Microsoft will be publicly detailing its next version of Windows Phone, called Windows Phone 8 on the 20th of this month. And as its customary for all big events, some screen shots of what we’re expected to see have surfaced.
The three screen shots show various new functionality. The first shows off the much awaited built in Skype integration. It can clearly be seen that Skype call is one of the contacting options for a specified contact. The second picture shows an incoming Skype call. Hopefully this built in Skype integration more than makes up for the lack of any real Skype app on the Windows Phone platform (no the official Skype app doesn’t qualify as a real app).
The second screen shot shows the new data management in Windows Phone 8. We’ve seen this feature built into Android 4.0 where it works really well and comes in extremely handy. Though the screen shot is not quite clear, I suppose the basic functionality is pretty much the same. You set your data cycle and data limit and let the app inform you if you’re nearing your limit. It looks as if there will be a live tile to go with it too. It shows the amount of data you have remaining in your account.
The third screenshot shows what looks like the camera app. It looks very basic. However the three dots on the top right might hide more advanced options. Nokia is set to bring in its imaging expertise in Windows Phone 8 so regardless of what this picture shows, expect great innovations in Windows Phone 8 in the camera department.
So are you excited about Windows Phone 8? I know I am. Windows Phone, though not at the level of Android and iOS, has serious potential to threaten the top dogs and can become a viable third eco system.