Windows Phone 8

New statistics via AdDuplex, the popular cross-promotion network for Windows 8 and Windows Phone apps, reveal that in just three months’ time there are now more active Windows Phone 8 users than Windows Phone 7.

No firm numbers for sales of Windows Phone 7 or Windows Phone 8 have ever been revealed but at least according to AdDuplex’s data, Windows Phone 8 now accounts for 50.01% of Windows Phones using the AdDuplex network while Windows Phone 7.x has fallen to 49.99%.

The Samsung flagship Windows Phone is now available in Germany. The ATIV S is a high-end solution for those who wish to be slightly unique and choose a smartphone that sports a number of features, as well as a huge 4.8" display. Such features include the SD support, that and the device also makes use of Samsung's SAMOLED screen technology.

Data Sense is a much touted feature of Windows Phone 8, and a very nice one theoretically, which tracks every byte of data by every single app (including the phone OS itself) over both cellular and WiFi. But most Windows Phone 8 devices on the market these days do not have it on board yet. The reason of its absence, as we've heard, has something to do with lack of carrier support. AT&T is said to be adding Data Sense to its devices in the near future, but other Windows Phone carriers are more or less remaining quiet on the subject.

Windows Phone has always had the foundation to excel in every market. For example, with Xbox on board it could be the killer mobile gaming device – once they work out a few kinks. Same could be said for business, every device has the best Office experience built-in, but it’s not exactly taking over the corporate world by storm yet.

It’s not that the platform doesn’t have the chops, it could just be a lack of communication about what it can do. So Microsoft has gone and set up the Windows Phone business hub (www.windowsphone.com/business) – a place where you can learn all about business features of the operating system.

With the release of BlackBerry 10 this week, Microsoft has even more fresh blood for competition in the smartphone business. While one could argue that it is still Android or iOS that Microsoft is up against, the picture painted for spring 2013 is one of stiff competition and a fight for the third spot.

Windows Phone 8 has made great strides in making Redmond’s mobile OS much better than its predecessor, most importantly with the new NT kernel which will allow Microsoft to grow the OS. Having said that, there is a lot of room for improvement and we’re not just talking about touch-up features either but core aspects that need to be addressed.

Below is a list of 8 things we think Microsoft needs to fix in order for Windows Phone to really take off. We’re confident Microsoft already knows about these and in fact may have solutions in the pipeline. At least that's the hope.

WNM Live is an app similar to other social networks in that you can connect and keep up with your friends. But WNM takes it one step further by allowing you to make new friends with people who live nearby.

With over 650,000 active users worldwide, you could end up meeting your new best friend.

We had our say, now you have yours. The question is a bit loaded for a Windows Phone site, after all we’re guessing some of you are fans of Microsoft’s OS, but it is a legitimate question.

Windows Phone 8 has not set the world afire despite positive reviews and word of mouth. Is that because it’s not good enough or because Android and iOS are just too far ahead?

If it’s the former, does BlackBerry 10 fill that roll? If it’s the latter does BlackBerry even have a chance?

Click below for a few polls on the matter. Moible? Just head to m.wpcentral.com/polls-blackberry-10 to take them on your phone.

Just as we covered UK mobile operator EE rolling out the Windows Phone 8 update, reports have flooded in from multiple markets, including Italy, Germany and Russia. We're witnessing Microsoft gradually open the flood gates to release the Portico update to more consumers, which is a sign that progress is strong and issues are few and far between.

We've just got word that UK mobile operator EE has begun rolling out the Portico update for Lumia 920 Windows Phones that are tied to the network. The Windows Phone 8 update introduces a number of improvements, including SMS call reject, persistent Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi hotspot and addresses stability issues (such as those annoying soft-resets).

We last touched on a map refresh in late December when users were able to download OTA updates to their offline locations.

Today, Nokia Maps have received yet another update and once again, this applies to all Windows Phone 8 devices, not just Nokia. If you have downloaded maps on your phone, you should have already been prompted to update them for the latest batch of improvements. If you haven’t already, go to settings > applications > maps > check for updates.

The question you may be wondering is, what changed? We have the details.