Hasta La Gadget!

If you are a games developer, chances are pretty high that you will settle for either iOS or the Android platform, as those are where majority of the users are at, and in this case, potential gamers. How about the Windows Phone platform? Sure, Microsoft’s foray into the mobile operating system arena has led to new developments, and they are certainly in pole position to maintain its lead over BlackBerry, but is it viable enough for developers to drop money onto this platform? Joe Belfiore tweeted that the maiden Windows Phone 8 game that was developed with the UNITY engine has finally arrived on the Windows Phone Marketplace, in the form of Drift Mania Championship 2.

Drift Mania Championship 2 is said to be built using the Beta SDK, and keep your fingers crossed that it will be a short while afterwards as we start to see more games flooding into the Windows Phone Marketplace, although a trickle might be another effect. Want to give Drift Mania Championship 2 a go? Download it here.

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It was late last month when we received word that Microsoft has decided to lay the smack down on the continuation of Windows Phone 7.8 updates, which made plenty of sense considering how there were numerous issues connected with the update. Still, since there was nothing official about it, and neither was there a word in the ETA for when distribution might continue, most folks with smartphones of the previous generation that run on Windows Phone 7 are still waiting for an official announcement of sorts from Microsoft.

It is good to know that Nokia Russia has shed more light on the situation by tweeting about it, touting that Microsoft has taken the step to temporarily suspend distribution updates Windows Phone 7.8 for finalization purposes. What do you think of this situation? It would not cause too much of an uproar, especially when you consider that Windows Phone 8 is the way to go, not to mention the recent slew of Windows Phone 8 hardware releases at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

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If you love concept phones, then perhaps you will be able to get a kick out of this. Dubbed the Concept Unicorn, this designed was cooked up by Jet Ong, a senior industrial designer at Alcatel Mobile and based on his concept, it looks like it is a Windows Phone device that comes with a flip cover of its own. Yes we know that you could buy flip covers from third party accessory makers, but in this case, Ong has designed an Alcatel device with the flip cover being part of the phone itself. Essentially it’s a flip phone albeit a rather large one.

The flip cover was cover the display of the phone when not in use, and when flip open, it can be folded back much like a reporter’s notebook. According to the video, within that fold itself is a somewhat hidden USB port that can be used to charge the device. So far we like what we see although we do not know if this is indicative of Alcatel’s future plans for Windows Phone devices. Either way if you have a couple of minutes to spare, check it out in the video above or head on over to Jet Ong’s Behance portfolio to see more of his works.

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Microsoft is certainly going all out with their new Windows Phone 8 operating system, as we have received word that Microsoft has lined up a major Windows Phone update in the coming holiday season. Thing is, a recent Microsoft job posting mentioned, “This is a great time to join as we’re completing our current release 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.”, which was what added to the speculation surrounding this new Windows Phone release.

Perhaps Nokia’s rumored high end smartphone will have to wait until this year’s holiday season arrives, in order to make the most of the situation. Windows Phone 8, after all, seems to be a whole lot more flexible when it comes to its upgrade path, compared to Windows Phone 7’s rather rigid set of hardware requirements. All it takes now is some patience, and slowly but surely, the calendar will make its way to the holiday season in due time. You just watch!

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It seems that Microsoft’s own job’s board is the best place to find out what the company has planned in the future. In a new job posting, Microsoft has leaked information that their new, major update to its Windows Phone series should be coming here just in time for the holidays. The job posting also confirms that there is a “current release” for Windows Phone 8 devices that should be released sometime soon. It may be referring to the Windows Blue update.

The job posting states that the company is, “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.” It has also been confirmed that if you currently own a Windows Phone 8 device, you will be eligible for this major update. Microsoft has realized the mistakes it made with its Windows 7 devices, and will increase the longevity of its devices from here on out.

We also know that Microsoft is speeding development up for Windows Blue, and it plans to release it sometime during the summer. From the job posting, it looks like development for Windows Blue may be nearing its finish already. We know that one of the features that Windows Blue will have is a revamped Excel app. It will also feature other significant improvements to user experience as well as bug fixes.

We also know that Microsoft will release a few minor updates entitled GDR2 and GDR3, and that HTC plans on releasing the first phone to take advantage of the GDR2 update. Looks like we have a lot to look forward to for the Windows Phone platform come Christmas time, and its good to know that users who opt for devices like the upcoming Nokia Lumia 928 will still be able to take advantage of this major update.

[via WM Poweruser]

Microsoft to release major Windows Phone update around holidays is written by Brian Sin & originally posted on SlashGear.
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