One of the most exciting Microsoft products to be announced this year is Windows Phone 8. This new mobile phone OS is going to take an already great user experience and make it better. From a business point of view it is going to incorporate advanced security features to help keep business data protected, yet readily accessible. The device enables users to access documents from their company cloud and edit them using rich versions of Word and Excel. Microsoft feels that the key to advanced productivity is going to be standardizing the experience from the PC to the phone; making apps and accessing files work seamlessly across platforms and from anywhere on any Windows device.
As an advocate for our clients, Sea to Sky understands that security and business productivity are the most important aspects of a mobile device, but it is also nice to know Windows Phone can support great social and gaming experiences as well. That is why I wanted to outline some of the notable features of the new Windows Phone 8 OS. Please note that the content below is borrowed from an Article written by Joe Belfiore and can be found by clicking this link: (http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2012/06/20/announcing-windows-phone-8.aspx).
If you’re tired of reading, you may wish to view our video interview with Paul Laberge, Technical Evangelist at Microsoft Corporation (@plaberge) here:
List of Technical Features:
– Multi-core processor support: As reviewers have noted, Windows Phone runs buttery smooth on phones with a single processor. But piggybacking on the Windows core provides support for multiple cores—so we’re ready for whatever hardware makers dream up.
– Bigger, sharper screens: Windows Phone 8 supports two new screen resolutions (1280×768 and 1280×720), opening the door to amazing new handsets with high-definition 720p displays.
– More flexible storage: Windows Phone 8 supports removable MicroSD cards, so you can stuff your phone with extra photos, music, and whatever else is important to you, and then easily move it all onto your PC.
– NFC wireless sharing: If you haven’t heard the term “NFC” yet, I’m betting you soon will. This emerging wireless technology lets phones share things over short distances. In Windows Phone 8, it helps make sharing photos, Office docs, and contact info easier—just tap your phone another NFC-equipped device. How cool is that?
– Internet Explorer 10: The next version of Windows Phone comes with the same web browsing engine that’s headed for Window 8 PCs and tablets. IE10 is faster and more secure, with advanced anti-phishing features like SmartScreen Filter to block dangerous websites and malware.
– Wallet: Windows Phone 8’s new digital Wallet feature does two great things. It can keep debit and credit cards, coupons, boarding passes, and other important info right at your fingertips. And when paired with a secure SIM from your carrier, you can also pay for things with a tap of your phone at compatible checkout counters.
– Better maps and directions: Windows Phone 8 builds in Nokia mapping as part of the platform. Our partnership will provide more detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions in many countries, plus the ability to store maps offline on your phone so you can work with maps without a data connection.
– Cooler apps and games: Basing Windows Phone 8 on the Windows core will unleash a new wave of amazing apps and especially games, for reasons I’ll touch on in a moment.
List of Business Features:
– Device encryption: To help keep everything from documents to passwords safe, Windows Phone 8 includes built-in technology to encrypt the entire device, including the operating system and data files.
– Better security: Windows Phone 8 supports the United Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) secure boot protocol and features improved app “sandboxing,” so the phone is better protected from malware with multiple layers of security.
– Remote management: With Windows Phone 8, IT departments can manage apps and phones remotely, with tools similar to ones they now employ for Windows PCs.
– Company Hub and apps: Companies can create their own Windows Phone 8 Hub for custom employee apps and other critical business info.
The Team at Sea to Sky is very excited for the release of Windows Phone 8 because it brings a great business feature set to our clients without sacrificing security. Windows Phone 8 will be easy to adopt because it uses the same Metro UI (with active tiles as seen in our video) that the Windows 8 PC OS will employ. This year is a game changer for Microsoft. The company has tested their software to an unmatched extent to make sure it works extremely well.
As always, consult with a Sea to Sky Network Solutions team member before making any IT decisions for your business. We’re here to help make sure your business or organization operates safe and secure for today and tomorrow.
– Sea to Sky Team
