Windows Phone Thoughts.com

Nokia Lumia 900 Pre-order Now Available For $25

Richard Chao — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:30:00 GMT

http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/2/27...-store-preorder

"We reached out to Microsoft, and it confirmed that $25 will secure Nokia's latest Windows Phone handset for you, but there wasn't any new info on how much the phone will cost in full when launch day comes around."

Microsoft's Brick and Mortar Stores are now taking pre-orders for the Nokia Lumia 900. The 900 is one of two LTE capable WP7.5 phones being released by AT&T on March 18th. The other being the HTC Titan II.

If you want to pre-order the 900, grab $25.00 and head to your local Microsoft Store.

Details Of Windows Phone 8 Apollo Revealed

Richard Chao — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:14:00 GMT

http://pocketnow.com/windows-phone/...hone-8-detailed

"Microsoft has some major changes in store for Windows Phone 8, we've learned, which is the version of the platform currently being referred to by codename "Apollo" (the one scheduled for deployment after the upcoming Tango update)."

Details of Windows Phone 8 "Apollo" are now available thanks to a video meant for Nokia hosted by Joe Belfiore seen by pocketnow.com.

Looking at the features coming in Windows Phone 8 Apollo, this upgrade will definite put the OS in the running for top three mobile OSes. Here are just a few of the changes as cited by pocketnow.com.

- Multicore processor support

- Four new screen resolutions

- MicroSD card storage

- NFC wallet and tap sharing

- Windows 8 integration

- Data management

- And many more...

So, the question now is do you pick up the Lumia 900, wait for the 910 or hold out for Apollo and the phones that will inevitably follow?

Nokia Chargers Power Up

Nurhisham Hussein — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

http://www.wpcentral.com/nokia-char...s-phones-faster

"While it's been confirmed by Nokia already, the team over at WeLoveWP.hk have run some tests on charging the Lumia Windows Phone with a number of options. Turns out...the Nokia Lumia adapters provided more charge for a faster rate of recharge."

I'm not sure a "faster" charger is that much of an advantage, as bearing in mind my rudimentary knowledge of battery technology, fast charging like this tends to stress the battery more while also generating more heat. You might be trading off faster charging against a shorter battery lifespan. Of course, if you're in the habit of buying an extra battery or two, or changing phones every couple of years, that might not matter much. The nice thing though is that since the Lumia models will charge off a standard USB port, the decision is yours.

30 to Launch Coming Soon

Adan Galvan — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

http://www.30tolaunch.com/Home/Index

Starting tomorrow, Microsoft will begin the '30 to Launch' campaign to encourace developers to submit apps to the Windows Phone Marketplace. The schedule has not been revealed, but the rules state that each sumbitted app will mean entry into the contest. The 500 winners and the grand prize winner will be selected by a panel of judges and receive prizes such as a Lumia 800. Four grand prize winnders will win an entertainment package consisting of a Samsung 46" television, an Xbox 360, and more. Apps are required to utilize features such as push notifications, background agents, or music and video hub integration. Hit the link for more information and get coding to win!

Flygrip Will Ease Your One Handed Fears

Jeff Campbell — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:00:00 GMT

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/01/fl...e-handed-usage/

"So you're walking with your iPhone in one hand, and a Starbucks latte in the other, and granted it is possible to use the iPhone in one hand, it could prove to be "fatal" since one hand tends to offer less support compared to two, and we all know that heart wrenching feeling when your brand new gadget slips out of your hand and onto the hard pavement."

Basically very simple, as all this does is attach to the iPhone case or the iPhone itself and you slide your fingers in and can start using your iPhone one handed without fear of dropping it. I can also be attached to the back of your iPad, or any other tablet for that matter. As you can see from the photos, it doesn't have to be an Apple product to work. Three sizes (small, medium and large) depending on the finger size and you can get them for $29.95 USD each from the Flygrip store located here. That seems a bit spendy to me, and I think I would rather just spend that on a better case. What are your thoughts?

