Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft is prepping a remedy for Windows Phone 8 which will squash a bug that’s caused some devices loaded with the OS to reboot without notice. According to a statement issued by Ballmer and Co., Redmond and its partners have identified the cause of the restart woes and are working on pushing out an over-the-air update in December. However, Microsoft is remaining coy regarding what’s behind the mishap. Sure, a randomly restarting handset is cause for agitation, but remembering that the latest release of Windows Phone has accounted for the month of December might be a small consolation.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

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Source: AllThingsD

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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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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Microsoft has secured access to over 11 million WiFi hotspots for Windows Phone 8 users today by inking a deal with virtual network provider Devicescape. Hoping to help people avoid pesky data overages, this partnership uses Windows Phone 8’s Data Sense feature to locate participating hotspots from Devicescape’s group of pre-approved WiFi access points. When launched, the app pulls up a Bing-powered map displaying nearby hotspots and vets them based on their signal strengths. Now before you start dreaming of watching your entire Netflix queue on your shiny new Lumia 920, keep in mind that Verizon’s currently the only US carrier on the Data Sense bandwagon. Hopefully Microsoft’s customer-friendly approach to mobile data will motivate other service providers to follow suit as more Windows Phone 8 handsets become available.

Continue reading Microsoft partners with Devicescape to give WP8 users access to over 11 million WiFi hotspots

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft

Microsoft partners with Devicescape to give WP8 users access to over 11 million WiFi hotspots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 22:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Following its launch event in San Francisco and the appearance of its first devices last week, the folks behind Windows Phone 8 is hoping for big things in the future. Microsoft’s chief exec Steve Ballmer said that its work with Nokia, HTC and Samsung offered them the chance to create a “really strong third participant in the smartphone market.” He admitted that they weren’t there quite yet and told the audience at a Windows 8 launch event in Israel that Microsoft’s mobile OS was “still relatively small”, but that he expects “the volumes on Windows Phone to really ramp quickly.” The company will be lavishing more on marketing and advertising around Windows 8, Window Phone 8 and Surface than it has on anything previous — which sounds good, as its new mobile OS might need the help.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft

Ballmer: Windows Phone 8 ‘still small’, but will ‘really ramp quickly’ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 06:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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