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All posts tagged "hardware"


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

HTC Commits To Ship Windows Phone 8 Devices Later This Year

Posted by Richard Chao in "Windows Phone News" @ 09:33 PM

http://www.htc.com/us/media/press-r...l?prid=h3m5vgwz

""HTC is committed to Windows Phone more than ever and we are excited to be bringing new Windows Phone 8-enabled smartphones to customers later this year," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation."

HTC has announced its commitment to bring Windows Phone 8 devices to market later this year in a press release made available today. No word yet on how many devices or specs.


Saturday, May 19, 2012

Positive Windows Phone News From China?

Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 04:00 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/...phone-in-china/

"Going by Microsoft's Greater China COO Michel van der Bel, the launch of Windows Phone in China is off to an auspicious start -- enough to give Apple the shakes. He claims that devices like the Nokia Lumia 800c have helped Windows Phone reach seven percent of the Chinese market, or just enough to get past the six points of the iPhone."

The tricky part of this news item posted on Engadget, as they point out, is confirming the market share numbers. That being said, it has to be somewhat encouraging for the Microsoft team. Could 2012 turn out to be a stellar year for Windows Phone? Only time will tell.


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Illuminating the Lumia -- The Nokia Lumia 900

Posted by Don Tolson in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 08:00 AM

Product Category: Windows Phone 7 Smartphone
Manufacturer: Nokia
Where to Buy: Expansys [affiliate]
Price: $765 USD (unlocked, no contract)
System Requirements: Comes with Windows Phone 7 Mango+ (8107) installed.
Specifications: 1.4Ghz single core CPU, 16Gb internal storage, 512Mb SDRAM; 4.3in WVGA (480 x 800) Super AMOLED screen; Quad band (850/900/1800/1900) GPRS, Tri band UTMS (900/1700/2100), HSPA+, LTE 700, 1700/2100; GPS; 8mp rear colour camera w/autofocus + LED flash, 1mp front-facing camera, 720p HD video recording; BT 2.1 EDR; 802.11b/g/n; 3.5mm stereo audio jack; microUSB 2.0; G-Sensor; 128mm (5.03in) x 69mm (2.7in) x 12mm (0.47in); 160g (5.6oz). Full specs are available at the Nokia site.

Pros:

  • Rogers first LTE-capable WP7 phone!
  • Solid construction and feel;
  • Call quality is excellent.

Cons:

  • No replaceable battery;
  • Access to the microSIM card is difficult.
  • Wi-Fi doesn't see the 5Ghz band;

Summary: There has been a lot of buzz (and sales activity) about Nokia's introduction of their premiere WP7 phone to the US marketplace, the Lumia 900. I was fortunate to pick one up the second day they came available through Rogers here in Canada. Now, after a week or two of working with it on a day-to-day basis, let's see how it stacks up. Read more...


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Verizon WP8 Devices To Come Before Holiday Season Per CFO

Posted by Richard Chao in "Windows Phone News" @ 09:45 AM

http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-...med-for-verizon

"Shammo also told Reuters that Verizon plans to make its new Windows Phone 8 handsets available later this year, in time for the holiday season, which should see the devices on sale shortly after Microsoft publicly launches the new mobile OS in the fourth quarter."

During Verizon's quarterly earnings report, CFO Fran Shammo voiced strong support for the Windows Phone 8 platform and believes it to be the third ecosystem along with iOS and Android. Also stated was that devices will be available from Verizon before the holiday season. Unfortunately this means there will be no WP7.5 device to supplement the HTC Trophy on Verizon's shelves.

Tags: hardware, verizon, wp8

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Ars Technica: Challenges Getting Windows Phones Updated

Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 07:30 AM

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/ne...=1#comments-bar

"If these rumors are true, buying a Lumia 900-or any other Windows Phone handset-is a risky proposition. If you buy subsidized, on-contract handsets, you'll typically be eligible for a new subsidized upgrade every two years. A reasonable expectation, then, would be two years of software support in the form of bugfixes and updates. But if current handsets can't run Windows Phone 8, they'll essentially be cut off from future support in about six months. Developers might still target the older handsets to some extent, but many more will be targeting Windows Phone 8's extended capabilities and richer APIs."