The Value Of Microsoft To Nokia

Nurhisham Hussein — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

http://www.slashgear.com/nokia-micr...phone-26210827/

"Microsoft paid Nokia $250m in Q4 2011 for adopting Windows Phone, the Finnish company's financial results today have revealed, the first of a "platform support payments" scheme expected to eventually account for billions of dollars. The two companies have always declined to put an exact figure on the "significant investments" Nokia would receive, though this new stat lends weight to earlier talk of over a billion in Microsoft subsidies."

Talk about getting paid - what kind of reward do you think would a CEO get from his shareholders, if he got another company to pony up a billion greenbacks? Conversely, what should the shareholders of Microsoft think of a billion dollars in cash going to somebody else, who isn't even a big name in the US (and losing ground everywhere else)? Still it shows the kind of lengths Microsoft, or should I say Steve Ballmer, will go to to get WP7 into wider circulation. As much hammering as Nokia has taken in the last couple of years, they're still a big presence in most major and emerging markets. This is a gamble, but given the competition, it's probably no time for half measures.

Will 2012 Be The Year Of Windows Phone?

Brad Wasson — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT

http://robtiffany.com/windows-phone...f-windows-phone

"So here we stand with the best smartphone operating system, best hardware, best development tools and the best mobile web browser. I'm certain that Windows Phone with its army of app developers, OEMs and Mobile Operator partners will be marching to victory this year."

Yes it will, says Rob Tiffany in his blog. How is he so sure? Well, he thinks it's a convergence of a number of factors that play well into Microsoft's hands. For instance, he believes that exciting new hardware options will entice customers from a handset perspective, and developers will be able to develop compelling new apps using Microsoft's effective development environment. Good points, and indeed these will be important factors. I think marketing, product positioning with both vendors and the public, and continual evolution of the reference hardware specs will be important too. Read through his blog and the drop over to our forums to let us know if you think 2012 will be "the" year for Windows Phone.

AT&T Lumia 900 Set For March 18th Release At $99.99

Richard Chao — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:11:00 GMT

http://www.bgr.com/2012/01/25/atts-...18th-for-99-99/

"We just received a portion of AT&T's 2012 roadmap from a trusted source, and it looks like AT&T isn't playing around this year."

BGR is reporting that a leaked AT&T 2012 roadmap shows the Nokia Lumia 900 will be available on March 18th for $99.00 with a two year contract.

Pinspiration: A Social Network Based Around Photos

Richard Chao — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:24:00 GMT

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/a...29-1054028bac4c

"Pinspiration is the best way to browse and post to Pinterest on your Windows phone. Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard - a place to catalog and share the things you love."

Pinspiration is a social network app that allows users to browse and share favorite photos. If you find a photographer you like, you can elect to follow that user and subscribe to their new pins. If you pin the app to the home screen, the Live Tile will rotate through the most popular photos that are currently being shared.

Pinspiration is available in the Marketplace. There is a paid version with full access and an ad supported one. Give the free version a spin here.

Reminder: Revised AT&T Data Plans Takes Effect On Sunday

Richard Chao — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:30:00 GMT

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5443/...tphones-tablets

"Beginning this Sunday, January 22, AT&T will begin offering new data plans to its US smartphone and tablet customers, its first change to the plans since June 2010."

If you are constantly finding yourself using just a tick over your data plan allowances and thereby incurring overages, AT&T's new data plans may be for you. Smartphone plans are now available in either 300MB ($20), 3GB ($30) and 5GB ($50). Subscribers of the 5GB plan will get tethering tossed in for free. Tablet plans have also been revised to 3GB ($30) and 5GB ($50). The low end 250MB tablet plan for $14.99 is the only plan that remains unchanged.

Of course if you are happy with your current plan, you may elect to stay with it but new subscribers will have to choose from one of the new plans.

Comprehensive Lumia 710 Review

Adan Galvan — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews...obile,3109.html

The Nokia Lumia 710 was released last week on T-Mobile USA and the reviews have been largely positive. The device is the first Nokia Lumia device released in the US and will come with a large advertising campaign funded by both Microsoft and Nokia. The device has 3.7" screen 5MP camera, and of course Windows Phone 7.5. Tom's Hardware has done a thorough review that looks at the hardware, special features, camera and more. Hit the link for the full review.

