Windows Phone 8

While you may want high-end phone, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a market for entry-level phones. Nokia has just announced such a phone, their cheapest Lumia yet, the Lumia 520. The phone will be running Windows Phone 8 and put up a fight against cheaper Android devices.

Samsung ATIV S is one curious case.

It was the first ever Windows Phone 8 device ever shown to the consumers, yet probably the last one to get onto the shelves. Today, even the extremely late-coming Huawei Ascend W1 has probably better availability than ATIV S. According to the latest rumor, the mysterious will land in China on March 8. However, the final retail price is said to be "undecided yet".

Apparently Samsung is trying to pitch the ATIV S against HTC 8X and Lumia 920, and looking for more leverage on pricing.

Early last month, at CES 2013, we gave you a hands on look at the Huawei Ascend W1. An entry level phone that we expect to do well in emerging markets. At the time we told you that the device should be available here in the US during Q2 on either regional carriers or some MVNOs. Turns out this little device powered by Windows Phone 8 will coming soon to TracFone Wireless, under the Net10 brand of service.

Looks like another wave of Windows Phone Portico (build 10211) OS updates have begun rolling out as we’re getting flooded with tips from various regions.

So far we’ve heard the Lumia 920 in Russia (via WP7Forum.ru) and New Zealand are both getting the over the air OS update as we speak. In addition, Verizon users who have the HTC 8X can finally rejoice as that phone is also getting the feature packed OS update, according to reports.

There are numerous resources available for Windows Phone developers to read through and engage with for tips and helpful tutorials on functionality for the platform. Creating the perfect app is a must for anyone looking to create content for a mobile platform, especially Windows Phone where consumers also critically review the overall presentation of content.

Daniel Vaughan, Microsoft MVP for Client Application Development has crafted a book in the depths of code and lookups, which is currently available for pre-order and will be released this coming May. Titled Windows Phone 8 Unleashed, it's resource for developers to better make use of functionality in Windows Phone 8.

Nokia's DLNA app Play To has been demanded by Lumia Windows Phone 8 consumers since Microsoft launched its new mobile platform, but it has remained in beta testing. We last reported on the app back in December when Nokia revealed that it would see a Q1 2013 release.

Now a member of the product team has stated on the Nokia Beta Labs feedback forum that we'll be seeing Play To launched for Windows Phone 8 within 2 weeks, adding fuel to the fire on a Mobile World Congress announcement.

According to a number of sources, the Windows Phone 8 update -- codename "Portico" OS build 8858 -- is rolling out across a number of European markets for those using unbranded hardware. WPArea.de reports that they have received the notification to upgrade their unlocked Windows Phone in Germany, while a handful of our readers from both Denmark and Sweden have got in touch.

Tmonews have got hold of a leaked T-Mobile US roadmap, detailing a release date for a "Nokia Flame 4G" smartphone. Name rings a bell? If not, don't worry as we've previously covered the mysterious handset, which is a low-end offering if our report is anything to go by. But don't let that get you down as this is a 4G Windows Phone, and not everyone wants (or requires) a high-end smartphone.

It was only yesterday when we covered Vodafone's plans to launch a number of Windows Phone devices, and today the UK mobile operator has revealed just how much each handset will set the customer back. The move is a strong push for the platform, with majority of mobile operators in the country now sporting one or more Windows Phones.

One big bummer the past few years watching the mobile landscape has been the lack of official Windows Phone numbers from Microsoft. Things like marketshare and the amount of devices sold has been more elusive than Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster. We’re always having to base conclusions on analytics from firms that are often nothing more than speculation – good speculation, but still not official.

That said, here is a new report stating that Windows Phone has surpassed BlackBerry for 3rd place, at least in the US.