event

Microsoft appears to be pushing out the golden envelopes for the final reveal-all of Windows Phone 8. The event is scant on actual details but the data is locked in for 5pm GMT on October 29th, London. This matches the upcoming event in San Francisco.

The events held so far have seen journalists physically restricted from properly playing with the OS, so aside from videos and SDKs precious few have any idea how well it works on a real device.

HTC announced a number of handsets at its Windows Phone event today, but how did it leave you? Were you impressed by the new hardware the manufacturer had to show off, or where you expecting more? It's easy to write off Windows Phone OEMs when Nokia plays such an important role in marketing and development of the platform.

The Lumia 820 and 920 set the bar fairly high and HTC had a lot to do to at least reach the heights Nokia is currently sat at in terms of quality. This is noticable in HTC's new approach to design with multiple colours available for both the 8X and 8S. 

As we all sit here on tenterhooks awaiting the coming announcement from Nokia and Microsoft, Nokia’s twitter account just posted something strange. In what appears to be a little knock directed at Google’s Android OS, Nokia say “Today we dine on Jellybeans”.

Nokia appears to be stepping up their PR antics in the run up to the announcement with placards at Samsung’s recent event and of course the teaser trailers. Considering how well regarded Jellybean is, Nokia must be feeling confident they have the goods on this fine day.

With one short day to go before we finally see what Nokia has in its bag of tricks for us, they release yet another teaser, its too much, we know. Tomorrow of course is go day for the Nokia and Microsoft announcement in New York.

This one is very short at sixteen seconds, a lady walks down the street with her cans on whilst images of deals are superimposed on the shops. The information conveys the shops rating from Style Magazine along with “likes” from friends. The obvious thing to think here is of augmented reality, perhaps like that of Nokia City Lens that has just left beta.

Nokia certainly knows how to throw a party. Nokia World 2011 (the first evening) and the Deadmau5 performance are two examples of the kind of events the manufacturer has held here in the UK. We've now learned that Nokia has plans to hold a party in New York on September 5th. So what's in stall for attendees?

We're not entirely sure as details are scarce as to what exactly is on the agenda. What we'd imagine to be on the night (from previous experiences) is loud music, an unlimited supply of beverages, and -of course- new Nokia Windows Phones. It wouldn't be a party without Windows Phone Central, so we'll be heading on down to see what all the fuss is about. 

The event is for those who are 18 or above and will take place between 6-9pm in the Chelsea neighbourhood. You can register your spot at the Nokia event over on the RSVP page.

Update: We hope you reserved early because within one hour, Microsoft's BUILD event has sold out. 

Microsoft has today opened up registration for its Build 2012 developer event, which is to be held on October 30th. Set to be held at Microsoft's HQ in Redmond, Washington, the event will cover not only the upcoming Windows 8, but also Windows Phone 8, Windows Azure, Windows Server 2012, and Visual Studio 2012.

Pricing for Build 2012 will set attendees back by $2,095 for a standard pass (first 500 registrations can apply for 'early bird' passes priced at $1595), while a limited number of academic spots are going for $995. 

Nokia World 2012 was announced earlier this year and is set to be held in Helsinki, Finland on September 25-26. As was the case with London 2011, we expected a single event to be held in a fairly large convention centre. It seems Nokia has other ideas for this year as the manufacturer has revealed plans for a new format with holding a number of events separately.

The first of said events will be held on September 5-6, a handful of weeks in advance than previously announced. More information and details will be published in the coming months, but you can be sure Windows Phone Central will be at Nokia World to bring you the latest Windows Phone juice. The first event will target carriers and large partners, but follow-up events will cater different audiences.

Nokia has stated that we should look at future Nokia Worlds as more SXSW, rather than CES. All we know is that it's going to be an un-missable look at what hardware the manufacturer will have for Windows Phone 8 "Apollo".

Source: Nokia Conversations; thanks Kyle for the heads up! 

Tomorrow, April 9th, is the kick off of the Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T (most stores were closed today for the holiday) and as expected, Microsoft will be having their own promotional events coinciding with in-store availability of the new flagship Windows Phone. This of course follows Friday's kick off party in Times Square with superstar Nicki Minaj.

We reported on the freetimemachine.com website a few days ago and although details were scarce it was clear that it was some type of contest for the Lumia 900. Now that we're closer to the the 9th we have more information regarding the event. Besides the online portion (we expect the website to change over tomorrow), Microsoft and Nokia will be hosting events in three cities between 8am and 6pm:

New York City

• Bryant Park (6th Ave between 40th & 42nd)
• Madison Square Park (23rd & Madison)

Chicago

• John Hancock Plaza (E. Chestnut & N. Michigan Ave)
• Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave)

San Francisco

• Union Square (Post Street & Powell Street)

What's more, we know that Kourtney Kardashian will be on hand from 11:30 to 12:30pm at the Bryant Park location in Manhattan. So if you're a fan, you'll, umm...want to be there.

So what to expect? From a Fox 5 News story on the events there will be "...several Free-Time Machines, or FTMs, for consumers that will be distributing priceless "free time" vouchers in the form of coupons, gifts certificates, and other items from 8 am-6 pm."

Sounds interesting. We'll try to be there to catch some of the event (no guarantees on the Kardashian angle though, we're not that crazy).

Update: In Chicago's Pioneer Court, famed local chef Stephanie Izard will be on hand for the event and in San Francisco, you can expect the 49ers tight-end Vernon Davis.  Thanks, Stephen M., for the info!

Microsoft has teamed up with AnythingbutiPhone to provide the Windows Phone community with a number of invitation-only events across the U.S. 36 events will be held at 12 Best Buy establishments on set days that will run from 6:30pm - 9:00pm.

Branded "Behind the Tiles with Windows Phone", these sessions will enable attendees to get hands-on experience with a variety of devices and learn about the design philosophy behind the Metro UI. Also, you could be in with a chance of winning a Lumia 900 for attending. What's on the agenda?

• Attend a Nokia Lumia 900 instructor-led demo lab
• Learn about the Metro UI and the future with Windows Phone (three screens dream, etc.)
• Get the latest information on Windows Phone for IT and Developers
• Play with some of the latest Windows Phones
• Network with peers and Windows Phone experts
• Have a chance to win great prizes
• Food and beverages will be provided

Should you be interested in attending one of the hosted events, head on over to AnythingbutiPhone (link below) to view the calendar and be sure to register for a place (enter "MVP" during registration) if you can make one.

Source: AnythingbutiPhone; thanks William for the heads up!