Windows 8 phones aim to 're-invent' the smartphone experience

Windows 8 phone to stand apart from competition posed by iOS and Android by offering a more personalised experience.

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft on Monday set out to win over iPhone or Android gadget devotees by rolling out the Windows 8 smartphones that emphasises individualism and unifies digital lives in an Internet cloud.

The global rollout of Windows 8 phones set to begin in Europe this weekend comes as the final piece in a Microsoft operating system transformation aimed at harmonising the technology titan's software and hardware for mobile lifestyles.

"It has been for us an exciting and energising few days," Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said while unveiling slick new Windows 8 smartphones at a media event in San Francisco.

"Windows PCs (personal computers) really are the best PCs ever and today we are bringing phones into the Windows family with Windows 8."

Microsoft on Friday launched its latest generation Windows operating system, hit the market with Surface tablet computers and opened scores of temporary "pop-up" stores that have drawn crowds interested in Windows 8 devices.

"The lines we've seen at Microsoft stores have been heartening," Ballmer said.

Windows Phone 8 is the final component in Microsoft's new equation and shares a user interfaced based on "tiles" that can be personalised with people's pictures, applications, games, music and more.

Microsoft corporate vice president Joe Belfiore said that Microsoft was out to "re-invent" a smartphone experience that has for years basically consisted of a locked screen that opens to rows of icons.

"We decided not use that tired old metaphor and came up with our own way that puts people at the center of the experience," Belfiore said with a slight jab at iPhone.