Hasta La Gadget!

Windows 8.1’s recent update was a subtle but effective boost. Windows Phone‘s 8.1 power up follows the same cues. It’s not mind-blowing, it’s not world-changing, it’s nothing to jump around and scream about, but it turns Windows Phone into something it’s never quite been before: an OS that’s totally good enough.

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Microsoft is now offering a download of Windows Phone 8.1 early. There is a catch though; you have to be registered as a developer to get the download early. You … Continue reading

The folks over at Microsoft Research have certainly been working hard to make sure that the future is something that is well worth looking into – so much so that they intend to figure out a method that relies on a regular Windows Phone camera in order to scan one’s face in full 3D goodness, giving one the option to print out a high quality image using a 3D printer afterwards. This particular process is known as 3D Reconstruction, where it deals with transforming physical objects into 3D models, and the Skynet UI (User Interface) is meant to make the entire process a whole lot easier for regular consumers to use.

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Microsoft Looks Into 3D Face Scanner Using Windows Phone Handset original content from Ubergizmo.

Recently a handful of OEMs, even some from emerging markets, committed to Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform. Most of them are expected to deliver WP powered handsets later this year. There have been countless rumors about Sony throwing its hat in the ring as well. Apparently the Japanese company is mulling a Windows Phone handset, possibly even multiple handsets. A latest rumor suggest that these handsets might be released come July.

Sony Mobile Europe head, Pierre Perron, has also confirmed that Sony is continuing discussions with its partners, which includes Microsoft. While he didn’t say anything specific about Sony’s WP handset plans or if and when such devices will hit the market, Perron comments tie in perfectly with recent rumors about Sony considering Windows Phone. Previously Sony Ericsson had a long relationship with Microsoft, several handsets powered by Windows Mobile were released.

If speculation is true, Sony has already started a test run of its Windows Phone handset batch. Expected to be released this July, rumor has it that this may be the very first device to come with the new Windows Phone GDR update installed straight out of the box. No word as yet on the possible specifications, we’ll have to wait for a bit before rumors about it come in.

Sony Windows Phone Device Expected This July , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Microsoft, Sony, Windows Phone,

Over the past few months we had been hearing a lot about the next major Windows Phone update and last week Microsoft finally unveiled it at the BUILD 2014 conference. Now the update won’t make its way into users’ hands until summer, but already hints of what we can expect from Windows Phone 8.2 have been provided by someone claiming to be a 15-year veteran at Redmond. Since its quite easy to pretend to be something you’re not on the internet, its best to take this information with a grain of salt.

The source claims on Reddit that from now on Windows Phone software update cycles will be sped up with feature updates being released every 6-8 months. Major OS updates may drop every year, or two at most. He claims that Windows Phone 8.2, or WP9, will launch in 8-10 months. When asked what we can expect from this update, the source replied “OMFG you are going to pop a boner,” whatever that means.

Apparently the next update will give Inner Circle members the ability to bypass a user’s Do Not Disturb mode through text message. The mode basically doesn’t notify the user when there’s a new text, incoming call or any other notification. But if a certain password is used in the text message, that particular message would go through. So if it says “knock, knock” in the text message for example, the user will be notified.

Additional hints include possibility of support for video services other than Skype, no possibility of being able to change default SMS app until at least Windows Phone 8.2 and that Facebook is working on a new native application for the platform.

The source has since deleted his Reddit account, that may serve as an indicator that all this could land him in hot water at Microsoft. Nevertheless, one can’t be too sure of what some anonymous person writes on the internet. For now, we make peace with Windows Phone 8.1.

Windows Phone 8.2 Features Hinted By Anonymous Microsoft Employee , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Rumors, Microsoft, Windows Phone,