Lumia 900 With Improvements May Be Coming Mid-2012

Richard Chao — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:16:00 GMT

http://www.winsupersite.com/blog/su...-mid2012-141907

"But according to my source, it is indeed temporary. And other carriers will be able to sell the device 45 days after AT&T's launch date of March 18."

Paul Thurrott via his winsupersite blog is citing a rival to AT&T source that has given him some new information on the availability of the Nokia Lumia 900. Supposedly, AT&T's exclusivity on the Lumia 900 will expire in 45 days at which time Nokia will make an improved Lumia 900 with a 12MP camera available to other carriers.

Remember, this rumor is unconfirmed and comes from an AT&T rival.

Samsung's 2nd Gen Focus - the Focus S

Don Tolson — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Product Category: Windows Phone 7 Smartphone

Manufacturer: Samsung

Where to Buy: Expansys [affiliate]

Price: $775 USD (unlocked, no contract)

System Requirements: Comes with Windows Phone 7 Mango (7720) installed.

Specifications: 1.4Ghz single core CPU, 16Gb internal storage, 1Gb RAM; 4.3in WVGA (480 x 800) Super AMOLED screen; Quad band (850/900/1800/1900) GPRS, Tri band UTMS (900/1700/2100), HSPA+; GPS; 8mp colour camera w/autofocus + LED flash, 720p HD video recording; BT 2.1 EDR & A2DP; 802.11b/g/n; 3.5mm stereo audio jack; microUSB 2.0; G-Sensor; 124mm (4.96in) x 66mm (2.6in) x 8.4mm (0.33in); 110g (3.9oz). Full specs are available at the Samsung site.

Pros:

Large, bright screen with amazing contrast;
Light weight, but solidly built;
All round, an amazing phone!

Cons:

Positioning of the power button makes it easy to 'accidentally' hit and turn it on/off when not intended;
A keyboard slider version of this phone would be a big bonus;
Sorry, it only comes in black :-).

Summary: The original Samsung Focus, despite some niggling flaws, multiple versions, and difficulties with upgrades, has been the Windows Phone 7 'phone to beat' almost from the day it arrived. While the HTC Titan and HD7 have been making inroads, the Focus still holds a significant portion of the Windows Phone 7 user community. Now, Samsung has issued the successor in two slightly different models - the Focus S with better specs and screen, and the more budget-minded Focus Flash. While not quite the massiveness of the HTC Titan, Samsung has again shown that it can 'lead the pack' in design and features with the Focus S.

Introduction

I was introduced to the Samsung Focus S by a friend of mine who had secured on through a friend who got it from the Microsoft Store in Seattle. Normally, I wouldn't even have considered the Focues S since I'd convinced myself that I had to have a hardware keyboard to handle all the emails, etc during my day. But, after seeing and playing with the Focus S for about half an hour, I was hooked. The screen was much bigger than I had on the LG Quantum and it was just plain gorgeous. I immediately started trolling eBay for an unlocked version, since they aren't available from any of the cellular providers here in Canada.

I had to spend a little bit more than I usually do on new phones, but I eventually found an unlocked one from AT&T still in its original box.

What Comes in the Package

The contents of most phone packages are getting pretty standard these days, with just the basics needed. There was, however, a nice surprise here when it came to the earphones.

Figure 1: Here's what came in the box. As mentioned, this particular unit was pretty well direct from AT&T. I suspect the only reason the box was opened was to unlock the unit.

The box is the typical AT&T colour scheme but is good and sturdy. To the right of the box is the Focus S itself and just below that is the USB to microUSB charge/sync cable. It was a very nice surprise to find that the cable was almost 1m (39in) long -- almost twice the length normally provided. Below that is the wall charger with USB output, and to the left is the stereo earphones. This set is of significantly better quality than is normally seen included in most phone packages, both in terms of comfort and sound quality. Also included (in the little plastic bag below them) are alternate rubber tips to provide a more comfortable/snug fit in the ears. Nice touch, ATT & Samsung!

Figure 2: A closeup shot of the wall charger (North American), showing the standard USB port in the side of the unit. This is the first time I've seen a charger with this particular configuration. By having the cable come out sideways from the unit (instead of the back), it does cut down a bit on the extrusion from the wall, and protects against the cable being bent by furniture, etc.

