A leaked internal video viewed by Pocketnow features Joe Belfiore, Microsoft's Windows Phone champion, enthusiastically talking up Windows Phone 8 and its new features.

Windows Phone 8 is working under the codename "Apollo." This update will arrive after the Tango update, which Microsoft will probably detail at Mobile World Congress later this month. Time frames for Apollo and Tango aren't available, though Window Phone 8's launch will likely be tied to the launch of Windows 8.

So what's new? Plenty.

First up, Microsoft is finally broadening the hardware parameters. Windows Phone 8 will support dual-core processors, removable memory cards, and will add support for a total of four new screen resolutions (WP7 and WP7.5 are limited to 800 x 480 pixels). Belfiore didn't say what the new resolutions will be, but you can assume there will be a lower-res spec for low-cost smartphones and an HD spec for high-end media devices. The first and second generation Windows Phone devices have been held back by some of the hardware requirements (storage, processor power, screen resolution, etc.).

Full story: InformationWeek