View source for Windows Phone 8

{{short description|Second generation of Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2012}}
{{Infobox OS version
| name = Windows Phone 8
| version of = [[Windows Phone]]
| logo = WindowsPhone8Purple.svg
| logo_size = 240px
| screenshot = [[File:Windows Phone 8 StartScreen.png]]
| screenshot_size = 240px
| caption = Start screen
| developer = [[Microsoft Corporation]]
| website = {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.windowsphone.com/ |date=* |title=Archived official website }}
| source_model = [[Closed-source]]
| family = [[Windows 8]]
| working_state = Discontinued
| license = [[Commercial software|Commercial]] [[proprietary software]]
| package manager = XAP, APPX
| supported platforms = [[32-bit]] [[ARM architecture]]
| kernel_type = [[Hybrid kernel|Hybrid]] ([[Architecture of Windows NT|NT kernel]])<ref>{{cite web |first=Mary |last=Jo Foley |url=http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsofts-windows-phone-8-finally-gets-a-real-windows-core/12975 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622053549/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsofts-windows-phone-8-finally-gets-a-real-windows-core/12975 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 22, 2012 |title=Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 finally gets a 'real' Windows core |publisher=[[ZDNet]] |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=December 25, 2012}}</ref>
| updatemodel = [[Firmware over the air]]
| first_release_date = 
| first_release_url = 
| GA_date = {{Start date and age|2012|10|29}}
| GA_url = 
| release_version = Update 3 (Build 8.0.10532.166)
| release_date = {{start date and age|2014|4|14}}
| release_url = http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2013/10/14/announcing-our-third-windows-phone-8-update-plus-a-new-developer-preview-program.aspx
| preceded_by = [[Windows Phone 7]] (2010)
| succeeded_by = [[Windows Phone 8.1]] (2014)
| preview_version = 
| preview_date = 
| preview_url = 
| sales = 
| support_status = Unsupported as of January 12, 2016 [https://gadgetstouse.com/blog/2017/07/13/windows-phone-8-end-of-life/]
| other_articles = 
| date = January 2014
}}
'''Windows Phone 8''' is the second generation of the [[Windows Phone]] [[mobile operating system]] from [[Microsoft Corporation|Microsoft]]. It was released on October 29, 2012, and, like its predecessor, it features a [[flat design|flat user interface]] based on the [[Metro design language]]. It was succeeded by [[Windows Phone 8.1]], which was unveiled on April 2, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/10/5399264/microsoft-begins-sharing-windows-phone-8-1-with-developers/in/4584231|title=Microsoft begins sharing Windows Phone 8.1 with developers|publisher=Vox Media|work=The Verge|date=February 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/11/5400660/windows-phone-8-1-features-leaked/in/4584231|title=Windows Phone 8.1 includes universal apps and lots of feature updates|publisher=Vox Media|work=The Verge|date=February 11, 2014}}</ref>

Windows Phone 8 replaces the [[Windows CE]]-based architecture used in [[Windows Phone 7]] with the [[Windows NT]] [[kernel (operating system)|kernel]] found in [[Windows 8]]. As a consequence of this, Windows Phone 7 devices cannot run or update to Windows Phone 8, and new applications compiled specifically for Windows Phone 8 are not made available for Windows Phone 7 devices. Developers can make their apps available on both Windows Phone 7 and Windows Phone 8 devices by targeting both platforms via the proper SDKs in [[Visual Studio]].<ref>Rubino, Daniel. (October 29, 2012). [http://www.wpcentral.com/overview-and-review-windows-phone-8 Overview and Review of Windows Phone 8] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018230756/http://www.wpcentral.com/overview-and-review-windows-phone-8 |date=October 18, 2014 }}</ref>

