It appears Microsoft and Nokia will be joining the party and announcing a new 3D mapping service just after both Apple and Google revealed plans for 3D overhauls over their mapping services, according to a new rumor. The rumor indicates the service will be called Nokia Maps and will replace Bing Maps on all Windows Phone devices.
According to a report by Daniel Rubino of WPCentral, the 3D Nokia Maps revamp will replace Bing Maps once Windows Phone 8 is released. The updated mapping program will feature "3D navigation and hardware acceleration across all Windows Phone devices," the report states. The two companies previously began co-branding Bing Maps and it was rumored the service would be completely replaced by Nokia Maps in Nokia devices for the next version of Windows Phone. This is still obviously true, except now it will be true for all devices, not just Nokia ones.
The site additionally reports Skype will be built into the upcoming operating system and integrate with a user"s contacts for both messaging and VoIP services. Rubino states the Skype integration will be so seamless that an incoming Skype call will behave just like a regular phone call. Third-party VoIP services will also get an opportunity to "patch into the OS," Rubino writes. Skype has been oddly missing from Microsoft products and services since the company bought it, although better integration is in the works, including integration in the next Xbox.
Microsoft will offer a sneak peek at Windows Phone 8 at an invite-only event in San Francisco next week. Neowin will be attending the event, so make sure to check back often as we update everyone on the current status of Windows Phone 8.
Source: WPCentral