Nokia Launching Windows Phone 7 Devices Next Week

Nokia will be launching its Windows Phone 7 devices next week, Microsoft’s Andy Lees has revealed.

The news comes via Engadget, which said that Lees – Microsoft’s Windows Phone chief – hinted of the launch of the Nokia Windows Phone devices next week at the AsiaD event.

He said that the Finnish handsets manufacturer will have “differentiating hardware and software” at its Nokia World 2011 event in London.

The Nokia World 2011 event will begin on October 26.

Furthermore, Engadget quotes Lees:

“Nokia will announce its rollout plans with Windows Phone, among other things. It made an evaluation early on, and saw our roadmap for this year and next year, and it decided to bet the whole company on Windows Phone based on that. We’ve seen that other hardware makers have seen this occurrence as an accelerant, which in turn helps both Microsoft and Nokia. I’m also excited about naming some new OEMs that will be coming onboard [with WP7].”

Industry observers have been waiting for Nokia to release its own crop of Windows Phone devices since it announced in February that it will be using the Microsoft platform instead of its Symbian platform in future smartphones.

Source: http://socialbarrel.com/nokia-launching-windows-phone-7-devices-next-week/24933/

 

AT&T’s Windows Phone 7 lineup: HTC Titan, Samsung Focus S & Focus Flash (first look)

Summary: Will these Windows Phone 7 “Mango” phones from AT&T make it to a stocking near you this holiday?

Microsoft’s Phone President Andy Lees showed off  three AT&T-branded Windows Phone 7 (Mango) phones at the All Things Digital Asia conference in Hong Kong this morning.

While you may be able to recite the features of Mango by heart, you probably couldn’t tell these WP7 handsets apart, especially when they’re all displaying the same ‘Metro’ home screen (see right). Well, consider this as your cheat sheet to AT&T’s upcoming WP7 offerings: the HTC Titan (left), Samsung Focus S (center) and Samsung Focus Flash (right).

HTC Titan

True to its name, the HTC Titan from AT&T has the biggest display of the bunch at 4.7 inches, which beats yesterday’s largest phone, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, by 0.05-inch. According to the Window Phone Blog, it has a 9.9-mm profile, a 1.5 GHz processor under the hood, an 8-megapixel rear camera with dual LED flash (plus a front cam), and offers a brushed aluminum back with the curves (and build) that HTC phones are known for.

Samsung Focus S

The Samsung Focus S may be the middle child in AT&T’s WP7 portfolio but there is nothing middling about the phone. It serves up Samsung’s specialty: a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, powered by a 1.4 GHz CPU that is capable of 4G speeds, along with a 8-megapixel rear and 1.3-megapixel front camera, in a svelte 8.55-millimeters package. What’s not to like about these specs?

Samsung Focus Flash

It’s easier to differentiate the Samsung Focus S from the Focus Flash as the latter has a more modest 3.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, sharper lines and a slightly slower 1.4 GHz processor under the display. It’ll likely be the most budget-friendly WP7 from AT&T so bargain hunters should keep their eye out on the Focus Flash rather than its flashier brothers.

AT&T has yet to announce a ship date or pricing for these phones so no need to lineup at your local store for now. There’s still plenty of time until the holiday.

Source: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/gadgetreviews/at-ts-windows-phone-7-lineup-htc-titan-samsung-focus-s-focus-flash-first-look/27934

 

Windows Phone 7, Day 30: WP7 ‘Mango’ Is Ready for Prime Time

30 Days With Windows Phone 7: Day 30

Another 30 Days journey comes to an end. For me, the 30 Days With Windows Phone 7 has been the most enjoyable and enlightening of them all so far.

The first time I experimented with Windows Phone 7 there were some things I liked about it, but overall I found it disappointing. It took Microsoft another year and two major updates, but with “Mango” I can honestly say that I think Microsoft has a solid mobile OS worthy of competing against iOS and Android.

My son recently drowned his iPhone 3GS and chose to replace it with a Motorola Atrix 4G. It is fine and he likes it. Both the Motorola hardware and the Android OS seem capable enough. The couple times I have played with it, though, I have felt like it is a cheap knock-off of the real thing–like having a Pepsi instead of Coca Cola, or eating at Burger King instead of McDonald’s. It’s OK, but I already have the “real thing” in my iPhone 4.