Windows Phone 8 devices were manufactured by [[Microsoft Mobile]] (formerly [[Nokia]]), [[HTC]], [[Samsung]] and [[Huawei]].<ref>[https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/20/3101742/nokia-samsung-htc-and-huawei-will-have-first-windows-phone-8-devices Nokia, Samsung, HTC, and Huawei will have first Windows Phone 8 devices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428214727/http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/20/3101742/nokia-samsung-htc-and-huawei-will-have-first-windows-phone-8-devices |date=April 28, 2017 }}. The Verge. June 20, 2012</ref>

{{TOC limit|3}}

== History ==
On June 20, 2012, Microsoft unveiled '''Windows Phone 8''' (codenamed Apollo), a third generation of the Windows Phone operating system for release later in 2012. Windows Phone 8 replaces its previously Windows CE-based architecture with one based on the [[Windows NT]] kernel, and shares many components with [[Windows 8]], allowing developers to easily port applications between the two platforms.

Windows Phone 8 also allows devices with larger screens (the four confirmed sizes are "WVGA 800×480 15:9","WXGA 1280×768 15:9","720p 1280×720 16:9","1080p 1920x1080 16:9" resolutions) and multi-core processors, [[near field communication|NFC]] (that can primarily be used to share content and perform payments), backwards compatibility with Windows Phone 7 apps, improved support for removable storage (that now functions more similarly to how such storage is handled on Windows and Android), a redesigned home screen incorporating resizable tiles across the entire screen, a new Wallet hub (to integrate NFC payments, coupon websites such as [[Groupon]], and [[loyalty card]]s), and "first-class" integration of [[VoIP]] applications into the core functions of the OS. Additionally, Windows Phone 8 will include more features aimed at the enterprise market, such as device management, [[BitLocker]] encryption, and the ability to create a private Marketplace to distribute apps to employees<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2012/06/20/announcing-windows-phone-8/ |title=Announcing Windows Phone 8 |first=Joe |last=Belfiore |publisher=Windows Blog |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=August 20, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ukschools/archive/2012/06/27/announcing-windows-phone-8.aspx |title=Announcing Windows Phone 8 |first=Rosanna |last=Godfrey |publisher=Microsoft UK Schools Blog |date=June 27, 2012 |access-date=August 20, 2014}}</ref>{{emdash}}features expected to meet or exceed the enterprise capabilities of the previous [[Windows Mobile]] platform.<ref name=wp8-theverge>{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Warren |title=Windows Phone 8 in detail: new Start Screen, multi-core support, VoIP integration, and NFC |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/20/3096667/windows-phone-8-screenshots-features-nfc-start-screen-dual-core |work=[[The Verge (website)|The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=26 November 2012}}</ref> Additionally, Windows Phone 8 will support over-the-air updates, and all Windows Phone 8 devices will receive software support for at least 36 months after their release.<ref name="giz-ota">{{cite web |first=Robert |last=Hoover |title=Making Windows Phone an even better choice for business |url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2013/07/10/making-windows-phone-an-even-better-choice-for-business.aspx |work=[[Windows Phone]] |date=July 10, 2013 |access-date=July 12, 2013}}</ref>

In the interest of ensuring it is released with devices designed to take advantage of its new features,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/20/3096945/windows-phone-7-8-upgrade-no-windows-phone-8-existing-devices |title=Microsoft: no upgrades to Windows Phone 8, but some features will come in Windows Phone 7.8 |first=Tom |last=Warren |publisher=[[The Verge (website)|The Verge]] |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref> Windows Phone 8 will not be made available as an update for existing Windows Phone 7 devices. Instead, Microsoft released Windows Phone 7.8 as an update for Windows Phone 7 devices, which [[backport]]ed several features such as the redesigned home screen.

Addressing some software bugs with Windows Phone 8 forced Microsoft to delay some enterprise improvements, like VPN support, until the 2014 release of [[Windows Phone 8.1]].

