Nokia Lumia 925 review: lots of changes, but not much difference

Nokia Lumia 925 review lots of changes, but not much difference

It’s been just half a year since Nokia revealed its first Windows Phone 8 device, and we’ve already got another flagship to review. The Lumia 925 marks a departure in design for Nokia — it looks nothing like its predecessors, barring an expanse of screen and some capacitive Windows buttons. This time around, the phone is housed in an aluminum frame, making it Nokia’s first metal smartphone since those heady Symbian days. This, alongside some hardware repositioning and (minor) specification changes has been enough for the Lumia 925 to weigh notably less than its 920 forebear — and we think it’s enough to feel in your hand. As we juggled the two Windows Phones ahead of this review, our first impressions were that the 925 was also much easier to hold, despite only a negligible difference in thickness.

This, alongside some hardware repositioning and (minor) specification changes has been enough for the Lumia 925 to weigh notably less than its 920 forebear

Arriving in three comparatively restrained monochrome hues (white, black and grey), Nokia’s returned to OLED for its display tech, although it’s the same 1,280 x 768 resolution as the rest of the 920 series and includes the company’s anti-reflective screen technology for good measure. Its new Smart Camera app debuts on the Lumia 925, standing alongside the stock app and offering up some interesting new picture-taking options.

Otherwise, it’s an awful lot like the Lumia 920, at least on paper: there’s the same lauded 8.7-megapixel camera sensor (with an extra lens element), the same dual-core 1.5GHz processor and the same OS (albeit with some beta goodies). Nokia reckons that the phone is geared towards a different buyer than those who bought the Lumia 920, but alongside Verizon’s recent US-only Lumia 928, is there enough to get fans that skipped on last year’s model to buy this time around? And is there enough to persuade you not to hold out for what’s on the horizon?

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Acer won’t do Windows Phone this year, wants Microsoft to pick up the pace

Acer won't do Windows Phone this year, asks Microsoft to pick up the pace

It’s been a long, long time since Acer launched a Windows Phone… and from all indications, we’re going to keep waiting. The company’s Allen Burnes tells Pocket-lint that Windows Phone 8 is good, but “not the right decision” for Acer in 2013. His firm is concerned with boosting sales volume, and the Liquid series of Android phones are currently better for that task, Burnes says. In his mind, Microsoft has to make a stronger case for Windows Phone — Acer will come back to the OS once there’s improved marketing and (hopefully) more demand. We aren’t entirely surprised that Acer is holding off when it’s already reluctant to back Windows RT, but the cautious attitude is still a disappointment for those who want a little more diversity in Microsoft’s mobile ecosystem.

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Source: Pocket-lint

Nokia and Microsoft ‘working even closer,’ will have something to show us soon

At a UK briefing for Nokia’s incoming Lumia 925, the company revealed that it’s continuing to deepen its relationship with Microsoft. Nokia UK’s Ray Haddow said that it was “working even closer” with Redmond and that we can expect to see the fruits of this pairing “in the next few weeks.” While we’re not sure what that will entail just yet (and we’re already expecting to see some beta software functionality land on our review model), we’re hoping to see some new features from the team-up. Better still, we’ve just received our very own Lumia 925 to test, so expect a review very soon.

Update: As the meeting progresses, we’ve heard another small tidbit out of Nokia related to this collaboration. It appears that reps have been emphasizing the marketing aspects of this pairup, suggesting the two companies will work together in advertising and increasing Nokia’s visibility. We’ll update this post with more info if we get more clarification on exactly what we can expect.

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MapQuest arrives for Windows Phone 8

MapQuest arrives for Windows Phone 8

Let’s be frank: most Windows Phone users already have some form of navigation on hand, whether it’s Nokia’s Here Drive+ beta or one of the alternatives. However, it rarely hurts to have a free choice like MapQuest’s new app for Windows Phone 8. The suite offers voiced, turn-by-turn directions for driving and walking, along with live traffic and the usual point-of-interest searching. The app is comparatively basic, and it’s only available in US English right now — but if it’s all you need to get from point A to point B, it’s available at the source link.

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Via: All About Windows Phone, Windows Phone Blog

Source: Windows Phone Store

HTC Windows Phone with Sprint LTE surfaces in FCC docs

HTC Windows Phone with Sprint LTE surfaces in FCC docs

We know for sure that Sprint intends to carry Windows Phone 8 devices from HTC and Samsung this summer — the company said as much at this past CES. And with yet another HTC WP8 filing surfacing at the FCC, the evidence for a fast-approaching launch continues to mount. Bearing a model number that branches off from the rumored Tiara, the PO88100 looks destined for the Now Network as it reps some very carrier-specific frequencies, namely the presence of CDMA and LTE Band 25. Apart from that, we know it’ll also support NFC, BT 4.0 and WiFi a/b/g/n, but that’s the extent of what these docs reveal. What you can likely expect from HTC when it does get official, is a more moderately-specced device that differs from the One in style, size and power; something that slots in with the WP8 demo.

