On Wednesday, June 20, Microsoft will be unveiling Windows Phone 8 to the world officially. Some features, such as Skype integration, have been leaked but most are unknown.

Connectivity

It's expected for Microsoft to open the mobile OS slightly to users and OEMs, allowing expandable storage through microSD card support. NFC is also expected to be integrated, perhaps with Microsoft's version of Google Wallet.

Increased Benchmarks

Multicore processors will probably be announced so Microsoft can set a more competitive set of benchmarks for OEMs in it latest generation of devices. Currently Windows Phones have to, at least, use a single core processor. Those benchmarks were set when Windows Phone was announced in 2010, and the release of phones such as the iPhone 4S and the Samsung Galaxy S3 has reset smartphone performance.

Windows 8 Integration

Microsoft is developing the Metro UI across all its platforms, but the similarities could go deeper as Microsoft could show integration between Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. The developer support for Windows Phone 7 has been dwindling, so if Microsoft can leverage the former then developers could effectively port apps over and kickstart the mobile operating system.

Talking of integration ...

Xbox Live

The Xbox Live app on Windows Phone is functional, but feels like a missed opportunity. Users can customize the avatar and send messages, but the Xbox Live games don't feel like the top-quality titles on Xbox Live Arcade or even those on the Indie Games channel such as Apple Jack 2. Launching titles such as Trials Evolution on the platform would be a major boost, and would rival games such as N.O.V.A. 3 - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance on iOS and Android. The platform consistently attracts top developers, and Xbox Live on Windows Phone should be doing the same.

There's also the possibility Microsoft will expand on the cloud game save functionality that debuted with Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2. Games can be saved on one platform (i.e., Windows Phone) and picked up on another (Xbox Live). With games on the console working on mobile, Microsoft could offer a unique service Xbox 360 owners won't get on another platform.

Increased Screen Resolutions

Finally, with improved internals come improved externals: Microsoft will probably up screen resolutions. The iPhone 4S continues to use the Retina display, while the Galaxy Nexus has 720p display. Ultra clear text is becoming a necessity in high-end smartphones, so Microsoft could respond to the competition.

The Summit begins at 9AM PT. Head here for when that is in a non-Pacific time zone.