Apr 02
Today at the Build Developer Conference, Microsoft is showing off the newest version of its phone OS, Windows Phone 8.1. And now, Windows Phone now has its own personal assistant: Cortana.
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Nov 20
It may not have received the same amount of buzz as Instagram this morning, but social GPS app Waze is another hugely popular service that’s finally reaching the Windows Phone masses today. The free app brings over several of the same features found on other platforms, such as live routing, road alerts, the cheapest gas stations and live maps.
It’s interesting to see Waze — a navigation service acquired by Google earlier this year — now coming to Microsoft’s mobile OS. This is especially noteworthy given the choppy relationship Microsoft and Google have had in relation to services like YouTube and Exchange. While we don’t want to assume that more Google-owned products will be heading to the platform — especially given the fact that Waze was already working on a Windows Phone beta prior to acquisition — this is definitely a step in the right direction and hopefully will be followed up by other official Google services.
This post was updated to reflect the fact that Waze had a Windows Phone beta test in progress prior to the Google acquisition.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile
Source: Windows Phone Store
Nov 18
Windows Phone has never looked this good. The latest update to Microsoft’s mobile operating system, known as Update 3, added support for 1080p displays, large smartphone screens and state-of-the-art processors. And now, these features are finally showing up on actual hardware. The first device to tick off all these boxes is the Nokia Lumia 1520, a 6-inch flagship with all of the trimmings we’ve been waiting to see on a Windows Phone device for three years now.
Because high-end Windows Phones have been limited to whatever specs Microsoft officially supports, we’ve felt that Nokia’s flagships didn’t differ enough in specs from the lowest-end Lumias to justify the enormous price difference. At least, they didn’t until now. The Lumia 1520 is the first top-of-the-line Windows Phone device that brings the best possible components. So, what’s WP8 like on hardware that isn’t behind the times? Let’s find out. %Gallery-slideshow122047%
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia
Nov 15
Bluetooth low energy compatibility arrived on select Nokia Lumia models (520, 620, 625 and 720) through the Amber update, but now it’s making its way to the rest of the line. A new FAQ entry on Espoo’s website has confirmed that the feature will come to all devices in the range (even the more high-end ones) via the upcoming Lumia Black update. The Bluetooth 4.0 mode mode uses less power than traditional Bluetooth data connections, and its arrival will allow all Lumias to connect with accessories and other gadgets that use the technology exclusively. Nokia has yet to reveal when Black will be released, but we’ll update you faster than a Bluetooth transfer as soon as we find out.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia
Via: PocketNow
Source: Nokia
Oct 02
When Microsoft acquired Nokia’s devices and services business, it left the Here maps platform behind. However, that doesn’t mean it’s been abandoned. In fact, the Finnish company announced today that the mapping service will receive an update that’ll allow for incremental updates to offline maps. This means that whenever there’s an update to only a portion of a map, users can download just that part instead of the whole map all over again. This should hopefully lead to less data consumed and a faster upgrade overall. Nokia is rolling out the update starting today for all Windows Phone 8 devices that have the latest firmware. No word yet on whether Here will be updated for Android and iOS, but seeing as the company just signed over a huge part of their business to Microsoft, we’re not surprised they’re giving first dibs to the OS from Redmond.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Source: Nokia Conversations
Sep 20
Microsoft cuts off Skype support for Windows Phone 7 because old things must die
Posted in: Today's Chili
There are two ways to deliver bad news: an overlong, meandering apology or the ‘pull no punches’ route. Microsoft, in explaining away future Skype support for Windows Phone 7, went with option number one. You see, it’s not you, it’s Windows Phone 8. And besides, according to Microsoft, there aren’t even really that many of you left on WP7 to merit continued updates. Please understand, this is about the future; it’s about integrating Skype into every (viable) Microsoft platform and product and you, forlorn WP7 user, aren’t part of that picture. Chin up, though, you can still download the app from the Windows Phone Store. Now don’t say Microsoft never gave you anything. Buh bye.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: Skype
Sep 09
Nokia Lumia 625 review
Posted in: Today's Chili
Another week, another Lumia. This latest grenade thrown by Nokia in its continued assault on the smartphone market is the Lumia 625. Following up on its previous high-end devices — the good-looking one, the one with the fancy camera — the 625 is a soldier of lower rank. There’s already an army of budget Windows Phones that fill various niches, so what’s the deal? Well, despite the number on its dog tag, the 625 is far from a Lumia 620 variant: it’s a completely different phone. For starters, it sports the biggest screen of any Lumia to date (for now, anyway). Actually, make that any Nokia phone ever made. But the real reason it exists has nothing to do with the display size; it’s all about the 4G radio hiding away inside. Does LTE, plus a big screen and eyebrow-raising price tag, make it worth your while, though?%Gallery-slideshow79311%
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia
Sep 07
Want the latest software updates for your phone? You can just wait like a pleb, or you can go buy handsets on Craigslist and hope to get lucky. Apparently Windows Phone Central user xs2k did the latter when he just happened to buy a phone with the latest, unreleased Windows Phone 8 OS on it.
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Aug 31
There was a time when Windows Phone 7 users could only look on as WP8-using peers Like status updates on their newer and shinier Facebook app. Not anymore. An update to the Beta version is now ready for download, bringing to the table a user interface similar to the WP8 version that meshes well with the platform’s aesthetics. Those who’ve been waiting for the update forever can hit the source link below — it’s available for both platforms, so WP8-toting folks can also join the party.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Facebook
Source: Facebook (Windows Phone Store)
Aug 27
This summer, Sprint’s lineup of Windows Phone 8 devices increased from zero to two. The first to show up in stores was the HTC 8XT ($100 on contract), a modified version of the 8X designed for Sprint customers upgrading from old Windows Phones. Though in many ways it’s a chip off the ol’ block, there are enough differences in the hardware (and to a lesser extent, the software) that it has a personality all its own. So what exactly makes this particular handset sit apart from last year’s flagship? And does it enhance or take away from the original 8X user experience? Keep reading to find out.%Gallery-slideshow73406%
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, Sprint
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