(Image source: Gizmodo)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Is Windows Phone ready to take on its iPhone and Android competition? Details about the upcoming Windows Phone 8 software have surfaced in a leaked video intended for Nokia -- and it’s making waves.

The video has since disappeared, but PocketNow managed to dissect some of its details. Windows Phone 8 will sport NFC capability, closer integration with the desktop version of Windows 8, baked-in Skype and cache servers to speed up mobile web service.

CNET says it is all good news -- namely, Microsoft has relaxed some of its requirements for developers and phonemakers.

“The version, codenamed Apollo, will allow vendors more choice with how they build their phone... That allows the handset manufacturers to better compete and stand apart from each other with varying levels of specs.”

And the benefits could reach well beyond the latest gadget. Business Insider says this overlap will be good for Microsoft’s full product line.

“This makes sense. Now that Microsoft has bet on Windows 8 as its operating system for tablets, there's no business reason to maintain a separate platform for smartphones.”

Microsoft’s plan is to bring technical specs closer to parity with competitors from Apple and Android. TechCrunch says -- it’s about time.

“In my opinion, Windows Phone Mango is a solid platform that’s quicker and smoother than anything I’ve seen on Android. Still, when looking at devices from Microsoft, Apple, and Google side-by-side, the Windows Phone always seems to lose in the spec department.”

It’s not known which phones will get an eventual update to Apollo. As it is, the latest Windows phones from HTC, Samsung and Nokia especially have been pulling down critical acclaim for a while now. GigaOM says popular devices, coupled with software that fills lots of performance gaps, could signal the start of some serious momentum for the platform.

“...the improved hardware potential will be welcome and should make a fast operating system even faster. ...Microsoft should see more people thinking twice before leaving a store with the iPhone or an Android device once Apollo hits.”

Microsoft, meanwhile, has declined to comment on the leak.  So, Apollo must not quite be ready -- for liftoff.