Windows Phone 8 is an operating system launched by Microsoft in October 2012.It was seen by many as an attempt by Microsoft to reclaim a share of a smartphone market that is dominated by Apple and Google. Its newest features include the metro design user interface, Internet Explorer 10, Kid's Corner (a function which allows parents to give their handsets to children as it bars access to phone, email and text functions) as well as Rooms, a social invitation-only environment that can be created between WP8 users.