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Rumor: Sony to make Windows Phone 8 devices later this year

By Daniel Rubino, Saturday, Mar 3, 2012 at 8:12 am

Take this with a heaping cup of salt, but Tweakers.net is reporting from multiple sources that Sony is planning on joining the Windows Phone camp late in 2012.

Of course there are hurdles in the way such as Sony and that whole Playstation thing, but Sony is like any other massive corporation and its departments operate independently of each other, so we wouldn't actually cite that as a reason not to. Heck, we know that back in 2010 Sony-Ericcson seemed just fine with the whole notion even going so far as to make a few prototypes for early development. Obviously if SE had no problem with the Xbox system we don't see why Sony (sans Ericsson) would either.

Still, there's no hard evidence here for this just past experience so we'll just have to keep an ear out. Should Sony though decide to make some Windows Phones, especially with waiting for WP8 that could be a very good thing for customers.

Source: Tweakers.net;Sony render by Brian (Follow Brian here on Twitter and see his work with the LG Fantasy and Nokia 900.) Thanks, Jentse H., for the heads up!

Screenshots emerge of 256MB app limit on Windows Phone "Tango"

By Daniel Rubino, Saturday, Mar 3, 2012 at 12:24 am

With the upcoming "Tango" update to Windows Phone, OEMs will have the ability to make phones with just 256 MB of RAM, shaving off a few precious dollars from their bottom line. Of course in doing so, about 5% of the apps currently on the Marketplace (including ours) won't work unless the developer re-works aspects to make it more efficient on memory usage. Such phones include the Nokia Lumia 610 and possibly the ZTE Orbit. Those devices display a similar notification in their "About" section too:

Of course there are instances where developers may not want to adjust their app--either they don't want to compromise performance/esthetics or they use periodicTask or a ResourceIntensiveTask. In that case, developers can actually opt-out of making their app compatible and instead a message will appear alerting users that this app won't work on their phone.

Nokia has now published details on both how devs can enable this feature as well as what the user experience will be like. The latter part involves a message noting that the app cannot be installed and when tapped a pop-up window will notify them that they need a phone with more RAM.

Source: Nokia Developer; Thanks, anon, for the tip

Siri-like app for Windows Phone gets a big makeover [Video]

By Daniel Rubino, Friday, Mar 2, 2012 at 4:16 pm

It's been awhie since we've talked about Ask Ziggy, the Siri-like app from developer Shai Leib. Powered by Nuance for voice-search and some backend tweaks to customize how things work, the app is a great example of developer ingenuity.

Since the app went viral, Leib has gone back to the drawing board and reworked a lot of the app in response to user feedback. For instance in the new version expected in a few days, it's much more Metro influenced with the SMS chat bubble. But more importantly, the feature list has greatly expanded to include using your geo-location ability to pinpoint weather/time/search requests. You can even set reminders (it will create a Live Tile and alarm), call people, pull up calendar information for any day upon request and much more. (You can see some more screenshots here)

The app should be hitting the Marketplace in a few days and it is still free as far as we know. This is also just the beginning as Leib has much more planned for new and unique features. For now, you can watch out video though to get an idea of what's coming and you can download the old verison here in the Marketplace.

We'll keep you posted when version 2.0 goes live probably next week, so stay tuned.

The T-Mobile Lumia 710 is "exceeding expectations" according to Elop

By Daniel Rubino, Wednesday, Feb 29, 2012 at 6:37 am

This morning at Mobile World Congress, CEO of Nokia Stephen Elop commented on their recent success of announcing four new Windows Phone within one year of their famous partnership with Microsoft. He noted that they were now in 31 different markets and on 50 unique operators with increasing demand in sales everyday.

In just under a year, they've won awards for the Lumia 900, including a "Best of Show" which was a first for them and garnered high praise for the Lumia 800.

