Windows Phone Thoughts.com

Quick Look At Tango

Brad Wasson — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:30:00 GMT

http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/15/2...creenshots-leak

"Screenshots of an alleged Windows Phone "Tango" build leaked to the internet today and demonstrate a number of new features in Microsoft's next Windows Phone update. Russian site WP7forum says that Tango will include the ability to export contacts to SIM, manage domestic / international roaming, and handle multiple attachments in a single MMS message."

There's not too much to go by here, save for a few little snippets about what might potentially be included in Windows Phone Tango. We do expect, of course, to hear more about future Windows Phone details at the upcoming Mobile Word Congress.

Task Arranger

Nurhisham Hussein — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/a...d2-c66147ef8728

One of the biggest omissions in Windows Phone 7 is the lack of a way to manage tasks, a consequence of the Microsoft's initial decision to focus on consumers rather than businesses. You can't even sync with Outlook tasks. Task Arranger won't solve that particular problem, but it will let you manage tasks on your WP7 device, through a rather pretty interface. The developers have a sense of humour too, if you watch the video. You can download a free trial to Task Arranger through the Windows Marketplace; it currently retails for $2.99.

Bluetooth SIG Confirms The Nokia Lumia 719

Richard Chao — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:30:00 GMT

http://www.neowin.net/news/report-s...ssues-in-future

"The Bluetooth SIG has just approved the Lumia 719, saying it's destined for Asia, North America and South America."

The Bluetooth SIG has just confirmed the existence of the Nokia Lumia 719. The 719 is purportedly soon to see the light of day in Asia, North America and South America. From the product details, it appears the 719 is very similar to the 710 in terms of feature set.

Going by Nokia's past naming conventions, this is probably a CDMA variant of the Lumia 710. Hopefully it is destined for either Sprint or Verizon in North America.

Channel 9 Launches Minute Of Mango Tip Series

Richard Chao — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:05:00 GMT

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...ies-begins.aspx

"Microsoft's Channel 9 kicked off a new tips & tricks video series for Windows Phone today called "Minute of Mango" that's fun and worth watching."

Microsoft's Channel 9 is launching a tips and tricks series called "Minute of Mango." The host, Laura Foy, will be featured in three new videos per week for the next ten weeks. Minute of Mango is designed for both new and current users looking to get the most out of their WP7 phones. It could even be used to show users of other platforms what they can get if they switch to WP7.

The first video in this series is titled "Custom Ringtones" and can be found here.

proSearch: You're All-In-One Search Client

Nurhisham Hussein — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

http://bytenine.com/Home/tabid/55/E...dows-Phone.aspx

"All search-sites in one! Beautiful, superfast search app, with all the biggest sites, and many categories for each site. It's the fastest way to find what you are looking for."

Ever been frustrated by Bing? And don't have the patience to install and use all the different search clients? Well proSearch might just be what you've been looking for. proSearch aggregates in one app most of what people would normally use, including Bing, Google, and Yahoo as well as Facebook, eBay and Amazon. There's still some rough edges like no user settings or live tiles - strictly no frills - and it would be nice to be able to search multiple providers at once. If you're interested, the price is reasonable (free!) and you can have a look at the app on the Windows marketplace.

SynoLoad and QGetMobile NAS Download Managers

Richard Chao — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:00:00 GMT

http://dev.patey.net/article_wp7.html

"If you have a NAS at home branded Synology or QNAP, you're lucky: an application able to manage downloads on your NAS from your Windows Phone 7 is now available!"

dev.patey.net has just released two applications designed to help you manage downloads for your NAS directly from your WP7 phone. SynoLoad and QGetMobile. SynoLoad connects to your Synology NAS and QGetMobile connects to your QNAP NAS.

If you see a file you want to download while browsing on your WP7 phone, open SynoLoad or QGetMobile to send a link to your NAS. The application will then send a command for your NAS to download the file.

Both applications are available in the Market Place and cost $2.99 each.

eBay Calculator

Richard Chao — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:24:00 GMT

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/a...4c-11258265b7a3

"eBay calculator is an application designed to calculate fees for eBay auctions and the PayPal payment system."

One of the frustrations about eBay and Paypal are the myriad of fees they take out of your transaction. If you are not familiar with eBay, it is surprising how much money is deducted when the sales and transfer on money is done.

The eBay calculator app by Maginsoft looks to make the process smoother by giving you an exact breakdown of what fees you will be paying so there will be no surprises.

eBay calculator is available in the Market Place for $1.49. There is also a free limited trial version if you simply want to try first.

