Microsoft didn’t show off any real Windows Phone 8 hardware on Wednesday, but it did announce who will be the first device makers using the software.
Key partner Nokia will be among the first phone makers with devices, of course, along with HTC, Samsung and China’s Huawei.
Going forward, devices will get update for at least 18 months, Myerson said. That could help ease the fact that Windows Phone 7 devices can’t be upgraded to Windows Phone 8.
“We care very deeply for our Windows Phone 7.5 customers,” Windows Phone boss Terry Myerson said, announcing the Windows Phone 7.8 update that will bring Windows Phone 8′s start screen to existing phones. Nokia’s Kevin Shields also announced new features coming to its existing phones, including a way to send content to televisions and other devices, an update to its music and maps applications and a tool for monitoring data use.
A camera update from Nokia will add a “smart group shot,” a self-timer, a panoramic app and other features.
Myerson said Windows Phone 8 will support 50 languages and apps available in 180 countries.