So when it came to the Lumia 710, specifically on T-Mobile which Elop pointed out was their return-device to the U.S. market, he reported with great enthusiasm that sales are "exceeding expectations" and that they are "very pleased" with its performance in the market so far. While no specific numbers were given, it appears at least that Nokia has a small hit on their hands with the Lumia 710--a device we gave high praise for--and the increasing visibility of the device e.g. LIVE! with Kelly is certainly helping too.

Quickly checking T-Mobile's page for device information, we can in fact see this being reflected. As of today, the Lumia 710 is T-Mobile's third best selling device--a level we have never seen reached for any Windows Phone in the US. Likewise, the device is in the same spot for user satisfaction with a 4.7 stars (out of 5) from 115 reviews (interestingly, the HTC Radar is number two).

The conclusion seems to be that Nokia is doing quite well with the 710 which we think is a great sign for the impending Lumia 900 on AT&T and their accompanying media campaign.

GroupMe returns to Windows Phone with an improved app

By Rich Edmonds, Tuesday, Feb 28, 2012 at 9:47 am

Can we have a drum roll? Because GroupMe is back! The group-texting app for Windows Phone (which is also available on Blackberry, iOS and Android) went MIA late last year and not much has been officially said surrounding the app since, until a callout was published on the Twitter account looking for Windows Phone users who reside in New York.

Today we have an article announcing the app's return on the official GroupMe blog. So what's new in version 3? With the company being purchased by Skype (Microsoft), the team has been working closely with the software giant to revamp the app. As well as a visual (and code) overhaul, which looks much more fluent with the Metro UI, GroupMe also supports deep-link live tiles (with notifications) to chats and groups, photo sharing, contacts integration, and more.

A few issues are present though: no landscape support for writing and notifications aren't working yet for us. Still, from keeping in touch with colleagues, to sharing photos, GroupMe will enable you to keep up to date with your favourite groups of contacts. Overall, a great comeback for the app and we look forward to see how Skype and GroupMe can integrate in the future. You can download GroupMe from the Marketplace for free.

Source: GroupMe Blog

WhatsApp for Windows Phone finally gets video recording & more

By Daniel Rubino, Tuesday, Feb 28, 2012 at 4:42 am

Just as Kik gets an update so does the popular alternative WhatsApp which has now surpassed the former in features. Hitting version 1.8 the WhatsApp team is slowly but steadily adding many new features to the app on Windows Phone and version 1.8 will make many happy.

For one, it finally brings video recording and sharing to the table. Hit the video record button, make a video and off it goes to your contact. Pretty seamless and it should be a big hit for those who want such a feature. Other notable changes include:

Enhanced location support
Set group icon with web search
Abe to block contacts and manipulate block list
More accurate "last seen" time
Other bug fixes

Quite a huge update when you think about it, so kudos to the WhatsApp team for the continued development and support. You can pick up WhatsApp here in the Marketplace for free.

From last night...the Microsoft Windows Phone party in Barcelona

By Daniel Rubino, Tuesday, Feb 28, 2012 at 4:11 am

Although Microsoft didn't have any big press conferences or news releases regarding the future of Windows Phone at Mobile World Congress that hasn't stopped them from throwing a little thank you party to all of their supporters (and if you remember we gave away some ticket to the exclusive event).

Held at the famous El Molino, the event was suppose to have 400 attendees but Microsoft was expecting many more and indeed as the night went on it was certainly packed (especially on the roof). With free drinks, thumping dance music, delicious h'orderves and contests, the night was quite a blast.

Speaking of contests, Microsoft had a few last night including a Twitter/Speed contest where you had to type and post a catch phrase with hashtag as fast as you can. The fastest 10 all won a Windows Phone and even had a choice between an HTC Titan, Radar or Nokia Lumia 800. There was also the favorite "Fruit Ninja" contest where users can play the game on numerous Windows Phones with the top scorer winning a new device.

