All About Windows Phone

Hit Traintiles game comes to Windows Phone

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:06:33 GMT

Recently reviewed by me over on the Symbian platform here, Traintiles has all the elements of an arcade puzzle classic, and it's now available on Windows Phone. Juggling pieces of train track with split second timing, have you got the planning and reflexes needed to complete each of the 45 levels?

The Register reviews the Nokia Lumia 900

Wed, 16 May 2012 19:55:46 GMT

The acerbic tones of UK tech website The Register have addressed the Nokia Lumia 900 in their latest review, and handed the 4.3 inch screened smartphone a cautious recommendation.

Review: Nokia Lumia 900 - Part 2 - Camera and Camcorder in depth

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:32:00 GMT

In part 1 of our Lumia 900 coverage, Ewan took a chatty look at the hardware and summarised his feelings about the device - we're now seeing the Lumia 900 appearing in European shops, making it all the more appropriate that we accelerate our review schedule. In this, part 2, I look at the 900's camera capability and its viability for creating and consuming multimedia.

geoDefense Swarm blazes onto Xbox Live

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:12:38 GMT

This week's Xbox Live title is geoDefense Swarm, a game from Tower Defense genre and sequel to the popular geoDefense title, that sees players strategically placing towers (weapons platforms) on a playing area, in order to kill enemies ('creeps'), before they can get to the exit. The creeps come in ever increasing waves, making for a frenetic and fast paced style of game play.

The Daily Beast from Newsweek roars into Marketplace

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:25:16 GMT

The Daily Beast app, one of the upcoming apps Nokia chose to highlight at CES, is now available in the Windows Phone Marketplace. The Daily Beast is a US based news and opinion website that aims to provide "a smart, speedy take on news from around the world", which is underlined by a tag line that says: "Read This Skip That".

361 Degrees Podcast - All things cloudy

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:38:25 GMT

In the second episode of season three of the 361 Degrees podcast we examine the consumer cloud, talking about what services we use, why we use them, and our main priorities and concerns.

Windows Phone Marketplace passes 90,000 apps

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:20:00 GMT

More than 90,000 apps have now been published in the Windows Phone Marketplace and new content is currently being added at the rate of 250 apps per day. At the time of writing, 92,383 apps have been published. Of these, 24,371 were added in the last three months and 7,409 were added in the last month. These apps come from just over 22,000 different publishers.

Developers tell their app stories to The Seattle Times

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:06:54 GMT

Janet Tu's article for The Seattle Times this weekend is an interesting piece, showing a number of hurdles that Microsoft has to overcome to help developers with their Windows Phone applications. Speaking to Hadi Partovi, Moprise, Pangea Software, and PaperKarma, the developers explained their experiences with Windows Phone. Microsoft are getting some areas right, but there are a number of points that clearly need addressed.

Some experiences on porting an app to Windows 8

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:42:28 GMT

Starting from his Windows Phone 7 application, Visual Studio Achievements, developer Dan Delimarksy has written up his experiences of porting the code to a metro-based Windows 8 application.

Lumia 800 and 900 design tops "beautiful phone" poll in Switzerland

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:50:03 GMT

Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten Online has concluded their poll, asking readers which of a number of current smartphones is the most beautiful phone. The joint winners? Nokia's Lumia 800 and Lumia 900, beating the Samsung Galaxy S3, the HTC One X, and Sony's Xperia S.

Nokia's Reading List of Windows Phone Sites

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:33:51 GMT

Along with All About Windows Phone, Nokia Conversations has pointed out some of the Windows Phone sites that are currently on their reading list.

LinkedIn app connects with Windows Phone

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:58:47 GMT

An official LinkedIn app is now available for Windows Phone, supplementing the functionality built into the platform's People hub. The app provides access to a large range of LinkedIn's features and functionality including connections (contacts), status updates, LinkedIn Today (curated news), groups, messaging (including invites), companies, and job listings.

Tailoring the smartphone experience for the world

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:44:31 GMT

The Nokia Lumia 900 is tailored for the American market. It should not be a surprise that the device is delivering 'really good' sales for both AT&T and Nokia. The bigger question is if an approach tailored to one market can be tweaked and used on a global scale?

SkyTunes and music in the cloud

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:56:34 GMT

Yes, we've seen all-encompassing cloud music solutions from Apple and Google, but there's no direct equivalent for Microsoft and Windows Phone - which is not to say that you can't start off down the DIY route. Step in SkyTunes, a little utility to display music files that you have stored in your SkyDrive account and play them in the background on your Windows Phone.

Review: Lumia 800 Part 4 - Office Hub and File Management

Mon, 14 May 2012 06:06:00 GMT

Last time, in part 3 of our continuing review, we looked at the Lumia 800's communication and personal information management applications. Now we turn our attention to another area of productivity – the Office Hub. Here, Windows Phone 7 offers a mobile office experience via the cloud, whether you're using SkyDrive, Office365 or SharePoint. Mobile versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPointand OneNote are built into every device, adding significant value for mobile workers. Finally, we'll look at how file management is or isn't(!) handled in Windows Phone 7.

