# Windows Phone 8

> second generation of Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q34825](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q34825)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Phone_8)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/windows-phone-8

## Summary
Windows Phone 8 is the second generation of Microsoft's mobile operating system for smartphones, released in 2012 as a successor to Windows Phone 7. It introduced significant improvements, including support for multi-core processors, higher screen resolutions, and deeper integration with Windows 8, aiming to compete with iOS and Android.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: Officially launched on October 29, 2012.
- **Developer**: Created by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington.
- **Platform**: Designed for ARM architecture, enabling compatibility with modern smartphone hardware.
- **Predecessor/Successor**: Followed Windows Phone 7 and was succeeded by Windows Phone 8.1 (released April 14, 2014).
- **Device Support**: Ran on smartphones like the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC Windows Phone 8X, and Samsung Ativ S.
- **Programming Language**: Supported development using C# and other .NET languages.
- **Aliases**: Also known as WP8, Windows Phone 8.0, or ويندوز فون 8.0 (Arabic).
- **Website**: Official site at [windowsphone.com](http://www.windowsphone.com/fr-fr).

## FAQs
### Q: When was Windows Phone 8 released?
A: Windows Phone 8 was officially released on October 29, 2012.

### Q: What devices ran Windows Phone 8?
A: It was compatible with smartphones like the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC Windows Phone 8X, Samsung Ativ S, and Huawei Ascend W1.

### Q: Who developed Windows Phone 8?
A: Microsoft developed Windows Phone 8 as part of its mobile operating system lineup.

### Q: What replaced Windows Phone 8?
A: Windows Phone 8.1 succeeded it, released on April 14, 2014.

### Q: What were the key improvements in Windows Phone 8?
A: It introduced multi-core processor support, higher screen resolutions, and better integration with Windows 8.

## Why It Matters
Windows Phone 8 represented Microsoft's ambitious push to establish a competitive foothold in the mobile OS market dominated by iOS and Android. By introducing features like a shared core with Windows 8, improved hardware support, and a distinctive tile-based UI, it aimed to offer a seamless experience across devices. While it ultimately struggled to gain widespread adoption, Windows Phone 8 laid the groundwork for future Microsoft mobile initiatives and influenced design trends in mobile interfaces. Its emphasis on integration with Microsoft's ecosystem (e.g., Office, Xbox) also highlighted the growing importance of cross-device synergy in modern computing.

## Notable For
- **Shared Windows Core**: Used the same NT kernel as Windows 8, enabling better compatibility and developer tools.
- **Hardware Advancements**: First Windows Phone OS to support multi-core processors and higher screen resolutions.
- **Live Tiles**: Popularized the dynamic tile-based interface, later influencing Windows 10's design.
- **Enterprise Features**: Strong integration with Microsoft Office and enterprise tools, appealing to business users.
- **Nokia Partnership**: Closely tied to Nokia's Lumia lineup, which became the flagship hardware for the platform.

## Body
### Overview
Windows Phone 8 was Microsoft's second major iteration of its mobile operating system, designed to address limitations of its predecessor (Windows Phone 7) and compete with iOS and Android. It introduced a shared core with Windows 8, allowing for easier porting of apps and a more unified development environment.

### Technical Specifications
- **Architecture**: Built for ARM processors, enabling support for modern smartphone hardware.
- **Screen Resolutions**: Supported higher resolutions, including 720p and 1080p displays.
- **Multi-Core Support**: First Windows Phone OS to support dual-core and quad-core processors.
- **Storage**: Introduced expandable storage via microSD cards.

### Device Compatibility
Windows Phone 8 was pre-installed on several flagship devices, including:
- **Nokia Lumia 920** (released November 2012)
- **HTC Windows Phone 8X** (released September 2012)
- **Samsung Ativ S** (released 2012)
- **Huawei Ascend W1** (budget-friendly option)

### Software Features
- **Start Screen**: Customizable Live Tiles for dynamic app updates.
- **Integration**: Deep ties to Microsoft services like Xbox, Office, and SkyDrive (now OneDrive).
- **Developer Tools**: Supported C# and .NET, making it easier for Windows developers to create mobile apps.

### Legacy
Despite its innovations, Windows Phone 8 faced challenges in app availability and market share. It was succeeded by Windows Phone 8.1, which further refined the platform. Microsoft eventually pivoted to Windows 10 Mobile, but Windows Phone 8 remains a key milestone in the company's mobile strategy.

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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013