All in all it was a great time and below we have a few photos of the event just in case you couldn't make it. (Oh and we even briefly ran into one of our readers there, which was very cool).

Remember, keep track of all of our Mobile World Congress'12 news here: wpcentral.com/tags/mwc12

Head past the break for some pics...

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Carriers able to block Windows Phone software updates as they see fit

By Rich Edmonds, Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 5:17 am

Paul Thurrott has revisited his Windows Phone review, specifically the part that covers the update process. Now we're all more than aware of how awful previous Windows Phone updates have been (just take a look at NoDo) for some consumers, depending on what carrier their with, but it seems as though this isn't set to change anytime soon. Carriers will be able to block updates as they see fit (unsure as for the motive to do so) and leave users high and dry without the latest version.

Thurrott previously explained that carriers could "veto" an update, which would then be automatically offered to consumers the next time a software update is released. It seems that Joe Belfiore (who provided Thurrott with said details) was incorrect, due to the fact that carriers appear to have the ability to block updates galore. As an example: both 7740 and 8107 still haven't been delivered to some consumers.

We have touched on this before, with a post on the Windows Team blog detailing that carriers could block any updates as they wished, but ultimately consumers should receive all updates pushed out by Microsoft. All in all, a real pain for consumers. Looks like we'll have to take matters back to the drawing board to plan future wars against the carriers. Are you still missing an update (or updates)? Let us know in the comments.

Source: WinSuperSite

Hands on with the Nokia Lumia 610 [Video]

By Daniel Rubino, Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 4:18 am

We just got our grubby, tired hands on the Lumia 610. Truth be told, the 610 is a gorgeous phone that feels great in the hand. With "only" a 1GHz 800 MHz CPU, 256MB of RAM and 8GB of storage, the "low end" device sure retains that Nokia quality.

The phone is expected in Q2 for emerging and developing markets.

Skype Windows Phone app hits Beta!

By George Ponder, Monday, Feb 27, 2012 at 3:01 am

We've heard rumors about a Windows Phone Skype app and now a Beta version of the Skype App has hit the Windows Phone Marketplace. The app will allow you to:

Make and receive voice/video calls and instant messages to anyone else using Skype, whether on a Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Mac, PC or television.
Use your Skype account for free at home, at work, or on-the-go (WiFi connection or mobile data plan required).

There is a disclaimer pointing out that this is a pre-release product and you may come across occasional bugs and issues. You can find the Skype Windows Phone here at the Windows Phone Marketplace.

HTC plans for Apollo and the Titan II

By George Ponder, Sunday, Feb 26, 2012 at 7:33 pm

It looks like HTC is firmly on board with Windows Phone Apollo with plans to launch new devices when the Apollo update hits later this year.

Kouji Kodera, HTC's Chief Product Officer stated,

"For Windows Phone we haven't decided on the branding yet, but you will see a new range of Windows Phones from us when Microsoft release their new Apollo operating system."

Kodera also confirmed that the HTC Titan II, that is due on the AT&T network in March, will eventually find its way outside the U.S. Market. He didn't get too specific on where the Titan II would land or when but did note that Australia would be getting the 4.7" screened Windows Phone.

source: Pocket-lint; Thanks, Stuart, for the tip!

Official Nokia CNN app reports to the Windows Phone Marketplace [Video]

By Daniel Rubino, Thursday, Feb 23, 2012 at 8:15 pm

We saw an early release of it back at CES in January and now the official CNN application for Windows Phone is live on the Marketplace. Of course, only Nokia-branded devices need apply at this point as they have an exclusive on the app for a few months, so we've heard.

The app itself is fantastic with gorgeous transitions, breaking news alerts, built in video, plenty of sharing options and pinnable sub-sections. The iReport feature is also pretty impressive, reportedly allowing you to submit news stories through the application itself it could very well improve "breaking news" moments.

So for all of those with Nokia Windows Phones, here's your Marketplace link. Enjoy! Thanks, Benjamin C., for the link!

