Microsoft - Windows Phone 8 is "a complete gaming platform"
Microsoft corporate vice president Terry Myerson took the stage today at Windows Phone presentation to announce and discuss Windows Phone 8, calling the new phone " a breath of fresh air," and it will be released in time for the holidays this fall.
After the initial opening to the presentation, Myerson turned the stage over to Joe Belfiore, who announced the future of the phone is a shared "windows core" inside with common code between the phone and Windows 8.
Myerson said because of the new phone's capabilities, it will allow for "killer games" to be developed for the phone thanks to native core support. Portability will be easier now for developers which will help "run like unbelievably immersive like we have never seen before."
Games for the phone can be developed using the full Havok Technology Suite, which will allow for "immersive and real 3D worlds, highly realistic characters and cinematic visuals," said Havok's Andrew Bowell.
Early partners include titles from Big Fish and Gameloft were confirmed such as, Asphalt 7, Nova 3, and Fairway Solitaire making the phone "a complete gaming platform."
A shared core will allow for shared media, files, and a greater choice in hardware for a wider range of price points and capabilities. It is dual core, will have multi-core support, and the firm is focused on efficiency and battery life for this fall.
Over 100,000 applications have been created for the Windows Phone platform, and Zynga's Words with Friends and Draw Something are coming later this year.
It supports standard 720p, and WXGA with graphics hardware support so that all W7 apps will run "great" with the new phone's resolutions.
With this shared common core, it will be easy for developers creating apps for the phone and PC to switch the apps over to the other.
Not all the end user features were announced today, but all will be revealed at a later date.
The phone will support downloads in 180 countries, "25 more than Apple," and all updates will be delivered over the air without the need for a USB.