lumia

Nokia released its DLNA app Play To for Lumia Windows Phones earlier this year, but it has been missing for those who have made the move to Windows Phone 8. According to Eero Penttinen, Lead Programme Manager of Nokia Windows Phone Management, the app is well on its way. The unfortunate matter is it requires DLNA components that still need to be delivered.

Recently on the Windows Phone Central Podcast we were lamenting how Nokia Maps leaves a lot to be desired on Windows Phone 8. The app is a bit slow, the UI is not as intuitive and some of the information (like traffic) is hit or miss. Most people would suggest using Bing Maps (aka the native Maps application) instead but unfortunately, Nokia has removed the hard link for that app leaving users no choice on Windows Phone 8 Lumias.

Nokia has released an interesting tool that enables the sharing of photos on a Lumia Windows Phone with a PC or other web-enabled device. Through the use of QR Codes, those with a Lumia smartphone can send a photo on the device over Internet tubes to a larger screen or to a friend's smartphone. All that's required is the Windows Phone app and a second screen, both with Internet access.

Nokia Maps has been bumped to version 3.0.125.8, which introduces improvements to stability and performance. When firing up the app on a Lumia Windows Phone it no longer takes noticeably longer than Bing Maps--in fact we're only seeing about a one-second speed advantage now with Bing Maps for load time.

Nokia's Deadmau5 event has opened up to the public, with tickets available for everyone to grab while they still last. We're expecting a large show with the Canadian artist blowing the roof off with intense sounds. We'll be attending, but we're sure Nokia will publish coverage of the event itself, so stay tuned if you're unable to attend.

The Lumia 510 is available in the Philippines for PHP 7,290 (approx. $180) and can be picked up from Wellcom, Nokia Stores, and other supporting retail establishments. We recently looked at the Lumia 510 and upcoming Windows Phone 7.8 update, which the device will be powering once Microsoft rolls out the next release for 7.x hardware.

Best Buy is offering the Verizon Lumia 822 (a version of the Lumia 820) to new customers at just $49.99 when taken out with a 2 year plan. The price undercuts Verizon's own pricing at $150 with a $50 MIR (mail-in rebate). The retailer currently has the same handset priced at $99 online, but in-store (as can be seen above) the Windows Phone can be picked up for $50 off.

If news of the Lumia 920 selling out in China, but then being withheld due to incorrect pricing, wasn't enough then we've also got word that both Telstra and Clove have both sold out in the first day of going live. It appears (depending on how many units were stocked in the first batch) demand is high for the handsets - even at full / the correct price.