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Source: FCC

Jetpack Joyride finally lands on Windows Phone

Jetpack Joyride finally lands on Windows Phone

Android, iOS, Windows 8, BB10. Jetpack Joyride, which has been available on the aforementioned platforms for quite some time, is no stranger to mobile or desktop users — unless you’re using Windows Phone. Despite the fact that Microsoft announced the free game seven months ago when Windows Phone 8 was officially launched, smooth rider Barry Steakfries is now finally collecting coins and getting electrocuted on the mobile OS, and will do so with Xbox Live integration. It’s no Halo, but it’s still a solid timewaster.

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Via: WPCentral

Source: Windows Phone Store

Adobe Reader now available for Windows Phone 8, no longer limited to 7.5

Adobe Reader now available for Windows Phone 8, no longer limited to 75

Something as simple as a PDF-friendly application can make things so much better for any mobile user — and who other than the file pioneer to be the provider of such element. While Adobe Reader was already available for folks on Mango, the app is now expanding its horizons and reaching a more recent version of Microsoft’s OS, Windows Phone 8. As far as features go, Adobe’s app is the very same one that’s been present on WP 7.5 for some time, but with the exception that it’s now bringing its PDF opening / viewing traits to a broader audience. The Windows Phone 8-ready app is up for grabs now, so hit the source link below if you’d like to get the download process initiated.

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Source: Windows Phone

ATIV Odyssey for US Cellular leaked in promo materials

ATIV Odyssey for US Cellular leaked in promo materials

US Cellular’s been promising a WP8 handset for quite some time now, and it looks like the company’s about to deliver exactly that. As you might recall, US Cellular’s last Windows Phone offering was the entry-level ZTE Render which ran WP7.5 (Tango). We recently obtained promo materials for an ATIV Odyssey with US Cellular branding. This mid-range Samsung device, which is currently available on Verizon, packs a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage (with microSD expansion), LTE and NFC support, plus a five-megapixel autofocus camera with flash. While none of this is official (yet), we fully expect US Cellular to make a proper announcement real soon now. Until then, check out the gallery below for some of the aforementioned promo material.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

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HTC M4 possibly spotted next to two monstrosities: alleged Nokia Lumia 1030 and Sony ‘Togari’ (update: likely fake)

DNP HTC M4 possibly pictured alongside alleged Nokia Lumia 1030 and Sony 'Togari' cellular monstrosity

If there’s an award for the meatiest leak of the year, then this would make a fitting nomination. The above photo (reformatted for this page) was tweeted earlier today by France-based Dahny El Perro, who claims the blue device in the top right corner is an upcoming Nokia Lumia 1030. While it’s hard to tell the physical features from the blurred shot, the wider spacing around the Windows Phone soft keys suggests this might be a larger device than the existing Lumia 920. More interestingly, its screenshot features an extra tile column, which is a feature rumored to be part of the Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update, according to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley.

Next up we have what appears to be the rumored 6.44-inch, 1080p Sony “Togari,” whose front panel was first spotted way back in January. Alas, there’s little to see here, but we were quickly distracted by the much smaller HTC device next to it. Many have simply dismissed this as the One, though if you look close enough you should notice the subtle differences: the frame is white all around the phone, and the speaker grills are shorter. Indeed, this device matches @evleaks’ earlier render of the 4.3-inch M4, thus making this leak its first real-life appearance. But of course, there’s also a good chance that this is merely a very clever hoax involving three unannounced devices, not to mention that the Twitter account is also super fresh, so we won’t be placing any bets just yet.

Update: WPCentral’s sources say Nokia currently does not have plans for this type of over-sized phone, and they’ve confirmed that this image is inaccurate. Upon further research and analysis, we’re leaning towards believing this is indeed an elaborate hoax.

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Via: Blog Of Mobile (Japanese)

Source: Dahny el Perro (Twitter)

Shazam launches on Windows Phone 8 with links to Xbox Music and free unlimited tagging

Shazam launches on Windows Phone 8 with links to Xbox Music and improved tagging

Shazam might claim over 300 million song-checkers already, but it’s all about increasing that audience, and from today, that includes Windows Phone 8. The app has launched free on Microsoft’s mobile OS, with the ability to tag directly from the home screen. Once it’s recognized the track, Shazam can connect to both Xbox Music and Nokia Music services to pick up the full track for playback. Shazam also promises to recognize TV shows and ads through audio and offer up an “interactive second-screen experience,” although there’s scant detail on what that might involve. While the app is free, like its iOS and Android counterparts, it arrives with unlimited tagging, which should make it perfect for anyone that really can’t remember who did that song. (It was probably Prince.)

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Source: Microsoft