When Microsoft finally got around to announcing Windows Phone 8, users of current WP7.x were left a little disappointed by the lack of support for any current devices. As disheartening as the move was for some, it was a necessary way for Microsoft to really move on, since Windows Phone 8 will offer support for more powerful, dual-core devices – something which will undoubtedly be hindered by the support for older hardware.
To try and keep the peace, the Redmond company offered a meet-in-the-middle release in the form of Windows Phone 7.8, which, among other features, will offer the new variably-sized home screen tiles, allowing more to fit within the display.
As has been the cased with most of the software maker’s announcements over the past few months, some key detail were purposely left out with regards to what WP7.8 will bring, but now some of those features are beginning to emerge.
A leaked document has emerged via SmartPhoneFrance offers quite a few juicy details, specifically with regards to some new camera functions. The document is reported to have arrived courtesy of Finnish outfit Nokia, so its contents may not necessarily be true to each and every Windows Phone device, although a large proportion of WP7.x users are rocking one of the company’s popular Lumia devices.
The leak states Windows Phone 7 users will be treated to a greatly-improved camera app featuring Smart Group Shot, action shot, panorama and self-timer functionality. In addition, Wi-Fi tethering will also be a feature of Windows Phone 7.8, which allows one to tether a device’s Internet connection with other devices – particularly handy if you’re constantly on-the-fly. Wi-Fi hot-spots are becoming more and more common in built-up areas, but the ability to have the Web available at all times will be an invaluable tool to the majority of Windows Phone users.
Other features include a function which silences incoming calls, messages and alarms by flipping the device over, but even so, there’re still plenty of disadvantages next to the all-singing, all-dancing Windows Phone 8. Proper multi-tasking, NFC, OTA updates, Internet Explorer 10, and the aforementioned multi-core support, to name a few, and the main event will arrive at the end of October along with the main Windows 8 and the Microsoft Surface slate.
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