=== Support ===
In March 2013, Microsoft announced that updates for the Windows Phone 8 operating system would be made available through July 8, 2014. Microsoft pushed support up to 36 months, announcing that updates for the Windows Phone 8 operating system would be made available through January 12, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&alpha=windows+phone&Filter=FilterNO |title=Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search |work=microsoft.com |access-date=2013-12-16}}</ref> Windows Phone 8 devices will be upgradeable to the next edition of Windows Phone 8.1.<ref>{{cite web |last=Segan |first=Sascha |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2416002,00.asp |title=Microsoft: Windows Phone 8 Will Be Upgradeable |publisher=PCMag.com |date=February 27, 2013 |access-date=2013-04-14}}</ref>

== Features ==
The following features were confirmed at Microsoft's 'sneak peek' at Windows Phone on June 20, 2012 and the unveiling of Windows Phone 8 on October 29, 2012:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/20/windows-phone-8-to-support-multi-core-cpus-hd-resolutions/| title=Windows Phone 8 to support multi-core CPUs, HD resolutions, SD cards and NFC | work=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=26 November 2012 |last=Fingas |first=Jon}}</ref><ref name="vergewp8">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3572078/windows-phone-8-new-features-photo-upload |title=Here's what's new in Windows Phone 8: Kid's Corner, Rooms, instant photo uploads |first=Dan |last=Seifert |publisher=[[The Verge (website)|The Verge]] |date=October 29, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref><ref name="techradar">{{cite web |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/windows-phone-8-release-date-and-latest-details-1065086 |title=Windows Phone 8 release date and latest details |first=Mary |last=Branscombe |publisher=[[TechRadar]] |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref>

=== Core ===
Windows Phone 8 is the first mobile OS from Microsoft to use the [[Windows NT]] [[kernel (operating system)|kernel]], which is the same kernel that runs Windows 8. The operating system adds improved file system, drivers, network stack, security components, media and graphics support. Using the NT kernel, Windows Phone can now support multi-core CPUs of up to 64 cores, as well as 1280×720 and 1280×768 resolutions, in addition to the base 800×480 resolution already available on Windows Phone 7. Furthermore, Windows Phone 8 also adds support for MicroSD cards, which are commonly used to add extra storage to phones. Support for [[1080p]] screens was added in October 2013 with the GDR3 update.

Due to the switch to the NT kernel, Windows Phone 8 also supports native 128-bit Bitlocker encryption and [[Secure Boot]]. Windows Phone 8 also supports NTFS due to this switch.<ref name="ntfs_support">{{cite web |url=http://technewspedia.com/what-does-windows-phone-8-share-your-core-windows-8/ |title=What does Windows Phone 8 share your core Windows 8? |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=2012-12-12 |work=technewspedia.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114034404/http://technewspedia.com/what-does-windows-phone-8-share-your-core-windows-8/ |archive-date=January 14, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[UEFI]] with [[ACPI]] protocol was adopted as boot loader of Windows Phone 8, as part of its [[board support package]].

=== Web ===
[[Internet Explorer 10]] is the default browser in Windows Phone 8 and carries over key improvements also found in the desktop version. The navigation interface has been simplified down to a single customizable button (defaults to stop / refresh) and the address bar. While users can change the button to a 'Back' button, there is no way to add a 'Forward' button. However, as the browser supports swipe navigation for both forwards and back, this is a minor issue.

=== Multitasking ===
Unlike its predecessor, Windows Phone 8 uses true multitasking, allowing developers to create apps that can run in the background and resume instantly.<ref>O'Brien, Terrence. (June 20, 2012) [https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/20/microsoft-brings-true-background-multitasking-to-windows-phone/ Microsoft brings true, background multitasking to Windows Phone 8] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626103121/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/20/microsoft-brings-true-background-multitasking-to-windows-phone/ |date=June 26, 2014 }}. Engadget.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-20.</ref>

A user can switch between "active" tasks by pressing and holding the Back button, but any application listed may be suspended or terminated<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phonedog.com/2012/10/15/why-i-m-wary-of-switching-to-windows-phone-8/ |title=Why I'm wary of switching to Windows Phone 8 |first=Taylor |last=Martin |date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=13 January 2013}}</ref> under certain conditions, such as a network connection being established or battery power running low. An app running in the background may also automatically suspend, if the user has not opened it for a long duration of time.