Exterior Shots

Microsoft has been pretty prescriptive about the physical specifications for Windows Phones, so there's not a lot of variation when it comes to button and port locations.

Figure 3: Here's the front of the Focus S. Almost the entire front is taken up with the 4.3in (109 mm) screen. The 'buttons' on the bottom are 'soft' keys (specific dedicated areas of the touchscreen) rather than actual hardware buttons, as we've seen on earlier units.

Figure 4: The bottom of the Focus S basically sports the microUSB port for charging and sync. Just to the right is the small hole for the microphone.

Figure 5: The only button on the left side of the unit (as you look from the front) is the volume rocker near the top (just visible on the left side of this picture).

Windows Phone $100 Challenge: Final Tally

Richard Chao — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:51:00 GMT

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...t-ces-2012.aspx

"#smokedbywindowsphone is a wrap at CES 2012, and it was a raging success! Thousands of people (yes, we had crowds watching the challenges happen) saw first hand why Windows Phone connects them to the stuff and people they care about faster and easier than other smartphones."
The final tally is in for the $100 Windows Phone challenge. Windows Phone won 30 times, lost 3 times and tied once. Not a bad record considering the competition. You can watch the day two wrap up video posted by Microsoft on their Windows Team Blog here.

20 Questions for Microsoft and Nokia

Nurhisham Hussein — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

http://www.wpcentral.com/wpcentral-...hields-ces-2012

"WPCentral was lucky enough today to sit down with Nokia's senior vice president, Windows Phone program management Kevin Shields and Joe Belfiore, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President, Windows Phone program management."
It's a fairly long interview, but what you get is some insight into Nokia's plans for entering the US market and the design process for the Lumia 900. Enjoy!

Windows Phone $100 Challenge: WP7.5 VS Galaxy Nexus

Richard Chao — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:18:00 GMT

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...ndowsphone.aspx

"The challenge was to find a 4-star Chinese restaurant nearby, then find directions to it. Here's how it went down:"
Image courtesy of dailymobile.se
Ben the PC Guy is at CES challenging users of other OS's to speed contests. If Ben wins, the loser has to say "I got smoked by Windows Phone." If they win, they get to pocket $100.00. The first taker was using a Galaxy Nexus and the challenge was to find a 4-star Chinese restaurant with directions. This challenge highlights Local Scout and it's advantage over having to go through a search then pop over to maps for directions. You can watch the video here. The best part is when the Galaxy Nexus user asks, "What app are you using?"

Engadget Interviews Nokia's Stephon Elop

Richard Chao — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:43:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/...-ces-2012-vide/

"We had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with CEO Stephen Elop here are CES 2012 and talk about all things Nokia -- including the freshly minted Lumia 900."
Engadget's Myriam Joire sat down with Stephen Elop and discussed Nokia's U.S. strategy and the new Lumia 900. The interview can be seen her e.

Hands On With The Nokia Lumia 900

Nurhisham Hussein — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:30:00 GMT

http://blog.laptopmag.com/nokia-lum...ne-gets-serious

Laptopmag.com have a quick hands-on with the forthcoming US version of the Nokia Lumia 900, which will debut on AT&T's LTE network soon. The hardware's what you would expect from a Windows Phone 7 except for a nice, big 4.3" screen and 8MP camera with Carl Zeiss lens. Interested? I am.

Use ATrack to Track Your Favorite Authors

Jon Westfall — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/a...f1-c2bfa1bd76a1

"ATrack allows you to track your favorite authors and keep up with their new releases. Search for your favorite authors, and add them your list to view the latest and upcoming releases. Click on the name of any book in your booklist to view more details. Upcoming versions will provide a background agent to alert you of new releases."
Our own Adan Galvan has released his first Windows Phone app, and it's pretty cool if you're an avid reader who doesn't have the time to keep up on your favorite authors. ATrack will keep the list nicely organized, and let you find out what's new with just a tap. Future versions promise background notifications so you'll always know when your favorite authors have something new out!