ScanBizCards Offers Business Card Scanning Services For WP7

Brad Wasson — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:30:00 GMT

http://scanbizcards.com

"ScanBizCards is an essential tool for any person who wishes to scan business cards with ease. Our features include scan in 21 languages, connect to Linkedin, add contacts to your People Hub and Websync cloud service. We released a paid version for 6.99 with a one year subscription of Websync FREE for WP7 users."

If you have lots of business cards this handy app for Windows Phone 7 may help you collect and organize them. The app is frequently updated on the iOS and Android platforms, and is a pretty mature product. This is a welcome addition to the Windows Phone platform. The Read link will take you to their website for additional details.

InstaCam: New Photo App For Windows Phone

Brad Wasson — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:30:00 GMT

http://www.wpcentral.com/instacam-w...nstagram-client

"InstaCam is a Windows Phone Instagram client that just hit the Marketplace yesterday. It allows you to take pictures on your phone, add different effects, and then share them via Facebook, Twitter or email. You can log into your Instagram account to check "likes" and comments on your uploaded content. You can also view other people's photos and leave comments, or follow them if you're a fan of their work. The search function can find photos based on key words in pictures' tags. Not an Instagram user? No worries, you can still use InstaCam to browse content anonymously."

Instagram is a very popular iPhone app and service. While Instagram is not currently available for the WP7 platform, this new app enables Windows Phone users to get in on at least some of the fun. Hit the Read link for additional details, but be aware that with this version you cannot actually upload photos to the Instragram service.

Nokia Lumia 710 Reviewed

Nurhisham Hussein — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/ph...eview?artc_pg=1

"The Nokia Lumia 710 is the second offering into the Windows Phone arena from Nokia, following the release of the Nokia Lumia 800 late last year."

Techradar.com have done an extensive review of the Lumia 710, which looks to be Nokia's offering to the young and trendy set, as well as to the more budget conscious. What's the verdict: it's a decent handset which would be a winner if the price were a tad lower. For the details, head on through the link for the full review.

RCA's USB Wall Charger, Just Plug It In!

Jeff Campbell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

http://www.macworld.com/article/165...l#lsrc.rss_main

"Most modern smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and other gadgets rely on USB-based chargers. Some of these come with their own AC wall adapters, while others include nothing more than a USB cable-meaning you have to plug them into your computer to get them charged."

The nice thing about this thing is that you just plug it into the existing outlet, so it's basically a cover. No need to replace the current outlet so you don't have to worry about shocking yourself silly. And it goes for the small sum of $15.00 USD at Lowes (currently out of stock in my area), or you can get it at Amazon.com for $12.47 USD (currently in stock with both white and almond colored versions).

Microsoft To Sell Lumia 800 Bundle Starting On 2/14

Richard Chao — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:10:00 GMT

http://www.theverge.com/microsoft/2...ore-february-14

"Microsoft will launch Nokia's Lumia 800 device in the US as a special bundle item priced at $899."

The Nokia Lumia 800 will be available from Microsoft Stores starting February 14th in a special bundle priced at $899. The phone will be an unlocked GSM model and come packaged with a Nokia Play 360 Wireless Speaker, Purity HD Stereo Headset and an in-ear Bluetooth headset. Not known is whether the phone will be available without the bundle or if the bundle is the only option.

Personally, I would rather wait for the Lumia 900. It comes with a bigger screen, front facing camera, better rear camera and is probably cheaper.

Attention Smartphone Gamers, This Xappr is for You!

Jeff Campbell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

http://www.imore.com/2012/02/03/xap...-dream-machine/

"Xappr is a gun accessory for your iPhone that'll instantly appeal to everyone from fans of the original Duck Hunt on Ninteno to the latest Halo or Call of Duty FPS shooters."

Awesome concept for smartphone games that are first person shooters. You can preorder yours here, and they are expected to run about $30.00 USD when it is launched this summer. Yes, this is made to use with any smartphone, be it iPhone, Android or Windows Phones.

Think You Can Do A Better Job Than Microsoft?

Nurhisham Hussein — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

https://windowsphone.uservoice.com/...g-and-promotion

"If you're here, we assume that's because you love Windows Phone as much as we do - but maybe you're frustrated that word's not getting out to everyone about how great Windows Phones are? Just like with your suggestions on features to add to future versions of the product, we'd like your suggestions on how we can spread the word about Windows Phone itself via advertising campaigns, community or social media involvement and other types of promotions."

One of the big disadvantages of being a big company not named Apple is that its sometimes (ok, most of the time) pretty hard to have your ear to the ground and keep track of the pulse of consumer likes and dislikes. So what's a big company to do? A couple of years back I had the chance to read Gary Hamel's "The Future of Management" and one of the recommendations was for companies to co-create with their customers. I think we're seeing that principle in action here - Microsoft wants YOU, to help them market Windows Phone 7 to the masses. Here's your chance to write copy, and break into advertising!

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.