If you are contemplating buying a Windows Phone it will be of interest to you to understand the update strategy from both Microsoft and the carriers proving the phones. As is outlined in this article, it is clearly an uneven playing field and playing strategy from the participants. Ars Technica goes so far as to warn you that buying a Windows Phone like the Nokia Lumia 900 could lead you down a path where you cannot get your phone software updated, depending on which partners are involved. Note that the Android world also has some of these types of issues. It is an in-depth article, but well worth the read, and only takes one click to get there.


Thursday, April 12, 2012

HTC Titan II Camera Samples

Posted by Adan Galvan in "Windows Phone News" @ 05:00 PM

http://www.wpcentral.com/playing-ht...nd-maco-samples

The HTC Titan II has a few differences when compared to the Lumia 900. Custom HTC software and a larger 4.5 inch screen are two of the big ones. However, the stand out feature for the Titan II has to be the 16MP camera. While many may feel this is overkill for a smartphone camera, you have to appreciate the fact that HTC went all out in hopes of making the phone unique. For most, the quality of the camera will determine whether or not spending $199 (vs. $99 for the Lumia 900) is worth the extra expense. Luckily, WPCentral has stepped up and provided some great low-light and macro shots to help us make a decision. Hit the link for the samples and let us know what you think.


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Fix For Lumia 900 On The Way

Posted by Nurhisham Hussein in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 11:00 PM

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news...data-glitch.ars

"Some Nokia Lumia 900 customers have been experiencing a loss of data connectivity-both LTE and 3G-on their new handsets. Nokia has identified the problem and devised a software fix, which will be rolled out on or around April 16th. Customers not wanting to wait can have their phones swapped for updated versions in AT&T stores. The company will also give any AT&T customer buying a Lumia between now and April 21 a $100 credit on their next bill."

At the price AT&T are retailing the Lumia for (with contract), that $100 credit means you're effectively getting the Lumia for free. If you aren't afraid of hooking up with AT&T, that's a pretty good deal for what looks like one of the better Windows Phone 7 devices out there. And kudos to Nokia for the fast turnaround.


Saturday, April 7, 2012

HTC Titan II

Posted by Richard Chao in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 09:30 AM

http://www.wpcentral.com/att-htc-ti...irst-impression

"The FedEx truck dropped of AT&T's latest Windows Phone from HTC earlier today. While Nokia's Lumia 900 is getting most of the spotlight, the HTC Titan II is quietly landing on AT&T's store shelves on April 8th and it makes a very impressive first impression."

Don't forget, the Nokia Lumia 900 is not the only Windows Phone 7.5 device being released by AT&T this week. WPCentral has published their first impression report and video of the HTC Titan II. The HTC Titan II is the updated version of the HTC Titan. It sports a 4.7 inch screen and an improved camera shooting at 16MP.

Did you pick up one of these two devices? What are your impressions?


Sunday, March 25, 2012

Nokia Lumia 900 Pre-orders Now Possible In Canada

Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 02:00 PM

http://www.rogers.com/web/content/l...en-0212-_-slot3

"Rogers in Canada is taking pre-orders now for the Nokia Lumia 900! For those here in Canada who have been waiting for the providers to finally move into the next generation of WP7 phones, here's your chance. No word on pricing yet, but Rogers is talking about availability in mid-April."

Although I have not seen one of this handsets in person, I have certainly read about them and can believe that they are beautiful devices. With Rogers in Canada now taking pre-orders the wait to actually try one won't be too long. The Source link below has the details about the pre-order.


Sunday, March 18, 2012

*UPDATED* Nokia Lumia 900 Scheduled For April Release

Posted by Richard Chao in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 05:30 PM

http://www.wpcentral.com/microsofts...?style_mobile=0

*Update* Turns out WPCentral is reporting there are two Joes and the one mention below is not the one from Microsoft.

"While we just posted about the TITAN II's no show and we're still unsure about the Lumia 900, evidently Microsoft Corporate VP of Windows Phone, Joe Belfiore knows what's going on."

WPCentral is reporting Joe Belfiore has confirmed the Nokia Lumia 900 is scheduled for release on the AT&T network probably in April. So this should put to rest any rumors of a March release. Not mentioned was the reason for April or a firm date.


Monday, February 20, 2012

Bluetooth SIG Confirms The Nokia Lumia 719

Posted by Richard Chao in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 09:30 PM

http://www.neowin.net/news/report-s...ssues-in-future

"The Bluetooth SIG has just approved the Lumia 719, saying it's destined for Asia, North America and South America."

The Bluetooth SIG has just confirmed the existence of the Nokia Lumia 719. The 719 is purportedly soon to see the light of day in Asia, North America and South America. From the product details, it appears the 719 is very similar to the 710 in terms of feature set.

