Hasta La Gadget!

It’s safe to assume that Windows Phone does not have the same clout that other operating systems, like iOS and Android do. However Microsoft seems pretty optimistic and to a certain extent, even pleased with themselves as they have announced that they are actually outselling the iPhone in 7 markets, and Blackberry in 26 markets, which we have to say is pretty impressive. Granted it’s not the resounding success that Microsoft is looking for, but it’s a start, right?

Microsoft revealed this on their blog and based their numbers on the IDC, who measured shipping numbers and found that Microsoft’s Windows Phone partners shipped more devices than Apple and Blackberry. Microsoft goes on to note that Windows Phone has also managed to reach 10% market share in certain countries, but neglected to mention exactly which ones. Will we see Windows Phone capture a larger market share with their next Windows Phone build? We can only wait and see, but what do you guys think of Microsoft’s chances?

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Remember the marketing campaign called the “Windows Phone Challenge” (also known as “Smoked by Windows Phone”) that put Windows Phone devices up against other smartphones in a series of challenges that ultimately gave Windows Phone the advantage? Yeah, Microsoft is bringing it all back with some new television ads that will air this month during NCAA March Madness.

The first ad to make an appearance in the rebooted marketing campaign puts the Nokia Lumia 920 head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy S III in a photo-taking challenge in low-light conditions. The 30-second advertisement demonstrates the remarkable low-light capabilities of the Lumia 920′s PureView camera, while the Galaxy S III’s photo appears really dark.

Of course, it’s not really a fair fight to begin with. The Galaxy S III is almost a year old, while Nokia’s Lumia 920 just came out a few months ago. Of course, we’re not doubting the 920′s amazing photo-taking abilities (take a look at our full review), but how about Microsoft waits until next month when the GALAXY S 4 comes out for a true fair fight?

At the end of the advertisement, you see the Galaxy S III owner trade in the Android phone for the Lumia 920. Obviously, the commercial targets Samsung’s last-generation flagship directly, and suggests that the device takes “bad smartphone photos.” Of course, we’ll leave that judgement up to you, but we’d be more interested to see a Lumia 920 vs. GALAXY S 4 challenge more than anything.

Microsoft bringing back Windows Phone Challenge with new TV ads is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

The newly Microsoft-bought Skype video-chat service has received an update for Windows Phone 8. Users will now be able to call their loved ones and stream over high definition video, so make sure your hair looks good and you have your best smile on. The app also received People Hub integration, meaning that all of your Skype contacts will be available in the Windows Phone People Hub.

This marks the first time that Skype has enabled HD video chatting in its smartphone app, and it’s compatible with any new Windows Phone 8 device that supports HD video recording, like the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC 8X, and the Samsung Ativ S. On devices that don’t support HD video, Skype will automatically use VGA video instead.

The app will also automatically set the video quality based on the speed of your WiFi or data connection, and Skype callers can use either the front-facing or rear-facing cameras, as well as switch between portrait and landscape mode for both cameras. Overall, the addition of HD quality should make calls a lot more pleasant.

The People Hub integration also makes it easier to start a Skype call with someone. All your Skype contacts will automatically be added to the People Hub on your Windows Phone device, that way you can start up a Skype call without having to open up the app in the first place. You can also switch between user accounts for Skype calls.

Skype for Windows Phone 8 updates with HD video is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.