Time Magazine now available on Windows Phone 7

Sun, 13 May 2012 16:35:32 GMT

TIME Mobile, the official app of TIME magazine is now available to download. As previously reported, the "app will bring the world's largest weekly circulation news magazine to Windows Phone".

EVE Online Mail comes to Windows Phone 7

Sun, 13 May 2012 15:50:17 GMT

Players of the long-running Sci-Fi massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) EVE Online, can now keep in touch with their celestial business and empire building affairs via their Windows Phone 7 device. EVE Mail is a client for the in-game mail service. Live tile notifcations for new messages are supported, and you can check messages for all of the EVE characters in your account.

Nextgen Reader hits big v3 update

Sat, 12 May 2012 22:43:55 GMT

The popular Windows Phone 7 client for Google Reader, Nextgen Reader, has received a significant update for its third version. Most notably, more live tiles have been added: all items and starred items; settings for article counts and images on live tiles have been improved, and support for matching the phone theme. Article filters on top have been added, similar to how the email application handles unread and all messages. You can also choose to mark articles as read based on whether they are older than a day or a week - handy for filing RSS bankruptcy!

Holophone3D puts a holodeck in your pocket

Fri, 11 May 2012 22:15:58 GMT

Holophone3D is a virtual 'hologram' app for Windows Phone that lets you explore 3D graphics and play a number of 3D mini-games. It's a very clever implementation and a great example of the potential graphical prowess of the modern smartphone. The latest update, version 1.8, adds a HoloSketch module that lets you turn 2D drawings into 3D and a new stereoscopic renderer for all 'holograms'.

Nokia's 13 city North American hackathon tour

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:41:58 GMT

As part of the promotional push around the Lumia 900 Nokia is holding a series of free developer hackathon events in the US and Canada over the next month. Branded "The Ready.Set () {Code} Challenge", they aim to encourage developers to create apps for the Windows Phone platform.

Smoked by Windows Phone reaches 100 million people

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:44:26 GMT

The "Smoked by Windows Phone" campaign has come a long way since its debut at CES earlier this year. The promotional campaign challenges people to match their current smartphone against Windows Phone devices, across a variety of tasks, to see which is fastest.

AAWP Insight #24: Samsung Focus 2, Lumia exclusives

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:27:15 GMT

In episode 24 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we open with news of the Samsung Focus 2 and details of more exclusive app partnerships for Nokia's Lumia devices, both of which were announced at CTIA. The podcast continues with Rafe talking about the beta of Nokia City Lens, Steve sharing his top Windows Phone tips and David previewing his forthcoming Office hub review. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each member of the team.

Samsung announces mid-tier Omnia M for Europe

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:34:47 GMT

Samsung has announced the Omnia M, the latest addition to its Windows Phone portfolio. With a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen, 1 GHz processor, 384MB of RAM, 5 megapixel camera and 4GB of internal storage, the device can be considered an entry level Windows Phone device. The Omnia M will launch first in Europe, before being rolled out to other regions.

The Lumia 900 vs Galaxy Nexus

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:03:50 GMT

Mike Macias is a name I trust from the USA - with extensive knowledge of different smartphone platforms and, even better, a good eye for a great photo. In this case doing a photographic comparison of the Nokia Lumia 900 and the Galaxy Nexus, two of the largest and best rated smartphones in America right now. It's interesting that the plan form factors are so similar, given the difference in screen sizes. Partly though, this is down to the way part of the Nexus's screen is used for virtual Android control functions, whereas in the Lumia 900, the controls are permanent capacitive spots.

Nokia Reading starts rolling out

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:39:44 GMT

Nokia's ebook initiative for Windows Phone, Nokia Reading is apparently rolling out, starting now, in six countries, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and the UK. The aim is to provide ebooks and other literary content in 'your own language' on Lumia smartphones. 'Nokia Reading' will start appearing in the Nokia Collection section of the Windows Phone Marketplace 'over the course of the next few weeks'.

Windows Phone problem list and rebuttal, both with bells on

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:54:50 GMT

It all started with long time my-symbian forum member SamKB compiling a somewhat sniffy but extensive list of '101 reasons why not to buy a Windows Phone'. Naturally, this demanded a rebuttal from a fan of the new platform, in this case Aliqudsi over at My Nokia Blog with 'Windows Phone Myths Debunked - The Truth'. Ali's rebuttal is as over-apologetic as Sam's was over-critical and I can only suggest you take both into consideration and decide for yourself which Windows Phone issues are actually 'issues' for you. Either way, it's entertaining sitting on the sidelines reading it all!

Review: Nokia DC-16 charger

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:08:00 GMT

As more smartphones are designed with non-replaceable batteries, the potential of getting through a day of heavy use by carrying a spare battery is going away. This has in turn created a market in external batteries. For instance, the first phone with a non-replaceable battery was the iPhone, which has an array of battery jackets. However, these are fixed to just one phone design. The alternative is external batteries that connect via cable. It's a less stylish solution, but guarantees that any of your devices can be topped up. That's where Nokia's new DC-16 external battery steps in, and we've been putting it to the test in this review.

