Today Microsoft announced Windows Phone 8, which will be available beginning this weekend and will continue to rollout through November.
The phone features several revolutionary new features, including live tiles, Rooms for groups to communicate, the ability to import your iTunes music, a Kid’s Corner which enables parents to safely allow kids to play with their phones (with limited access to certain apps,) and a slew of other new apps and features.
Among these new features is Data Sense, one of the new features of Windows Phone 8, aims to help consumers from hitting their data limit. By utilizing nearby hotspots and helping keep users aware of monthly data limits, the app helps Windows Phone 8 users keep control of their data without getting hit by data overage fees. Microsoft says their tests showed Data Sense allowed users to get an average of 45 percent more usage from the phone, compared to if the feature was disabled.
Windows Phone 8 also now features 120,000 apps, including new Facebook, Twitter and Skype apps. Microsoft says 46 of the 50 most popular apps from other platforms will be available on Windows Phone 8.
Consumers will be able to choose between several models of phones to experience Windows Phone 8, including Samsung’s Windows Phone 8, the new Windows Phone 8X and 8S from HTC and the new Nokia Lumia 920. T-Mobile will carry the 8X, expected by November 14th, and AT&T will carry the Nokia Lumia 810, 920, and 8X.
Phones go on sale this weekend, with 65 Microsoft stores carrying the full line of Windows Phone 8 smartphones available to U.S. consumers.
