ireland

A forum page over on O2 Ireland's site indicates that they are currently testing the Samsung ATIV S on their network. The post says that testing began on December 4 for both the ATIV S and the HTC 8S. It isn't clear just how long the testing process will take, but it may be an indicator that both phones are very close to being released.

The Samsung ATIV S was the first Windows Phone 8 device announced and the last to show at the party. For reasons still unexplained, it has been delayed, with rumored release dates ranging from the end of December to sometime in February 2013. Windows Phone Central received a communication from Samsung saying that the ATIV S was still on track for the "end of the year."

Three in Ireland has announced today that the carrier will start pushing the HTC 8X Windows Phone out its doors tomorrow. The handset, available in 'California Blue', sports a large 4.3" HD display with an 8MP camera and 16GB of storage. It's an advanced device capable of delivering a butter smooth experience.

Netflix, the popular movie streaming service, has updated their Windows Phone app to version 2.0. Using the app subscribers will be able to stream movies and TV programmes to the big screen and now their Windows Phone while on the go.

In this update UK and Ireland, as well as 47 countries in Latin America, are now supported, which is a huge plus for those who patiently awaited access on their handsets. Quick run through of what's new:

• Support for additional international locations – UK & IRE, 47 countries in Latin America
• New localised UI for all international locations
• Support for subtitles, closed caption and alternate audio
• Performance improvements and optimisations for a better browsing and viewing experience

You can download Netflix from the Marketplace for free (requires a subscription to use the service).

Thanks to everyone who tipped us on this.

Nokia has officially launched the Lumia 800 in Ireland, with the above video capturing the action at (and around) Grafton Street, Dublin. We can see the Nokia team handing out free hot beverages, invading carrier and retail stores to effectively showcase the Lumia 800. There was also a prize draw for a handset giveaway.

Are you planning to get your hands on the "sexy, elegant, beautiful, wonderful, functional" Lumia 800? The handset is available from Vodafone on contract at €30/mo or for €429 without a tied plan, as well as usual retailers.

Source: YouTube (Nokia IRL), thanks Ellis for the tip!

Are you an Irish Windows Phone owner who resides in Dublin? Then BusFinder will be of great use to you in your installed app arsenal. Using Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI), the app displays up-to-date bus departure times across a number of routes throughout the city. BusFinder allows the user to add individual bus stops to a shortlist for convenient access and/or pin Live Tiles to the home screen that list the next three bus arrival times.

The app features Bing Map integration that clearly illustrates that particular bus route and what stops it covers, as well as the location of your current selected bus stop. Sporting a cartoony style interface with a Metro UI feel, BusFinder certainly stands out from the crowd. It will be hitting the Marketplace in the next couple of days, and will be available for €1.29 ($1.99/£1.49).

Check out the video of the app in action after the break.