Windows Phone 7.5 “Mango” is a whole different story. It is a unique mobile OS that delivers a different experience that doesn’t simply try to imitate iOS–more like having a Red Bull instead of a Coca Cola, or eating at KFC instead of McDonald’s. It’s not that I like it better than iOS per se. I like it about the same but for different reasons.

When Microsoft first launched Windows Phone 7 and ran the marketing campaign about how it’s time for a phone to save us from our phones, and how Windows Phone 7 is designed to get you in, and out, and back to life, I thought they were a little silly. I mean, even with Windows Phone people will still be surfing the Web, checking email, texting people, etc.–so how exactly is that different?

The fact of the matter is that it’s not–at least not at its core. I do still use Windows Phone to accomplish the same things, but there is actually something more to the Windows Phone ads than just marketing hype. The way Microsoft has integrated functionality into the Hubs, and seamlessly merged different features and services together makes it more streamlined and really does enable me to accomplish what I need to do and get back to life…if that is my goal.

I won’t bother recapping all of the things I like or don’t like about Windows Phone 7. You can feel free to peruse the whole 30 Days series and get those details. I will sum up by saying I was more than pleasantly surprised by “Mango”. Frankly, I was shocked at how awesome it is, and how much I really like it.

As I wrap up the 30 Days With Windows Phone 7 series, I can honestly say I found myself torn between Windows Phone and iOS, and seriously considering moving from my iPhone 4 to the HTC Titan when it becomes available from AT&T. In the end, though, I ended up sticking with iOS and pre-ordering the iPhone 4S.

It was a tough call. I use a Windows PC, and I rely on Microsoft Office, so a “Mango” smartphone would be a natural fit to some extent. But, the changes coming next week with iOS 5 and iCloud, and the seamless syncing between my iPhone, my iPad, and my Windows PC–combined with my existing investment in iOS apps–make a compelling case for iOS…at least for me.

I can’t stress enough, though, that you should take a look at Windows Phone if you’re in the market for a new smartphone. It is a very capable mobile OS and I am confident that you will not be disappointed. You owe it to yourself to at least check it out and seriously weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/241544/windows_phone_7_day_30_wp7_mango_is_ready_for_prime_time.html

 

Steve Ballmer still disappointed by Windows Phone 7 sales

We’ve been reporting for quite some time now that Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 has been quite the disappointment in the smartphone industry. In an era where the iPhone is conquering the world with its unparalleled retina display, camera and usability, it’s hard for another company to even compare to the Apple giant.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke at the company’s financial analyst meeting on Wednesday and expressed disappointment of the Windows Phone 7 sales. “We haven’t sold quite as many as I would have liked in the first year. … I’m not saying I Love where we are, but I am very optimistic on where we can be,” he said during the meeting.

The Windows Phone 7 made quite the name for itself when it came to marketing and advertising ploys but lacked the fan following that Google and Apple are often accustomed to. Interestingly enough, Samsung and HTC embraced the WP7 platform and plan to launch devices using the next version of WP7. Mashable says that these mobile enterprises have the majority of their chips invested in Google’s Android, which makes for most of their smartphone sales. Nokia is the only dedicated hardware partner for Windows Phones and who really uses Nokia phones these days anyways?

We’re crossing our fingers that Nokia will be able to show some sort of result for the slow-rising WP7, but we won’t be holding our breath. I’m sure I’m not the only one that can’t get enough of the iPhone, or even Droid phones for that matter.

Source: http://www.businessreviewusa.com/technology/software/Steve%20Ballmer%20still%20disappointed%20by%20Windows%20Phone%207%20sales

 

Microsoft CEO admits Windows Phone 7 sales are slower than expected

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 (WP7) hasn’t got off to the best start.

According to data from Kantar Worldpanel Comtech, Microsoft’s WP7 mobile operating system has just 1.7 per cent of the market.

It was therefore no surprise when Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer admitted that WP7 sales have been slower than expected.

