Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft’s rebuilt Skype app is now available to download for those early Windows Phone 8 shoppers. While we already took a tour of the new app last month, you’re now able to do the same. New features include Skype contacts within the People Hub (and access directly from there), while you’ll be able to login to the service with either your Microsoft or Skype account — no option yet to merge the two. You will be able to send messages to anyone still using Messenger, but more importantly, receive both Skype calls and chat missives even when the app is whirring in the background. Incoming call notifications will appear on screen and its very own Live Tile will then notify you of any messages (though not calls) missed.

This is still a preview of a final product, however, and some issues with incoming calls meaning it could tap into your cellular data connection even if WiFi is hooked up after the call is accepted. At the moment, incoming calls when the app is closed will only be delivered through audio, even if the other person is trying to send video. Similarly, if you exit the app during a video call, the stream will be cut short. There’s also no ability to edit your phone contacts and there’s some missing Windows Phone integration links on this early build. Hit up the source for a full list of the early drawbacks and if you’re still in, the second source will send you to the download. We’ve also added our recent hands-on video after the break.

Continue reading Skype for Windows Phone 8 official preview available now (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

Skype for Windows Phone 8 official preview available now (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Lumia 820 has been tucked away behind the shadow of its bigger brother ever since it was revealed, but if any phone represents the Windows Phone 8 vision — different phones for different people — it’s this next-generation Lumia. Avoiding the unibody build of the rest of the family, this phone has an outer shell that’s removable and can work with a range of cases: glossy, not-glossy, ruggedized and capable of wireless charging. It’s a nice option, one that offers a taste of hardware customization before you’ve even started swiping around the Live Tiles and customizing the color schemes.

Under the lid, there’s a removable 1,650mAh battery, with access to expandable microSD storage. Other specs include 1GB of RAM, the same 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor used in the Lumia 920 and a 4.3-inch OLED 800 x 480 display, albeit with the same glove-courting super-sensitivity found on that other new Lumia. On AT&T, it’ll be $50 upfront, half the outlay for the 920, while in the UK, it’s priced SIM-free at £380 in the UK, again compared to £445 for the bigger model. At this reduced price, you won’t get to sample Nokia’s optical image stabilization, but you’ll still get a Carl Zeiss lens paired with an 8-megapixel sensor. So there’s some understandable drawbacks compared to Nokia’s statement phone and its two greatest strengths, but how does Windows Phone 8 fare on a cheaper handset? Join us after the break as we see what 50 bucks less gets you.

Continue reading Nokia Lumia 820 review: a less expensive option for the Windows Phone crowd

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia

Nokia Lumia 820 review: a less expensive option for the Windows Phone crowd originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 04:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We recently reviewed the global (HSPA+) version of HTC’s Windows Phone 8X, the first handset to cross our desks running Microsoft’s newly minted mobile OS. Starting today you’ll be able to purchase HTC’s 8X for AT&T, which features the same exquisite design but adds LTE and a dash of carrier flavor. Pricing with a two-year commitment is $100 for the 8GB model (available in California Blue and Limelight Yellow) and $200 for the 16GB version (blue only) — in comparison, the global (HSPA+) phone sells for about $560 unsubsidized and unlocked. We spent a few days with the 8X for AT&T and while it’s pretty much identical to its global sibling, there are a few differences worth mentioning. Hit the break to find out more.

Continue reading HTC Windows Phone 8X for AT&T: what’s different?

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, AT&T

HTC Windows Phone 8X for AT&T: what’s different? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Waiting to get a taste of HTC’s first Windows Phone 8 device on Verizon? Big Red’s website says you won’t have to wait beyond next week for your first shot, indicating HTC 8X pre-orders ($199 on 2-year contract, $549 retail) will ship by November 13th for the black or blue models, although the red version is held up until the 21st. That’s the same day the two companies have an event scheduled in NYC — now the only question is if the Droid DNA will make an appearance. That date is in line with what’s been revealed of other carrier’s plans for HTC’s Windows Phone 8X, with T-Mobile on the 14th, Bell on the 15th and Rogers on the 12th.

Update: It looks like the $99 Lumia 822 we’ve had some hands-on time with has also been listed by Verizon, and with the same release date. Decisions, decisions.

[Thanks, Matt]

Filed under: Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, Verizon

Verizon says HTC 8X will ship ‘by 11/13’, red model due on the 21st (Update: Lumia 822 too) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 02:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon’s had a couple days to mull over its response to AT&T’s Windows Phone 8 pricing, and it’s now ready to make its intentions known: the Nokia Lumia 822 and HTC Windows Phone 8X will both be available for pre-order beginning tomorrow and will officially be on store shelves before Thanksgiving. Nokia’s model can be yours in white, black and grey for $100 after $50 mail-in rebate, while HTC’s WP8 flagship will be offered in blue, red or black for $200. (Verizon also confirmed that red and black will be carrier-exclusive.) Big Red also confirmed that the ATIV S Odyssey will arrive before the end of the year, but no pricing or dates were offered.

Continue reading Verizon to offer Nokia Lumia 822 for $100 and HTC Windows Phone 8X for $200, both to go on sale by Thanksgiving

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Verizon to offer Nokia Lumia 822 for $100 and HTC Windows Phone 8X for $200, both to go on sale by Thanksgiving originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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