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