“We haven’t sold quite as many as I would have liked in the first year,” Ballmer said at the company’s financial analyst meeting.

He still thinks there is room for growth though. “I’m not saying I love where we are but I am very optimistic on where we can be,” added Ballmer. “We’ve just got to kick this thing to the next level.”

How Ballmer will kick things to the next level we have yet to see, but there’s a lot of pressure on the Windows Phone 7.1 Mango update to be successful.

Finnish phone maker Nokia was expected to be the first to market with WP7.1 Mango, but it has already been pipped to the post by HTC and others.

Source: http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2109880/microsoft-ceo-admits-windows-phone-sales-slower-expected

 

WebOS developers move to Windows Phone 7

Free development tools and phones to come over
Microsoft claims that more than 500 developers have Emailed Microsoft about taking them up on their offer to become a Windows Phone 7 developer. Apparently, if you are a WebOS published developer, you could Email Microsoft at: thephone@microsoft.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Microsoft is apparently excited about being able to gain developers.

The bottom line is that Microsoft claims that they are committed to developers and will provide them with development kits, phones, tools, and training to make them successful. Microsoft claims they want these developers to get on board with Windows Phone 7.

If accurate and Microsoft has received 500 Emails with developers ready to move to Windows Phone 7, this could be a big help to Microsoft as they try to boost the number of applications available for the Windows Phone 7 platform.

Source: http://www.fudzilla.com/home/item/23816-webos-developers-move-to-windows-phone-7

 

Bing Offers Group Check-In App for Windows Phone 7

Microsoft’s Bing mobile search team launched a group check-in application called We’re In to play in the group communications space with Google, Facebook and others.

When it comes to socially oriented mobile applications, Facebook and Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) tend to be among the leaders in mind and market share.

Facebook just launched Facebook Messenger, and Google+ includes Hangouts and Huddle apps.

Microsoft wants to play there as well via Bing. The company launched We’re In, an application for Windows Phone 7 (WP7) smartphones that lets users invite their friends to share their location and post status updates.

While Foursquare, Facebook Places and Latitude offer check-in capabilities for individual users, We’re In is a group check-in application for friends who want to find each other within crowds. When invitees join, they agree to share their location with other Windows Phone 7 users via Bing Maps.

Users must provide their mobile phone numbers to sign up and then must pick friends or enter phone numbers from their WP7 contacts. The users then tell their friends what the plan is and how long they want to share location info for the proposed meet-up.

Invitees receive a text message with these details, and they may then use the app to join the person who invited them. Users of phones other than WP7, such as iPhone or Android handsets, needn’t worry about being left out.

Those users will also receive a text from We’re In and may join from the mobile Website via the invite. However, the Bing mobile team is also working to port We’re In as a native app for other platforms.

When friends join the We’re In meet-up, their locations surface on the Bing Map, with everyone who joined able to see everyone else’s location.

We’re In users may also update their status to let friends know that they’re on their way or are running late, among other details. We’re In’s People tab aggregates the status messages of everyone who has joined the meet-up.

Bing has decent privacy measures in place so that users aren’t letting themselves be tracked by friends all of the time. For example, when the invite expires, the shared location does as well. Users may also stop sharing their location info at any time by tapping “leave” on the People tab.

Group communications services are becoming increasingly popular. Skype, the VOIP company being acquired by Microsoft, has just purchased group messaging service GroupMe. Facebook purchased group chat specialist Beluga and launched a Facebook Messenger group chat application based on those company’s assets.

The Google+ social network launched with Hangouts for group videoconferencing and Huddle group messaging for handsets.

Clearly, Bing is eager to grab a piece of this action for its nascent WP7 platform. With a group check-in model, Bing has a fresh approach compared to those companies. Perhaps the app can eventually provide some rewards for users who check in to group meetings and places first.

It’s unclear whether the difference will appeal enough to users to boost user engagement, both of Bing’s mobile search and WP7.

Source: http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Messaging-and-Collaboration/Bing-Offers-Group-Checkin-App-for-Windows-Phone-7-355719/

 

Windows Phone Tango: Windows Phone 7 Update To Dance into our Near Future?