The user can close applications by opening the multitasking view and pressing the "X" button in the right-hand corner of each application window, a feature that was added in Update 3.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mitroff |first=Sarah |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/windows-phone-8-update/4505-3672_7-35829186.html |title=Windows Phone 8 Update 3 |publisher=reviews.cnet.com |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=2013-12-16}}</ref>

=== Kids Corner ===
Windows Phone 8 adds Kids Corner, which operates as a kind of "guest mode". The user chooses which applications and games appear on the Kids Corner. When Kids Corner is activated, apps and games installed on the device can be played or accessed without touching the data of the main user signed into the Windows Phone.<ref name="vergewp8b">{{cite web|last=Seifert|first=Dan|date=October 29, 2012|title=Here's what's new in Windows Phone 8: Kid's Corner, Rooms, instant photo uploads|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3572078/windows-phone-8-new-features-photo-upload|access-date=December 29, 2012|publisher=[[The Verge (website)|The Verge]]}}</ref>

=== Rooms ===
Rooms is a feature added specifically for group messaging and communication. Using Rooms, users can contact and see [[Facebook]] and [[Twitter]] updates only from members of the group created. Members of the group can also share instant messages and photos from within the room. These messages will be shared only with the other room members.<ref name="vergewp8c">{{cite web|last=Seifert|first=Dan|date=October 29, 2012|title=Here's what's new in Windows Phone 8: Kid's Corner, Rooms, instant photo uploads|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3572078/windows-phone-8-new-features-photo-upload|access-date=December 29, 2012|publisher=[[The Verge (website)|The Verge]]}}</ref> Microsoft will be removing this feature sometime during March 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/2/18/8058357/windows-phones-rooms-chat-dies-next-month |title=Microsoft is killing Windows Phone's Rooms group chat {{!}} The Verge |access-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325013440/http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/18/8058357/windows-phones-rooms-chat-dies-next-month |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Driving Mode ===
With the release of Update 3 in late 2013, pairing a Windows Phone 8 device with a car via Bluetooth now automatically activates "Driving Mode", a specialized UI designed for using a mobile device while driving.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/setting-your-windows-phone-8-driving-mode|title=Setting up your Windows Phone Driving Mode|work=Windows Central|access-date=2017-08-08}}</ref>

=== Data Sense ===
Data Sense allows users to set data usage limits based on their individual plan. Data Sense can restrict background data when the user is near their set limit (a heart icon is used to notify the user when background tasks are being automatically stopped).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3572048/microsoft-data-sense-windows-phone-8-announced |title=Microsoft's Data Sense for Windows Phone 8 looks to make data overages a thing of the past |first=Chris |last=Welch |publisher=[[The Verge (website)|The Verge]] |date=October 29, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref> Although this feature was originally exclusive to [[Verizon]] phones in the United States, the GDR2 update released in July 2013 made Data Sense available to all Windows Phone 8 handsets.

=== NFC and Wallet ===
Select Windows Phones running Windows Phone 8 add [[Near field communication|NFC]] capability, which allows for data transfer between two Windows Phone devices, or between a Windows Phone device, and a Windows 8 computer or tablet, using a feature called "Tap and Send".

In certain markets, NFC support on Windows Phone 8 can also be used to conduct in-person transactions through credit and debit cards stored on the phone through the Wallet application. Carriers may activate the NFC feature through SIM or integrated phone hardware. [[Orange (telecommunications)|Orange]] will be first carrier to support NFC on Windows Phone 8. Besides NFC support for transactions, Wallet can also be used to store credit cards in order to make Windows Phone Store and other in-app purchases (that is also a new feature), and can be used to store coupons and loyalty cards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/20/microsoft-brings-nfc-payments-and-loyalty-cards-to-windows-phone/ |title=Microsoft brings NFC payments and loyalty cards to Windows Phone 8 |first=Donald |last=Melanson |publisher=[[Engadget]] |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012}}</ref>

