Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) forthcoming Windows Phone 8 operating system refresh will add Rooms, a new feature enabling users to create virtual spaces for chatting and sharing content with family and friends.
Citing sources with knowledge of Microsoft's plans, The Verge reports Rooms allows Windows Phone 8 device users to designate invitation-only groups for sharing conversations as well as photos, notes and calendar items. Each invitation is sent via text message. The report adds Microsoft will build default Best Friends and Family Room spaces into Windows Phone 8's People Hub feature, which includes users' contacts as well as one-touch access to their Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
Microsoft is expected to formally unveil Rooms during a Wednesday media event that is also projected to yield new Nokia (NYSE:NOK) Lumia smartphones running Windows Phone 8.
Microsoft first previewed Windows Phone 8 during its Windows Phone Summit event in June. Scheduled for release this fall, the revamped platform touts multi-core chipsets to bolster smartphone performance and optimize battery life, a choice of three screen resolutions, integration of VoIP and video chat, a customizable start screen and Wallet Hub, which combines support for Near Field Communications-enabled m-commerce services including contactless payments, deals and loyalty cards, in addition to in-app purchase mechanisms. Microsoft also will integrate remote access features from its forthcoming Office 13 productivity suite.