Caddie+ golf app with exclusive Lumia features

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:12:08 GMT

Nokia has been arranging a number of app exclusives for its Lumia devices. Yesterday The Caddie+, a golf companion app developed by Executive Caddie, became the latest addition, when it was added to the Nokia Collection in the Windows Phone Marketplace. The Caddie+ is an interesting example of how Nokia is working with existing developers; rather than creating a brand new app, it is an upgraded version of an existing app.

The HTC Titan II/Lumia 900 'Prize Fight'

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:28:03 GMT

I've always had a soft spot for head to heads, as here, embedded below from C|Net, with the HTC Titan II and Nokia Lumia 900 being put through half a dozen tests and scored from 1.0 to 5.0 by three editors. Overall, the Lumia 900 comes out on top, thanks principally to its innovative polycarbonate form and insanely low price in the USA, but it's well worth a watch. Just forgive some of the intro and outro American humour....

Twabbit Twitter client hops on to Windows Phone

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:48:35 GMT

Twabbit is the latest addition the roll call of third party Twitter clients for Windows Phone (other options include Rowi, Carbon, gleek and Mehdoh). With an emphasis on performance and user customisation it's a good choice for power users or those looking for fast twitter interaction.

Review: Pac-Man Kart Rally (Xbox Live)

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:01:30 GMT

Oh dear. Last week's release of a comedy kart driving game in the Xbox Live store caught my eye, as it's a genre that I enjoy. It's got a huge amount of branding over it so you never forget that this is a Pac-Man game (no I'm not going to capitalise it all the way through the review), but it's missing many elements that could make it an acceptable game.

Water doom: yet another reason why integral batteries are a terrible idea

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:02:53 GMT

You may remember I recently argued passionately that phone batteries should be easily replaceable, pointing out many advantages and disadvantages of the 'sealed vs replaceable' schools of thought in phone design. One thing I didn't mention was an extra huge advantage of batteries that can be pulled out quickly - avoiding water damage. Whether rain or a pond or a basin of water, that doom is surely only one slip away...

Feed Me Oil seeps out as this week's Xbox Live title

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:23:03 GMT

This week's Xbox Live title is a nasty little puzzle game called Feed Me Oil. I say nasty because it is complicated, frustrating, challenging, and wonderful all in the same breath. With harsh cartoon graphics, overtones of an ecological disaster, and some fantastically fluid game play, it's worth checking out.

Carnival of the Mobilists 270

Wed, 09 May 2012 06:26:52 GMT

With a history going back many years (though not as far as the 'All About' sites), the Carnival of the Mobilists has always been a good source of mobile-related reading and this week the blog article roundup includes two of our own features, happily. Thanks to Volker on Mobile! Carnival 270 also includes posts on the mind-boggling stats coming out of the burgeoning Chinese market, on the furore about the use of mobile social posts in the upcoming Olympic games and on how to make sure your mobile application doesn't get buried in the appropriate application store.

Nokia announce Lumia exclusives, including Angry Birds Space, at CTIA

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:29:55 GMT

Nokia have announced a number of new and extended partnerships today at CTIA Wireless, bringing a number of big names to Windows Phone... assuming you have a Lumia device. The headlines will all be around Angry Birds Space, but there are applications and services coming to Nokia's Lumia devices from a number of partners, including EA, ESPN, Groupon, PayPal, AOL, Time Magazine, Newsweek and Box.

Why we should be happy if Samsung replicates the Galaxy S3 on Windows Phone

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:21:03 GMT

Samsung has already said the company will be concentrating on their Android devices in the summer, with a big return to the world of Windows Phone world at the end of autumn, just in time for Windows Phone 8 to be the next 'best thing since sliced bread'. But in what format? And should we be happy if their Windows Phone looks 'a bit like the Galaxy S3'?

Nokia City Lens available in beta

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:49:46 GMT

Nokia City Lens, an app that helps you find and connect to the places around you, is now available from Nokia Beta Labs. Combining augmented reality, map and list views it provides an overview of places of interest (shops, restaurants, hotels, museums and more) around your current location. In addition the application deep links with Nokia Maps to provide detailed information, reviews and walking directions for any location listed in City Lens.

Viber for Windows Phone launches in beta

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:31:28 GMT

Viber, a service that provides free calls and messaging to other Viber users by using your smartphone's data connection (3G or WiFi), is now available for Windows Phone. The current Windows Phone beta version does not support voice calls (VoIP), but the developers promise that this feature is coming soon.

A little light reading for game developers from Sams

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:50:08 GMT

A little heads up for developers out there looking to get into Windows Phone games, 'Sams Teach Yourself Windows Phone 7 Game Programming' has had a nice price drop on Amazon (at least in the UK) down to £17.54. The long running series of books cover many topics, and with the increasing visibility of the platform, this might be a nice bit of summertime reading to get you started.

Nokia Lumia 710 is a "Brave and Solid" smartphone

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:31:59 GMT

Silicon Republic have reviewed the Nokia Lumia 710 and are pretty happy with the handset. It is a mid-range device and that means some compromises have been made, but the review understands that, notes the touches Nokia have added to the 710, and is impressed with Windows Phone as an operating system.