Windows Phone 8 is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft, released in 2012. It features a user-friendly interface with live tiles that provide real-time updates from apps. The system supports multi-core processors and offers improved performance compared to its predecessor, Windows Phone 7. The platform includes access to the Windows Store, where users can download a variety of applications and games. Windows Phone 8 also integrates well with other Microsoft services, such as OneDrive and Office, allowing for seamless productivity and cloud storage options for users on the go.