Posted on 10-26-12 02:58 pm
Alright folks, love it or hate it, here's some interesting things we can learn from the Windows Phone 8 emulator. The emulator is not final software, meaning that things could change or features could be added, but as a general rule, anything seen in the emulator will make it to the final build, as the plans are developed along the same milestones.
With that said, here's four videos showing new features in Windows Phone 8, plus an FAQ based on what you readers have been asking. Enjoy, and feel free to ask away. I'll have more to share once I get my Windows 8 install working again.
FAQ
Q: Has much changed in the sense of WP8 multitasking?
A: The multitasking menu has not, no. There's no option to close apps, etc. You can have up to 7 applications open, though, from what I can tell.
Q: Send documents, etc. via email?
A: You can send documents via email using the Office hub and OneNote. You can only attach pictures while composing/replying to an email, though.
Q: Download files, such as MP3s, to the storage card?
A: From what I can tell, applications have access to the storage card, but there's no "file explorer" style application built in. Thus, without any homebrew applications, you will not be able to download and save files. Rather, they will just be launched with their corresponding application.
Q: Custom backgrounds on the Start Screen?
A: No, the idea that the start screen stay solid black/white is still prevalent.
Q: Has the volume slider changed?
A: No, the volume is still one single slider for music/media and ringtones. This could possibly change, as it does appear a little glitchy, meaning that perhaps Microsoft is changing part of the UI in the pre-release build, but as a general rule, I would say there would be no change from WP7.
Q: Bluetooth sharing?
A: You can share photos and documents for sure via Bluetooth; third party applications may also be able to utilize this.
Q: Custom text/email sounds?
A: Nope.
Q: New MMS capabilities?
A: You can attach photos, videos, ringtones, location, or sound notes to your text messages.
Q: VPN?
A: No VPN options were obvious in the emulator; that doesn't mean they won't exist, but unless there's a reason why they should (i.e. rumor, etc) then I would say no.
I'll be working on updating this list as I get stuff checked out; a little swamped lately, but hey, when has that stopped anyone? If you have any questions, drop me a note and I'll try to get them answered ASAP.