Currently, the latest buzz coming from Microsoft seems to revolve, or rather dance, around Tango. This is supposedly the new update for the Windows Phone 7 OS. As of now, all WP7 phones run on the stock build (soon to be upgraded to Mango) and though it is not sure whether the Tango release will be labeled as OS 7.5, it is certain that there will be one, perhaps two, such releases.

There hasn’t been any solid confirmation from Microsoft; not even a statement relating to the Tango release. There has also been no announcement, as usual, about future projects and codenames from the computing giant.

It is a known fact that the OS for Windows Phone 8 is termed Apollo and many are looking forward to it. With a design revamp in place, followed by a more streamlined kernel, mobile enthusiasts are looking forward to getting their hands dirty on the Apollo OS. However, the Tango release has come as a surprise to most in the industry.

While it is quite certain that Tango will be an OS update and next release, there is doubt about the update itself as to how much of a change it will mean. Microsoft has the habit of delivering major OS updates on a yearly basis; Apollo is to be in place in 2012 after Mango, released early 2011. Therefore, speculations leave Tango to be only a minor update.

Speculation is also building up about the extent of release of the Tango update. Some experts say that it will be an Asia exclusive release and there is a chance that this will be exclusively for Nokia and will go a long way in lowering the price of Windows OS phones from Nokia. With an affordable release, which Tango holds promise of, the Windows phones can definitely grasp the lower end of the market that Android phones are yet to reach, and which the iPhone will never reach.

Microsoft has also been in the news for a recent change in the handling of reins. Charlie Kindel, a Microsoft veteran and placed high up in the Windows Phone department has left the company to found a startup. The position has been filled by Matt Bencke. Whatever the Tango release will have or change, it is bound to make an impact and might even be the key for grabbing potential customers when Apollo is released next year.

Source: http://www.mobilebloom.com/windows-phone-tango-windows-phone-7-update-to-dance-into-our-near-future/222958/

 

China loses partial access to Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, Great Firewall to be blamed?

It’s a well-known fact that China’s Great Firewall isn’t particularly friendly with certain foreign online services, and sadly, it appears that we may now have a new victim joining the likes of Facebook, Twitter and, sometimes, Android Market. According to Windows Phone Sauce blogger Kane Gao, many Windows Phone 7 users in China have had limited access to the Marketplace over the last few days — they can’t download any app, but they can still browse content and receive update notifications.

While Microsoft’s service has yet to go live in China, Chinese users could still purchase apps by changing all of their profile location settings to the US. Alas, this trick is of no use now, though it’s unlikely that Microsoft’s the culprit here — it wouldn’t make sense to block genuine US users who are visiting China. Fortunately, Kane had no problem getting to the Marketplace via a US VPN, which is a big tell-tale sign showing that the Great Firewall has decided to barricade WP7’s very own app market. The reason? We’ll never know, and there’s no telling on whether this is a permanent ban, either. Nokia, being a big player in the country, sure hopes not.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/china-loses-partial-access-to-windows-phone-7-marketplace-great/

 

Angry Birds on Windows Phone 7 gets 90 more levels

Compared to the iPhone version, which has 270 levels, the number of levels of the game on Windows Phone 7 are still lower. Angry Birds for Windows Phone 7 is priced at $2.99 (Rs 131).

Rovio Mobile, the makers of Angry Birds, has announced a new version of the game for the Windows Phone 7 platform, which brings 90 new levels to the gameplay. With this, WP7 now has 225 levels compared to the earlier 135.

For the users, it effectively means the Episodes 10 and 11, which were earlier locked with the caption ‘coming soon’ on them, are open for the users. The users would hope the updates would keep coming to keep their interest in the game.

Compared to the iPhone version, which has 270 levels, the number of levels of the game on Windows Phone 7, are still lower. Angry Birds for Windows Phone 7 is priced at $2.99 (Rs 131).

The style of gameplay itself is not new, but Rovio has added some fun to it. The only problem is for those users who want to see the slingshot and target in one view because they will need to zoom out every time to do so. The game does not take too long to load, and has a smooth frame rate as well.

Source: http://www.themobileindian.com/news/2219_Angry-Birds-on-Windows-Phone-7-gets-90-more-levels