windows phone

Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 has launched but that only appears to have signalled the start of a serious global assault of both device launches and advertising.

The HTC 8X has been received incredibly well, which has displayed somewhat of a return to form for the Taiwanese manufacturer (for Windows Phone anyway). Now it’s time to get those devices out there.

Nokia has used the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra to produce a number of classical numbers that are being used as ringtones on Nokia hardware. The manufacturer decided to use the orchestra due to classical ringtones proving to be popular among users when configuring their handsets. The pieces were composed by in-house sound designers, before being recorded with 55 members of the orchestra.

We've heard rumors on a Microsoft branded Windows Phone for some time now. We've seen concept images and even Nokia CEO Stephen Elop mentioned a Surface Windows Phone would stimulate the ecosystem.

The latest rumor has Foxconn International Holding (FIH), a manufacturer of electronic devices, receiving a handset order from both Microsoft and Amazon. According to the sources of the rumors claim a launch date of mid-2013.  The source notes that both orders will only have a limited shipment volume initially and may become a new business model for the manufacturers in the future

They say copying is a form of flattery, so both HTC and Microsoft should be feeling so with this low-end device that has appeared on Indian Times. The device, a Lemon T109 Dual SIM Mobile Watch, appears to be rocking a Windows Phone UI, but isn't actually a handset running Microsoft's OS. Odd, right?

The Windows Phone Store (previously the Windows Phone Marketplace) has been growing at a fairly steady rate since the platform launched back in 2010. The number of apps and games available to consumers to download (both free and paid) is still increasing, and the platform has passed the 100,000 app milestone.

Since Windows Phone is a smaller ecosystem than both iOS and Android, is it worth investing in app and game development? According to data from EEDAR's 2012 Mobile Syndicated Reports, Windows Phone is actually a valid option for developers when it comes to monetisation. According to the reports, Windows Phone users spend more funds in the Store than users on competing platforms.

From this Friday AT&T will be offering the Lumia 920 at any of its company owned retail stores for $49.99. Of course you’ll need to sign a contract for two years with voice and data, but at least the carrier will be matching both Amazon and Walmart.

This Friday will see plenty of ‘crazy deals’ but this still some compelling pricing from AT&T who are already selling the device for $99.99.  The deal is available from this Friday 23^rd to the 25^th for those of you who are keen to grab one.

Windows Phones are taking the top spots over at Amazon Wireless on its "top rated cell phones with services plans" list. But a few positions in the top ten aren't enough it seems as a total of seven spots are taken by handsets running Microsoft's mobile operating system.