Smoked by Windows Phone goes digital

By George Ponder, Thursday, Feb 23, 2012 at 1:46 pm

Ben Rudolph and his Smoked By Windows phone movement is picking up speed. He successfully smoked the competition at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, traveled to California and we've even seen similar promotions in Hong Kong and pitting the Windows Phone against a zip line. So far, Windows Phone has about a 95% winning percentage over a wide range of smartphones.

The Smoked By Windows Phone is even topping the charts on Microsoft's Windows Phone suggestion page requesting Smoked By Windows Phone become a featured ad campaign. So who's Microsoft to ignore the voice of the people?

Starting today, Smoked By Windows Phone is the companies latest digital ad series. You'll see 15-30 second spots (such as the one above) scattered about the web of Windows Phones taking on the competition. You will also have a new tab on the Windows Phone Facebook page showing all the ads.

I wonder if Ben has his reservations for the 2012 Mobile World Congress?

Source: windowsteamblog; thanks to eveyone who tipped us on this!

First Impressions: Mugen 1950mAh extended battery for the HTC Titan (Updated)

By Daniel Rubino, Thursday, Feb 23, 2012 at 1:58 am

Woo, it only took a couple of weeks to get our Mugen 1950mAh battery for the HTC Titan, but it's finally here.

The battery has about 350mAh of more juice than the standard 1600mAh battery that the Titan comes with, giving it a claimed 22% more power on the go. Will it live up to the hype? We'll put it through its paces over the next week or so to get some good cycles out of it and compare it to our standard battery (we'll use WP Bench as well as the Battery reporting feature of Windows Phone).

So far though we haven't had any issues and all is working well. The battery is a tiny bit heavier and clearly slightly larger than the standard. Oh and Mugen was great when our inept local USPS office decided to send it back to China (hence the delay), so kudos on easy customers support.

For those looking for even more power, there's the redonkulous 3600mAh battery now available too. Clearly that one will have a "hump" on it though.

Update: It appears is you use the discount code "YOUHTC" you'll get a nice 7% discount on the price of the battery. Not sure how long the discount will last but the original discount code "FACEBOOK" has expired. Thanks MadSci2 for the tip!

Splinter Cell Conviction sneaks onto the Xbox Live Marketplace

By Paul Acevedo, Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012 at 3:55 pm

Splinter Cell: Conviction was announced back around the Windows Phone launch over a year ago. At last, Gameloft’s mobile port of the popular Ubisoft franchise has made it to Xbox Live.

This version of Splinter Cell tells the story of series lead Sam Fisher’s investigation into the death of his daughter. Gorgeous console-quality cutscenes narrated by Sam’s pal Victor Coste bookend each level. Conviction is actually a port of the popular Xbox 360 game (minus the multiplayer) and feels very much like a console title.

Being a phone game, it uses a virtual stick for the controls. They’re a tad clunky (much like Assassin’s Creed: Altair’s Chronicles, also from Gameloft) but the difficulty is forgiving enough that it doesn’t harm the experience. If you’ve been wanting a meatier Live title (complete with shooting and sneaking), look no further. Still not convinced? Check out our video preview.

Splinter Cell: Conviction costs $4.99 and there is a free trial. Get it here on the Marketplace.

Thanks Saket for the tip!

Facebook for Windows Phone updated to 2.4 bringing events back

By Rich Edmonds, Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012 at 3:47 pm

The official Facebook app has been updated to version 2.4, following reports that events were no longer accessible with the main menu entry being removed in 2.3. To be able read up on upcoming events requires the user to hit the "..." menu and filter out the news feed. Just a heads up for those who miss this feature being easily accessible.

Head on over to the Marketplace to download Facebook.

Thanks to those who sent tips in!

