A "major" update is on its way for Microsoft's Window Phone operating system. The update might be so big that it will launch during the 2013 holiday season.
The update might have been hinted in a job posting on Microsoft-Careers on Feb. 27 for a "Software Development Engineer in Test - Windows."
The job is part of the Windows Phone Division in Redmond, WA., and it noted what Microsoft is looking for.
"We are looking for a very strong SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) looking to expand his/her influence and breadth. In this role, you will put yourself in the customer shoes, more than ever before, and advocate for bug fixes that have the highest impact."
In addition, the job posting outlined, "You will work with Dev, PM and other partners to develop key features and capabilities to drive the platform forward. You will also work with CSS and the field to diagnose key customer issues and then drive them to resolution. We need SDETs who can lead, deal effectively with ambiguity and who want to make a difference. SDETs in our team are entitled and expected to participate actively in the triage and direction of their areas in addition to core testing activities. This position requires interactions with many teams so good cross team collaboration is essential."
Microsoft-Careers highlighted that the job opportunity is currently a "great time" to join the company as they are completing their "current release" and "are getting ready for our next release targeting the holiday of this year and we're chartered with keeping the momentum for Windows Phone by bringing new killer devices and delightful user experiences."
Think you're capable of the position?
Microsoft requests the following from the potential candidate:
- 2+ years of professional test/QA experience;
- Knowledge of all aspects of testing end-user products: Functional, Performance, Security, Globalization, Stress, Usability, etc;
- Deep coding experience in C++ and/or C# and building reliable, maintainable and effective test automation;
- Proven experience driving quality of complex features with lots of dependencies and integration points;
- Strong communication skills;
- Strong Testing skills and the desire and ability to find great bugs before our customers do;
- Ability to shift and ramp up quickly in different areas of the product;
- B.S./M.S. in Computer Science or equivalent field.
The news comes nearly a week after Microsoft Senior Marketing Manager Greg Sullivan announced an update last week regarding their Windows Phone plans.
"Over the course of the next several months, I wouldn't be surprised to see some exciting new devices and more interoperability before we start talking about what [operating system] is next," said Sullivan.
The next Microsoft mobile operating system could be the rumored to "Windows Phone Blue," but the Microsoft senior marketing manager did not comment on it. Sullivan did note that current Windows Phone 8 customers will be able to upgrade to the next mobile operating system, unlike Windows Phone 7 customers who cannot update to Windows Phone 8.
Sullivan added, "We're going to have an upgrade path going forward. Windows Phone 8 can evolve. We have an architecture that enables portability and is fundamentally hardware independent."
To apply and perhaps be part of the major Windows Phone update, click here.