Information released by a Russian Windows Phone site indicates Windows Phone 8 will include improved Bing Audio recognition, which will include TV audio recognition. Additionally, the information states that Windows Phone 7.8 will not receive Internet Explorer 10 or Skype integration, although the latter will continue to be updated in its current application form.
According to WP7Forum's sources, Windows Phone 7.8 will receive some of the new features coming to Windows Phone 8, although many will either be stripped down or entirely missing. DataSmart, for instance, will come to Windows Phone 7.8 in the form of an app, while it will be integrated in Windows Phone 8. DataSmart is a feature that allows users to easily monitor their bandwidth usage.
An incomplete list of the new features the site's sources claim are coming to Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7.8 can be seen below.
| Functionality | Windows Phone 7.8 | Windows Phone 8.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Browser | Internet Explorer 9 | Internet Explorer 10 |
| Skype | Separate application | Integrated |
| Voice commands | Yes | Yes, extended set |
| DataSmart | Separate application | Yes |
| Bing Audio | Yes | Yes, improved TV recognition |
| RCS-e | Separate application | Integrated |
| Cloud | OneNote, Office 365 | Synchronization of all content |
| An updated startup screen | Yes | Yes |
| OTA | No, only notifications | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Only for some countries | Yes |
As pointed out by WPCentral, Microsoft purchased video searching service VideoSurf last year, which could lend credence to the rumor's improved Bing audio recognition aspect. When Microsoft announced the purchase of VideoSurf, it specifically cited the technology's use for its Xbox Live platform; at E3, the company showed off improved Bing voice search features powered by the technology.
Via: Windows Phone Daily
Source: WP7Forum, WPCentral
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