Reuters confirms both Lumia 610 and global 900 handsets according to sources

By Rich Edmonds, Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012 at 12:53 pm

Reuters has recently confirmed both the Lumia 610, which is a low-budget Windows Phone set to be unveiled next week at Mobile World Congress 2012, and a version of the Lumia 900 that is available beyond U.S. shores. This confirms the earlier rumour from PocketNow stating both handsets would be announced at MWC.

We'll of course be on the floor at the upcoming mobile event for the latest so be sure to keep an eye on our website or app for Nokia and Windows Phone coverage.

Source: Reuters

Sega emulator returning soon as Blue Tomato to the Windows Phone Marketplace

By Daniel Rubino, Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012 at 3:02 am

If you've been following the saga of Sonic's Jewels 7 (SJ7), you'll remember that the popular Sega Master System and Game Gear emulator was due for a nice sound update. That update actually did hit the Marketplace but only for a few hours before it was pulled due to a copyright claim by Sega.

Our own Rafael Rivera worked with the developer to sort through the claim, which revolved around the use of Sonic the Hedgehog and the dev was quoted as saying it will return. The condition of returning though would be to shed all of Sega's copyrights--images and names--in order for it to presumably pass the Marketplace certification. We spoke of this on the last podcast where the name "Blue Tomato" was tossed out as the new name.

Now we got word that Blue Tomato is in the certification process in the Marketplace and the developer has posted some screenshots, showing off the new artwork. The most pertinent question though many of you have is this: Will I have to re-buy the emulator? The answer appears to be "no" as this will by just another update to the existing Marketplace spot for the app. Certainly that should make some of you relieved.

Moreover, that sound update will be included as well as "better game loop" and Zip support, which should make things a lot easier for users. We'll keep you posted if/when the app passes and is re-available for download again.

Source: Facebook

Nokia Lumia 719 passes Bluetooth certification

By George Ponder, Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012 at 10:59 am

We've seen the Nokia Lumia 610 pass through Indonesia certification and now Nokia Windows Phone has appeared on the radar. The Nokia Lumia 719 recently passed certification through the Bluetooth Special Interest Group.

Details on the Lumia 719? The product detail lists the Windows Phone heading to Asia, North America and South America. The Lumia 719 is described as,

The Nokia 719 is a versatile, well-designed smartphone offering users easy and seamless to make the most of every moment, every day.

Bluetooth SIG shows the 719 having a 5 MP auto-focus camera with HD video recording to capture and a 3.7” Clear Black display. We can only guess that the remainder of the specs are similar to the Lumia 710.

Where the 719 is destined is anyone's guess at this point. Could it be an AT&T version of the 710? An unlocked, budget oriented version of the 710? Hopefully more will come to light on the 719 next week at the 2012 Mobile World Congress. We'll be there and will try to shed some light on things.

Source: Bluetooth SIG via: Liveside

Grooveshark: We're not planning on developing for Windows Phone 7

By Daniel Rubino, Monday, Feb 20, 2012 at 7:48 pm

Although we've heard this before from companies and things can change rapidly, at least according to one community manager at Grooveshark, that company won't be making a dedicated Windows Phone app despite already having ones for Android, iPhone (jailbroken), Blackberry and even webOS. In an email back and forth between a customer and Jessica, a community manager at the company the info was revealed:

Anonymous : "I was wondering if, in the near future, you would develop an application for users of Windows Phone 7. You are on all other platforms except ours."

Grooveshark response (Jessica - Community Manager) : "Hey E *****, Thanks for Taking the time to write us. Unfortunately, Grooveshark is not planning on Developing for Windows Phone 7. We're very sorry for the inconvenience and confusion. Please let us know if You have Any further Top questions. "

Of course, reps can be wrong for companies (although Grooveshark is very small, so less likely) and they could change their minds at any point. Still, we're none to happy with that response. Even though we have a working HTML5 version of their site now, having a dedicated app would certainly be more preferential. Hopefully they'll change their minds in the future.

via: MonWindowsPhone