Windows gave us another really good reason to check out the Mobile World Congress next month with the release of Windows Phone 8 OS, which is codenamed ‘Apollo’. If the release is scheduled for MWC, it is expected to arrive on devices this fall. The official appearance of this new OS comes as a confirmation of all the buzzing around the web claiming that, instead of developing different operating systems for desktop/laptop/tablet and Windows phone, Microsoft decided to form one all-encompassing OS.

Windows 8 Phone, Announced at Mobile World Congress?

Especially when you see that Microsoft designed them on the same core. Since for Windows 8, ‘mobility’ is the key word, it is likely that they used the same kernel for the smartphones platform. Here comes the problem for Windows, as their previous mobile OS, the Windows Mobile, had a lot of unnecessary complicated attributes. Multitasking is available,but it is really hard to use, as everything is “full screen”. Next is the problem of closing programs, because the “X” button only minimizes them. And the biggest of them all stays in the usage of the touchscreen (referring to Windows Mobile Smartphone). In other words, it’s not user friendly.

But with Apollo, all this should be solved. After a quick look at the at the Windows 8 Demo version, you can almost instantly see the benefits of the all-encompassing OS. Fast switch between screens and apps, multi-touch flow, multi-apps running on the background, Latest IE Explorer, fast optimized browsing and smooth touch flow. Apps form a tile-based Start screen fully customizable and scalable with full-screen views, with each app showing LIVE updates (new message, Facebook notification, timers…).

Of course, Microsoft is taking a big risk here with the release of this new OS, but  don’t think they have any other option. They need to bring their A-game if they want to rise above their competitors, with Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS having a big lead in the smartphone market. The biggest mistake for Microsoft is the early announcement referring to the actual release. I think 18 months between the two events is going to prove to much for them in terms of revenues from Windows 7.

Is Apollo going to represent the beginning of the end for Microsoft and Windows alike? Or is it the first step to resurrection? Will Windows manage to overcome the competition and become the top mobile OS? I guess will just have to wait until MWC and see. Let’s hope MainDevice will be at Mobile World Congress and we’ll report tech news from the horse’s mouth.