HTC Announces HTC TITAN II - HTC's First 4G LTE Windows Phone

Brad Wasson — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

http://www.htc.com

"Packed with advanced imaging technology, the HTC TITAN II features a 16-megapixel camera with a wide-angle lens, autofocus, dual LED flash, red eye reduction, image stabilization, a backside-illuminated sensor and a physical camera button, offering a viable replacement for digital point-and-shoot cameras. The HTC TITAN II delivers a number of features that HTC has developed to help consumers capture photos in a variety of conditions; for instance, panoramic shot for sweeping landscapes and burst shot for action photography. The smartphone also enables 720p HD video recording with the rear-facing camera, as well as on-the-go video chat over Wi-Fi with its 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.
Today, at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, HTC introduced the HTC TITAN II as the company’s first Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) device to run on a 4G LTE network. Packed with an impressive feature list, including a 4.7-inch LCD display, a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera (for video chat), this phone provides the largest display among Windows Phones, an advanced digital camera and access to 4G LTE speeds. If you are in the market for a new smartphone, be sure to check this out and perhaps buy yourself a "little" present. Read on for the full press release.
HTC Press Release

HTC ANNOUNCES HTC TITAN II —HTC’S FIRST 4G LTE WINDOWS PHONE
HTC’s LTE Portfolio Expands With Fourth LTE Smartphone;
Latest Windows Phone from HTC to Run on AT&T’s 4G LTE Network in U.S.
LAS VEGAS — Jan. 9, 2012 — At the 2012 International CES, HTC Corp. today introduced the HTC TITAN™ II as the company’s first Windows Phone to run on a 4G LTE network. Available in the coming months to AT&T customers, the smartphone includes the largest display among Windows Phones, an advanced 16-megapixel digital camera and access to 4G LTE* speeds.
“HTC’s history of innovation in 4G technology includes delivering the first 4G-powered devices to each major carrier in the U.S., so it is exciting today to continue that leadership with our first 4G LTE Windows Phone, the HTC TITAN II,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corp. “This full-featured smartphone combines HTC’s design with AT&T’s high-speed 4G LTE network and Microsoft’s powerful Windows Phone software, giving people more of what they crave.”
The HTC TITAN II comes equipped with a brilliant 4.7-inch super LCD capacitive touchscreen display for an optimized viewing experience when watching movies, playing games or enjoying photos and videos. The HTC TITAN II offers quick and easy access to the latest movies and TV shows via HTC Watch and on-the-go gaming with Xbox LIVE.
Packed with advanced imaging technology, the HTC TITAN II features a 16-megapixel camera with a wide-angle lens, autofocus, dual LED flash, red eye reduction, image stabilization, a backside-illuminated sensor and a physical camera button, offering a viable replacement for digital point-and-shoot cameras. The HTC TITAN II delivers a number of features that HTC has developed to help consumers capture photos in a variety of conditions; for instance, panoramic shot for sweeping landscapes and burst shot for action photography. The smartphone also enables 720p HD video recording with the rear-facing camera, as well as on-the-go video chat over Wi-Fi with its 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.
Access to AT&T’s speedy 4G LTE network paired with Qualcomm’s 1.5 GHz Snapdragon™ S2 processor, enables the HTC TITAN II to deliver fast Web surfing, streaming and downloading. This new powerful smartphone will also feature a 1,730mAh lithium ion battery to support the robust mobile experience on one of the fastest 4G LTE networks.
Featuring the latest version of Windows Phone, the HTC TITAN II enhances connectivity, efficiency and productivity for busy consumers with its large on-screen keyboard and instant access to Windows Phone Office Hub, Microsoft Exchange 2010 and Outlook Mobile. The Live Tile display brings friend and family groups to life and delivers the latest updates and news from popular social networks directly to the home screen. HTC TITAN II customers will also be able to download a number of exclusive HTC applications for free within Windows Marketplace through HTC Hub.
The HTC TITAN II is expected to become available exclusively from AT&T in the U.S. in the coming months.
*Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available. Deployment ongoing. Compatible data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense™, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Waggener Edstrom for HTC
htcpr@waggeneredstrom.com
425-638-7000