Windows Phone 8 users plagued by random reboots, freezes

Consumers are reporting random reboot and freezing issues impacting smartphones running Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) new Windows Phone 8 operating system.

Affected Windows Phone 8 handsets include the Nokia (NYSE:NOK) Lumia 920 and the HTC 8X, with user reports stretching across online sites including Microsoft Community, Nokia Support Discussions and Windows Phone Central. Some users are reporting fewer issues after uninstalling the Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) for Windows Phone app, while others blame the HTC Hub portal. Still others say the reboots appear to be entirely random. While it is unknown exactly what is triggering the reboots and freezes, the involvement of multiple device models and manufacturers suggests the culprit is most likely a software problem and not a hardware issue.

Nokia acknowledged "reports of a small number of people experiencing this unusual performance on their Nokia Lumia 920″ and said "We are investigating but suspect some apps may be at the root of the issue when left running in the background. While we learn more, we advise people when finished with an application to navigate away using the back button to ensure it is no longer active."

Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 8 late last month. The overhauled platform touts multi-core Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) chipsets to bolster smartphone performance and optimize battery life, a choice of three screen resolutions, integration of VoIP and video chat, a customizable start screen and Wallet Hub, which supports Near Field Communications-enabled m-commerce services. Users can also share content across Windows Phone 8, Windows 8 for PCs and Xbox gaming consoles.

Microsoft is relying on the revamp to boost its sagging fortunes in the battle for global smartphone supremacy: Windows Phone device shipments totaled just 3.6 million worldwide during the third quarter of 2012, corresponding to market share of 2 percent, according to data issued earlier this month by market intelligence firm IDC. Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android device shipments reached a record-high 136 million units during the third quarter, representing 75 percent of all 181.1 million smartphones shipped in the period. Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS is next with third-quarter shipments of 26.9 million, translating to a global market share of 14.9 percent.

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