=== Syncing ===
The '''Windows Phone app''' succeeds the [[Zune Software]] as the sync application to transfer music, videos, other multimedia files and office documents between Windows Phone 8 and a [[Windows 8]]/[[Windows RT]] computer or tablet. Versions for [[OS X]] and [[Windows|Windows Desktop]]  are also available. Windows Phone 7 devices are not compatible with the PC version of the app, but will work with the Mac version. (Zune is still used for syncing Windows Phone 7s with PCs, and thus remains downloadable from the Windows Phone website.)

Due to Windows Phone 8 identifying itself as an [[Media Transfer Protocol|MTP device]], [[Windows Media Player]] and [[Windows Explorer]] may be used to transfer music, videos and other multimedia files unlike in Windows Phone 7. Videos transferred to a computer are limited to a maximum size of 4&nbsp;GB.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://winsource.com/2012/12/07/windows-phone-8-has-trouble-with-videos-over-4gb/ |title=Windows Phone 8 has trouble with videos over 4GB |publisher=WinSource |date=December 7, 2012 |access-date=2013-12-16}}</ref>

=== Other features ===
* [[Xbox SmartGlass]] allows control of an Xbox 360 and Xbox One with a phone (available for Windows Phone, [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]]).
* Xbox Music+Video services support playback of audio and video files in Windows Phone, as well as music purchases. Video purchases were made available with the release of a standalone version of [[Xbox Video]] in late 2013 that can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Store.
* Native code support ([[C++]])
* [[Pop-up notification|toast notifications]] sent by apps and app developers using the [[Microsoft Push Notification Service]].
* Simplified porting of Windows 8 apps to Windows Phone 8 (compatibility with Windows 8 "[[Modern UI (design language)|Modern UI]]" apps)
* Remote device management of Windows Phone similar to management of Windows PCs
* VoIP and video chat integration for any VoIP or video chat app (integrates into the phone dialer, people hub)
* [[FOTA (technology)|Firmware over the air]] for Windows Phone updates
* Minimum 36 month support of Windows Phone updates to Windows Phone 8 devices.
* Camera app now supports "lenses", which allow third parties to skin and add features to camera interface.
* Native screen capture is added by pressing home and power buttons simultaneously.
* Hebrew language support is added for Microsoft to introduce Windows Phone to the [[Israel]]i market.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mohr |first1=Yair |last2=Ziv |first2=Amitai |url=http://www.haaretz.com/business/microsoft-launches-game-changing-smartphones-in-israel.premium-1.475224?localLinksEnabled=false |title=Microsoft launches game-changing smartphones in Israel |work=[[Haaretz]] |date=April 2, 2008 |access-date=November 26, 2012}}</ref>

== Hardware specifications ==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|-
! Windows Phone 8 minimum device specifications
|-
| [[Qualcomm Snapdragon S4]] [[Multi-core processor|dual-core]] processor or [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series|Snapdragon 800 series]] (as of Update 3)
|-
| Minimum 512&nbsp;[[Mebibyte|MB]] [[Random-access memory|RAM]] for WVGA phones; minimum 1&nbsp;GB RAM for 720p / WXGA / 1080p
|-
| Minimum 4&nbsp;GB flash memory
|-
| GPS and A-GNSS; GLONASS is supported, if OEMs decide to include it
|-
| Support for micro-USB 2.0
|-
| 3.5&nbsp;mm stereo headphone jack with three-button detection support
|-
| Rear-facing AF camera with optional LED or Xenon flash, optional front-facing camera (both need to be VGA or better) and dedicated camera button
|-
| Accelerometer, proximity and ambient light sensors, as well as vibration motor (magnetometer and gyroscope are optional)
|-
| 802.11b/g and Bluetooth (802.11n is optional)
|-
| DirectX graphics hardware support with hardware acceleration for Direct3D using programmable GPU
|-
| Multi-touch capacitive touch screen with minimum of four simultaneous points
|}

