Hasta La Gadget!

Avid Skype video users on Windows Phone 8, now is the time to get your hair did — HD video is now possible employing “higher-end” WP8 devices, such as the Lumia 920, HTC 8X, and Samsung Ativ S. “Lower end handsets” will have to settle for VGA video, though Microsoft says call quality across the board was improved in update 2.4. All WP8 handsets will enjoy People Hub integration, meaning you can jump right into Skype calls from your contacts list, rather than having to independently open the app. And should a friend need to use your phone to Skype a buddy in Belgrade, account switching is now integrated into the main menu. The update is of course free, and available right now in the Windows Phone store. Head past the break for the full list of updates.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

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Source: Windows Phone Store, Skype

Nokia’s throwing shade the best way it can. Its latest Windows Phone 8 app, #2InstaWithLove, is a demented valentine of sorts. It’s Nokia’s backhanded loveslap to Instagram; the app equivalent of a beautifully wrapped box with an impaled pig’s heart inside. Created in response to the lack of Instagram’s presence in the Windows Store, Nokia’s offering Lumia owners a photo filtering application of its own, one that’ll let “you have your voice heard,” presumably, in an attempt to hasten the app’s arrival on Microsoft’s platform. But rather than outright ape Instagram’s popular filtered options, Nokia’s app offers just one filter: a “classic Polaroid” look emblazoned with the hashtag #2InstaWithLove. There’s really no need to read between the lines, because as social media middle fingers go, this one’s incredibly transparent. Your move, Instagram.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia

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Source: Windows Phone Store

We can’t say that there’s a huge cross-section of the market that both owns a Lumia phone and likes snowboarding enough to want an app dedicated to the sport, but Nokia will at least have that audience sewn up through an exclusive team-up with Burton. Their newly publicized Windows Phone 8-only release lets hill carvers prepare for every stage of their trip, from shopping for gear and getting the local slope forecast through to that all-important motivational music playlist. Those who can’t brave the descent can still create a sequenced photo from video taken at the sidelines, or stream Burton’s Open Events from the safety of home. Anyone as likely to do a frontside 180 as carry a Lumia 620 can hit the source link or video below to get a peek — preferably before the grass peeks out from the hillside.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia

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Source: Windows Phone Store

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile

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It certainly took a little longer than Photosynth fanatics had hoped, but Microsoft’s highly-rated application is available on Windows Phone 8 at long last. Just as we’d heard, Photosynth will seamlessly integrate with the WP8 Lens, allowing users to easily launch the panorama features without having to leave the main shooting interface. In addition, Microsoft gave the app a couple more boosts, including the ability to quickly adjust to different lighting scenarios thanks to more white balance and exposure locking controls, as well as making it easier to view Photosynths your dear friends would like you to see via Twitter, Facebook or email. Eager to give it a go? Then look no further than the source link to see what the Mango crowd has been enjoying for months.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

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Source: Photosynth