP through Skype
  • Development in C, C++In-app purchases
  • NFC (Near-field Communication) technology
  • "Wallet Hub" which would enable third-part developers to integrate digital coupons, credit cards, debit cards, and the like to execute transactions through supported smartphones.
  • Internet Explorer 10 with anti-phishing technology
  • Expanded HTML 5 support
  • Faster JavaScript execution
  • Additional mobile device management tools

Microsoft announced that Windows Phone 8 smartphones would be available by the latter part of this year and smartphone manufacturers like HTC, Huawei, Nokia, and Samsung are already slated to integrate this OS with their respective smartphones.

Windows Phone 8 vs. Google's Android and Apple's iPhone

It is hard to make a judgement as to whether or not Microsoft would have a chance to emerge on top of the smartphone market since Microsoft only gave a preview of their Windows Phone 8. Based on the features and specifications released by Microsoft, the company was able to improve the things that were lacking with their previous OS (Windows Phone 7.5 Mango) which could attract potential customers in the market. Despite that, they are also facing stiff competition with the pending release of Apple's iPhone 5 and the loyal customers of the latest Android version (Android 4.0 or Android ICS).