== Version history ==

{{Main|Windows Phone version history#Windows Phone 8}}

== Reception ==
Reviewers generally praised the increased capabilities of Windows Phone 8, but noted the smaller app selection when compared to other phones. Brad Molen of ''[[Engadget]]'' mentioned that "Windows Phone 8 is precisely what we wanted to see come out of [[Redmond, Washington|Redmond]] in the first place," and praised the more customizable Start Screen, compatibility with Windows 8, and improved [[Near field communication|NFC]] support. However, Molen also noted the drawback of a lack of apps in the [[Windows Phone Store]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Molen |first=Brad |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/10/29/windows-phone-8-review/ |title=Windows Phone 8 review |work=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=October 29, 2012 |access-date=November 26, 2012}}</ref> ''[[The Verge]]'' gave the OS a 7.9/10 rating, stating that "Redmond is presenting one of the most compelling ecosystem stories in the business right now," but criticized the lack of a unified notifications center.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3570494/windows-phone-8-review |title=Windows Phone 8 review |work=[[The Verge (website)|The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=October 29, 2012 |access-date=November 26, 2012}}</ref> [[Alexandra Chang (writer)|Alexandra Chang]] of ''[[Wired (website)|Wired]]'' gave Windows Phone 8 an 8/10, noting improvement in features previously lacking in Windows Phone 7, such as multi-core processor support, faster Internet browsing, and the switch from [[Bing Maps]] to [[Nokia Maps]], but also criticized the smaller selection of apps.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chang |first=Alexandra |url=https://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/10/microsoft-windows-phone-8/3/ |title=Review: Microsoft Windows Phone 8 |work=[[Wired.com]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast Digital]] |date=October 29, 2012 |access-date=November 26, 2012}}</ref>

===Usage===
IDC reported that in Q1 2013, the first full quarter where WP8 was available to most countries, Windows Phone market share jumped to 3.2% of the worldwide smartphone market, allowing the OS to overtake [[BlackBerry OS]] as the third largest mobile operating system by usage.<ref>[http://www.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800685177_1800001_NT_72b21351.HTM IDC: Windows Phone overtakes BlackBerry in smartphones] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004013334/http://www.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800685177_1800001_NT_72b21351.HTM |date=October 4, 2014 }}. Eetindia.co.in (May 20, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-07-17.</ref>

Roughly a year after the release of WP8, Kantar reported in October 2013 that Windows Phone grew its market share substantially to 4.8% in the United States and 10.2% in Europe.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wpcentral.com/windows-phone-10-percent-across-europe-struggle-china-us|title=Windows Phone hits 10% sales across Europe, but still struggles in China and the US|work=Windows Central|access-date=2017-08-08}}</ref> Similar statistics from Gartner for Q3 2013 indicated that Windows Phone's global market share increased 123% from the same period in 2012 to 3.6%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.computerworld.com/windows-phone/23145/new-research-says-windows-phone-has-blowout-growth-winner-quarter|title=New research says Windows Phone has blowout growth, is the "winner of the quarter"|author=Preston Gralla|date=November 15, 2013|work=Computerworld|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104204450/http://blogs.computerworld.com/windows-phone/23145/new-research-says-windows-phone-has-blowout-growth-winner-quarter|archive-date=January 4, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In Q1 2014 IDC reported that global market share of Windows Phone dropped to 2.7%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idc.com/prodserv/smartphone-os-market-share.jsp|title=IDC: Smartphone OS Market Share|work=www.idc.com}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of Windows Phone 8 devices]]
* {{portal-inline|Telephones}}

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/*/www.windowsphone.com Official website] (archived)

{{Windows Phone}}
{{Microsoft Windows family}}

[[Category:Windows Phone]]
[[Category:Windows NT|Phone 8]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2016]]
[[Category:Smartphone operating systems]]