windows phone 8

Wait for Windows Phone 8 or buy a Samsung Galaxy S3?

Microsoft's newest mobile OS -- Windows Phone 8 -- will add some key functionality to Microsoft's smartphones, but is it worth waiting for?

The new software offers a few more bells and whistles in terms of functionality for smartphone subscribers. But the bigger deal is that it will offer the necessary hooks for developers and device makers to build more advanced hardware. Finally, this could mean that Microsoft's live tile interface may finally be installed on some heavily spec'ed devices.

In this edition of Ask Maggie I help one reader figure out if he should wait … Read more

Microsoft weighing its own Windows Phones, analyst says

The Surface tablet may not be the only piece of hardware Microsoft is cooking up.

According to Nomura analyst Rick Sherlund, the software giant plans to follow through with the same strategy of developing both the hardware and software on its upcoming crop of mobile phones.

"Our industry sources tell us that Microsoft may be working with a contract manufacturer to develop their own handset for Windows Phone 8," Sherlund wrote in a note to investors, which was relayed by Reuters this afternoon.

"It is unclear to us whether this would be a reference platform or whether … Read more

Nokia shrugs off fear of Lumia 900's obsolescence

Although current Windows Phone devices, like the Nokia Lumia 900, won't be upgradeable to Windows Phone 8, one Nokia executive says it's not nearly as big of a deal as some might think.

"I think that ultimately your typical customer probably isn't all that aware of this upgrade thing," Kevin Shields, Nokia senior vice president of program and product management, told The Verge in an interview published today. "I definitely think with products like the Lumia 900, where a consumer walks in and buys that product they're getting great value and they're … Read more

A look at HTC's planned Windows Phone 8 lineup

It's official. Windows Phone 8 does have other good friends in the mobile world besides Nokia.

The Verge is reporting information from a "knowledgeable source" that says the Taiwan-based company is planning three lines of smartphones that will run Microsoft's new mobile OS. While the "Rio," "Accord," and "Zenith" lines sound like inexpensive cars dressed up with sexy names, they've got some heft under the hood, er... battery.

The Verge's source says Zenith will be the high-end line, with an expected 4.7-inch Super LCD 2 display, quad-core processor, NFC support, … Read more

Huawei commits to 'Ascend' Windows Phone 8 handset

When it comes to Windows Phone 8, "ascend" is exactly what Microsoft needs to raise up its smartphone share.

That's why Huawei's commitment to produce a Huawei Ascend handset running Microsoft's freshly announced Windows Phone 8 OS is so key. Although the Chinese company isn't well known in the top-tier U.S. carriers, the company has a strong partnership with no-contract carriers like MetroPCS and Cricket -- two carriers that have plenty of midrange Android smartphones but no Windows Phone.

As smartphone demand continues to grow among these smaller carriers, it's crucial for … Read more

One Windows to rule them all

In the world of making apps and games, going multi-platform is serious business. It adds cost, complexity, and can extend the amount of time developers need to push out finished products.

Microsoft wants to change that calculus -- especially when it comes to developing on its own two computing platforms that share the same name.

At its developer preview event in San Francisco yesterday, Microsoft debuted Windows Phone 8, the next major version of its mobile phone OS, slated for release alongside a crop of new phones later this year. Among the myriad announcements, perhaps the most significant was Microsoft'… Read more

Microsoft clears some fog over its new ecosystem

Microsoft has shed some serious light on the future of Windows, with Windows Phone 8 and Surface tablet revelations this week burning away much of the uncertainty surrounding Windows and devices.

As expected, Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 will have tight integration with Windows 8. The intent is obvious, and frankly, a good idea: make it as easy as possible for you to move from one Microsoft device to another, no matter if you've got a phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop.

For one thing, Internet Explorer 10 will be present on the new Windows Phones as … Read more

Microsoft posts video of Windows Phone Summit

Microsoft took the wraps off Windows Phone 8, the next iteration of its mobile software for smartphones, during the Windows Phone Summit in San Francisco today.

Windows Phone 8 promises to get people talking with its hardware implications, mobile payments, and tighter relations to the Windows platform. But if you weren't one of the few in attendance or just want to see the event again, Microsoft has posted a video of the announcements made at the event.

Windows Phone 8: Everything you need to know (FAQ)

Here's CNET's Windows Phone 8 OS review. This article was originally posted on June 20 and was updated November 6.

The first smartphones bearing Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 operating system are hitting store shelves this holiday season. CNET has even reviewed the Nokia Lumia 920 and the HTC Windows Phone 8X, the first two premium handsets with Microsoft's next-generation smartphone OS. Yet those of you on the fence still have questions. Here's what you're asking.

What are the hardware changes? Near-field communication (NFC), support for multicore processors (like dual-core and quad-core), new screen resolutions (like 1,280x720-pixel HD), and optional expandable memory slots are the biggest news in terms of hardware changes.

What's with the new start screen? Microsoft's redesigned start screen (pictured above) spans the width of the screen. You'll be able to resize each individual live tile on the start screen to one of three sizes. There's also support for new color themes, which differ slightly by carrier and manufacturer.… Read more