Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system has been struggling to compete against the iPhone and Android devices. Microsoft and Nokia have teamed up for a line of Windows Phone smartphones that the duo hopes will help push the adoption of Microsoft’s operating system and Nokia smartphones across the global markets. A source claiming knowledge of the matter says that Verizon intends to sell a Nokia smartphone running Windows 8 software this year.

Bloomberg reports that both Microsoft and Nokia will be holding a joint press conference on September 5 in New York City to discuss Nokia’s Windows phone line. However, the source says that Verizon isn’t expected to be part of that event. However, the carrier will rollout a Nokia smartphone later. The move makes sense for Verizon as the company looks for alternatives to the iPhone, so it can reduce dependence on Apple devices for the bottom line.

The Microsoft and Nokia press conference on September 5 is only days before the widely expected September 12 unveiled for the next-generation iPhone. It’s been over a year since Verizon offered shoppers a Windows Phone. The last time Verizon had a Windows Phone was the HTC Trophy, which was never a top seller.

Microsoft and Verizon have a shaky history. Microsoft’s ill-fated Kin line of smartphones landed at Verizon stores and were discontinued only two months later after abysmal sales. Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 operating system is expected to launch alongside Windows 8 for computers. Launch of Windows 8 for computers and tablets is expected in October.

[via Bloomberg]

Verizon Wireless tipped to offer Windows 8 smartphones this year is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Samsung might have quite the Android-powered hit on their hands with the Samsung Galaxy S3 (and its predecessor, the Galaxy S2, of course), but that does not mean the company is about to put all of their eggs in a single basket. No sir, Samsung does seem to place some of their bets on Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 platform with a couple of handsets running that operating system being leaked out. One of the two does seem to point towards a high end device, while the other is an entry level smartphone which targets those who want to jump into Windows Phone 8 for the first time.

Do take note of the continued use of the current Windows Phone 7.5 screen resolution that is on a third generation Windows Phone device, which might seem to be a step backwards by some considering one would have to fork out 450 Euros for it. Chances are the Samsung GT-I8750 will resemble the Samsung Galaxy S3, but will that influence your purchase decision?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Samsung SGH-T899 could be T-Mobile’s first Windows Phone 8 device, Samsung Windows Phone 8 handsets revealed in court documents,

Earlier yesterday morning, we managed to get a sneak peek at the front frame of an upcoming Windows Phone 8 device, which has been deemed to be a Nokia device, but just what kind of Nokia is it? This is the Nokia Phi as some might have figured out already, where the front frame comes with an updated logo for Windows Phone 8. A front facing camera is located next to the earpiece of the device, where it will also feature a rather thick black bezel that is located right below the screen. The thicker lower bezel does seem to match up to the Phi, and if you were to take a closer look at it and consider the circumstances, this might very well be the successor to the Nokia Lumia 800. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Windows Phone 8 front frame leaked?, Nokia Windows Phone Event on Sept 5 = Windows Phone 8!,

Nokia has told Samsung it had better watch its back, because there’s a new Lumia on the way. Yes, you read that right, Nokia is trying to strike fear in the heart of Samsung – the worlds most popular Android manufacturer – with a new Windows Phone. Even better was the fact that this went down through Twitter, and we love a good Twitter throw down.

The tweet you see above comes from Nokia’s executive VP of sales and marketing, Chris Weber. This definitely isn’t the first time Nokia has taken pot shots at Samsung, or Android phone makers in general for that matter, as Nokia CEO Stephen Elop seems quite fond of doing just that. The only problem is that Android is far more popular than Windows Phone, so there’s a lot of catching up to do if Nokia wants to secure true bragging rights.

That isn’t to say that Nokia is crap and Samsung is the best ever. Nokia has something to be proud of in the Lumia 900, and with Microsoft offering developers plenty incentives with Windows 8, this team-up – which Nokia reiterated its commitment to yesterday – could actually go somewhere. Nokia is obviously confident in this next generation Lumia, and if Microsoft can deliver a worthwhile operating system in Windows Phone 8, then Nokia has every reason to be confident in the pairing.

Is Nokia about to become a rising star in the smartphone world? That’s hard to say. The company has fallen on hard times as of late, but with the Lumia line, we see it beginning to hit some of the right notes. Still, the immense success of Samsung devices like the Galaxy S III is going to be really hard to top, so if Nokia wants to truly top Samsung, it’ll have to work hard. Stay tuned, because this definitely isn’t the last time we’ll hear Nokia give a word of warning to Samsung.

Nokia teases new Lumia, tells Samsung to ‘take note’ is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Reports indicated that Nokia and Microsoft would showcase Windows Phone 8 products at Nokia World in Helsinki on September 5th, but it looks like the duo will be taking to New York on the same day to unveil their latest wares. The team sent out invites yesterday to a press conference to be held in New York on September 5th at 9.30am EST using the familiar Windows Phone tiles interface, so you can probably imagine what to expect on the big day.

Multiple reports have suggested that Nokia will be demoing new handsets on September 5th, but the New York location is a surprise. It remains to be seen if Nokia will be showing off any new handsets or Windows Phone 8 at Nokia World in Helsinki, but it’s possible that the Finnish smartphone manufacturer and Microsoft want to focus on the all important US market before turning their attention to Europe.

Nokia is expected to release two new handsets on September 5th, the Lumia 910 and 920. Not much is known about the devices, but a front-panel that leaked just the other day for a Nokia phone featured the new Windows tile button, indicating the use of Windows Phone 8. The cut out for the display on the panel measured 4.3-inches, with the design featuring rounded corners and curves instead of the sharp angles of the Lumia 800 and 900.

Microsoft, meanwhile, is expected to demo Windows Phone 8 on Nokia’s new handsets, showing off some more consumers oriented features in addition to what was first seen at the Windows Phone Summit in June. We’ll be sure to bring you all the details, so mark September 5th down on your calendar if you’re a Windows Phone fan looking forward to the next big thing.

Nokia and Microsoft schedule Windows Phone event for September 5th is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.