Windows Phone 8 detailed: dual cores, Skype Integration and NFC are a go

For those of you starting to get disgusted with Microsoft's inability to keep up with the smartphone world, cheer up as Windows Phone 8 Apollo has just been detailed promising a number of goodies. While it's not exactly known when Windows Phone Apollo will be making it's debut, Pocketnow has grabbed a few details that will make you folks very happy. The site managed to snag a copy of a video starring Windows Phone manager Joe Belfiore talking about what's coming in the next major revision. Those of you concerned with Microsoft's inability to go toe to toe with Apple and Google on specs can breathe a bit easier as new screen resolutions (four in total) and dual-core CPUs will be supported and microSD support has returned -- this time in an official capacity. Finishing off this list is NFC support including the Beam-like ability to share content by tapping, and it'll have the advantage of being able to share with Windows 8 based tablets and laptops as well. 


Amazingly the list of updates don't finish there as for those of you who've been wondering when Microsoft was going to put its Skype acquisition to good use then worry no more as it will be in Microsoft Phone 8. Add in the Windows Phone app for  VoIP service that will debut alongside Apollo and will feature deep integration with the OS, including the ability to place calls the same as you would standard voice calls and the fact that Microsoft plans to use proxy servers to compress web pages before feeding them to the mobile version of Internet Explorer 10 and you'll be giving Apple and Google a VERY hard time. Down below all the information is categorized for your viewing pleasure:

• Support for dual cores
• Support for four different resolutions, though no specifics were given
• NFC support added, including payment and content sharing with WP8 and Windows 8 machines
• Carrier control and branding of "wallet" element is possible via SIM or phone hardware
• MicroSD support added for expandable storage
• Transitions to core components from desktop, including kernel, network stack, security components and media support
• Simplified porting of desktop apps to mobile
• Zune desktop integration scrapped in favor of new, unnamed syncing app
• Deeper Skydrive integration, including ability to sync data such as music collections
• Xbox Companion app will get Windows 8 partner client
• Native code support, simplified porting from Android and iOS
• App-to-app communication and integration
• Skype client with deep OS hooks that will make it almost identical to placing standard voice calls
• Camera app now supports "lenses" which allow third parties to skin and add features to camera interface
• DataSmart tracks and reports usage via app and live tile
• Gives preferential treatment to WiFi, can automatically connect to carrier-owned hotspots
• Proxy server will compress websites in Internet Explorer 10 up to 30 percent
• Native Bitlocker encryption
• Support for proprietary, custom built apps to be deployed behind company firewalls