Leaked SDK video shows off Windows Phone 8 features
updated 12:10 pm EDT, Fri July 27, 2012
Customization, camera shown off in leak
A new video obtained by The Verge demonstrates a few features Microsoft didn't highlight when it showed off Windows Phone 8 earlier this year. The video shows a Software Development Kit version of Microsoft's forthcoming mobile OS, and it highlights a number of customization options that will be available for Windows Phone 8 users, as well as some of the OS' other functions.
Chief among the features revealed is the level of customization featured in the home screen. Users can reorder apps and tiles or resize them to their liking. The Start Screen also offers a range of theme colors, accessible through the settings menu, allowing users to choose from at least 20 colors to personalize their screens.
Users will also be able to customize the lock screen on their phones. By altering the device's settings, users can grant or deny apps the permission to post new info to the WP8 lock screen.
The camera functionality within the OS appears to contain multiple micro-apps that would allow users to edit and share photos. The Lenses function appears to tie all other apps that use the camera into a single UI, which could have the effect of simplifying photo capture, editing, and sharing.
There are apparently many more features in the OS that were not shown off within the video. Microsoft is likely working on improved integration of Xbox Live, and the company's efforts to secure music contracts will likely result in a refreshed media playing app when the OS launches later this year.
