Microsoft (MSFT 1.57%) announced the introduction of the much-awaited Windows Phone 8 today, which is the newest smartphone operating system from the tech giant. Windows Phone 8 will be available on a variety of different smartphones from manufacturers Nokia (NOK +1.23%), Samsung, and HTC, as well as major networks Verizon (VZ +1.48%), AT&T (T +1.21%), and T-Mobile.
Microsoft's website touted a number of new features on the phones, including a uniquely customizable background interface, an ability to make custom security settings for when children use the phone, and a year of ad-free streaming music from Pandora (P +0.00%), beginning in 2013.
Models running on the new operating system will go on sale in November. The Lumia 822, the phone that Nokia announced earlier in the day, will be sold exclusively with service from Verizon. It's one of several phones mentioned on Microsoft's site that will use the Windows Phone 8 software.
