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Metrotube was recently pulled due to YouTube alterations that broke playback. The developer has got in touch with us to reveal that an update containing a fix has been submitted and should be live in the Store within the next 24 hours (it is currently live for those in the US). The app update has passed certification, meaning consumers will be seeing the release shortly.

Vodafone UK has published a new entry on its blog detailing plans for Windows Phone 8. The carrier previously unveiled that it would be stocking a selection of Windows Phone 8 hardware in early 2013. More details have been revealed as the company has now confirmed that a new Windows Phone will be joining the Lumia 820, HTC 8X and HTC 8S. It would appear as though the Lumia 920 exclusivity deal with EE is drawing to an end.

It surely has been a while, WordPress. We last covered the blogging app for Windows Phone back in October last year when the official offering hit version 1.4. The WordPress team has since released a number of updates, and as of yesterday we're now at 1.7.

Enabling bloggers who own Windows Phones to connect, manage and create articles on WordPress installations, the app is a must-have for those who require convenient access to their websites. So what's new?

Microsoft is committed to getting as many consumers on-board with its Surface Windows 8 tablets as possible. To help achieve this goal, the company is opening up a number of Surface Experience Centres where consumers will be able to get some hands-on milage with Surface hardware. There's nothing compared to actually using a product before making the purchase, right?

Canadian network Rogers is to stock the Samsung ATIV S, according to an unconfirmed source who tipped MobileSyrup. The Samsung Windows Phone was unveiled at the company's event earlier this year at IFA in Berlin. Bell is also reported to be looking to launch the ATIV S, which will provide more affordable choice for Canadians should both carriers compete.

Microsoft is expected to unveil its Surface range of Windows 8 tablets, both an RT (ARM) and a Pro (Intel / AMD x86) version to cater for most mobile PC needs. With the plan to set a high standard for OEM partners to follow, Microsoft has taken a bold move to start offering its own hardware to marry released software.

WPDownUnder has been able to uncover details surrounding availability for Australian consumers. According to a trusted source, Microsoft has been in talks with major retailers to launch the Surface instead of erecting Microsoft Stores. On top of this the source reveals this deal will be exclusive for initial availability.

It was only a few days ago when we reported that UK retailer Phones 4u will be stocking the recently announced Samsung ATIV S once released, and now the company has returned with both the Lumia 820 and Lumia 920 Windows Phones.

Phones 4u is expected to be stocking the Samsung ATIV S, according to its 'coming soon' arrivals page. The Windows Phone was recently unveiled at IFA 2012 in Berlin, where Samsung announced a number of Microsoft products alongside its Android arsenal of devices. Featuring a dual-core CPU, 16GB or 32GB storage, 1GB RAM, 8MP shooter and a 4.8" HD display, the ATIV S is a beastly Windows Phone.

Let's file this under "rumors" for the time being. We know Microsoft doesn't have a great track record of keeping secrets, and China has been one major source of leaks. Combine the two factors, here comes another interesting leak.

The chaps at WPDang, the Chinese Windows Phone site who has been reasonably accurate on Microsoft leaks, state that the Redmond gang will be releasing the final version of Kinect for Windows SDK around September 15. Interesting timing, right after the Windows Phone 8 launch, and before the holy coming of Windows 8. What's most amusing is that according to WPDang's sources, Windows Phone division is involved in the development of Kinect for Windows SDK too...