Windows Phone 8 SDK Leaked: Expect Improved Camera, 3D Maps, SD-Card Support

Windows Phone 8 documents have leaked, shining a small light on the new Microsoft phone that has been shrouded in as much mystery as Apple’s iPhone 5.

Wired reports that the Windows Phone 8 SDK (software developer kit) was leaked online, allowing future users an early look at Microsoft’s latest phone software. The file was posted Monday by Chinese site WPXAP, and is a developer preview, which was hosted on Microsoft’s servers.

The leaked SDK confirms Microsoft’s announcement that the new phone will include native support, Marketplace capabilities like in-app purchase, SD-card support, and will also include APIs for speech recognition. The new documents also mention unannounced Windows Phone 8 changes, including camera and lens improvements, as well as Nokia Maps capabilities, including a new 3D-mode.

There are also smaller changes to the mobile platform, including a lack of Zune branding in the Music app, Internet Explorer 10, a new Start Screen, and peer-to-peer Bluetooth sharing.

According to CNet, Nokia is not the only one who will develop a phone for Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8, as Samsung court documents filed in their case with Apple show two Microsoft mobile platform devices code-named “Odyssey” and “Marco.”

Both devices are boasting a Windows Phone 8 mobile platform, dual-core Qualcomm processors, as well as  support for LTE. The Odyssey will feature a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display and an 8-megapixel rear camera, while the Marco will have a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED option and a 5-megapixel option.

While Samsung has not yet confirmed that they will be launching either phone, the report that they were featured in court documents could indicate it will happen.

While Microsoft has not yet announced a release date for the Windows Phone 8, it is expected to be sometime around November, after the October 26th launch of Windows 8.