Going by Nokia's past naming conventions, this is probably a CDMA variant of the Lumia 710. Hopefully it is destined for either Sprint or Verizon in North America.


Friday, February 10, 2012

Nokia Lumia 710 Reviewed

Posted by Nurhisham Hussein in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 02:00 AM

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/ph...eview?artc_pg=1

"The Nokia Lumia 710 is the second offering into the Windows Phone arena from Nokia, following the release of the Nokia Lumia 800 late last year."

Techradar.com have done an extensive review of the Lumia 710, which looks to be Nokia's offering to the young and trendy set, as well as to the more budget conscious. What's the verdict: it's a decent handset which would be a winner if the price were a tad lower. For the details, head on through the link for the full review.


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Microsoft To Sell Lumia 800 Bundle Starting On 2/14

Posted by Richard Chao in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 10:10 PM

http://www.theverge.com/microsoft/2...ore-february-14

"Microsoft will launch Nokia's Lumia 800 device in the US as a special bundle item priced at $899."

The Nokia Lumia 800 will be available from Microsoft Stores starting February 14th in a special bundle priced at $899. The phone will be an unlocked GSM model and come packaged with a Nokia Play 360 Wireless Speaker, Purity HD Stereo Headset and an in-ear Bluetooth headset. Not known is whether the phone will be available without the bundle or if the bundle is the only option.

Personally, I would rather wait for the Lumia 900. It comes with a bigger screen, front facing camera, better rear camera and is probably cheaper.


Monday, February 6, 2012

Think You Can Do A Better Job Than Microsoft?

Posted by Nurhisham Hussein in "Windows Phone News" @ 12:00 PM

https://windowsphone.uservoice.com/...g-and-promotion

"If you're here, we assume that's because you love Windows Phone as much as we do - but maybe you're frustrated that word's not getting out to everyone about how great Windows Phones are? Just like with your suggestions on features to add to future versions of the product, we'd like your suggestions on how we can spread the word about Windows Phone itself via advertising campaigns, community or social media involvement and other types of promotions."

One of the big disadvantages of being a big company not named Apple is that its sometimes (ok, most of the time) pretty hard to have your ear to the ground and keep track of the pulse of consumer likes and dislikes. So what's a big company to do? A couple of years back I had the chance to read Gary Hamel's "The Future of Management" and one of the recommendations was for companies to co-create with their customers. I think we're seeing that principle in action here - Microsoft wants YOU, to help them market Windows Phone 7 to the masses. Here's your chance to write copy, and break into advertising!


Friday, February 3, 2012

Nokia Lumia 900 Pre-order Now Available For $25

Posted by Richard Chao in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 12:30 AM

http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/2/27...-store-preorder

"We reached out to Microsoft, and it confirmed that $25 will secure Nokia's latest Windows Phone handset for you, but there wasn't any new info on how much the phone will cost in full when launch day comes around."

Microsoft's Brick and Mortar Stores are now taking pre-orders for the Nokia Lumia 900. The 900 is one of two LTE capable WP7.5 phones being released by AT&T on March 18th. The other being the HTC Titan II.

If you want to pre-order the 900, grab $25.00 and head to your local Microsoft Store.


Thursday, February 2, 2012

Nokia Chargers Power Up

Posted by Nurhisham Hussein in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 01:00 AM

http://www.wpcentral.com/nokia-char...s-phones-faster

"While it's been confirmed by Nokia already, the team over at WeLoveWP.hk have run some tests on charging the Lumia Windows Phone with a number of options. Turns out...the Nokia Lumia adapters provided more charge for a faster rate of recharge."

I'm not sure a "faster" charger is that much of an advantage, as bearing in mind my rudimentary knowledge of battery technology, fast charging like this tends to stress the battery more while also generating more heat. You might be trading off faster charging against a shorter battery lifespan. Of course, if you're in the habit of buying an extra battery or two, or changing phones every couple of years, that might not matter much. The nice thing though is that since the Lumia models will charge off a standard USB port, the decision is yours.


Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Value Of Microsoft To Nokia

Posted by Nurhisham Hussein in "Windows Phone News" @ 10:00 PM

http://www.slashgear.com/nokia-micr...phone-26210827/

"Microsoft paid Nokia $250m in Q4 2011 for adopting Windows Phone, the Finnish company's financial results today have revealed, the first of a "platform support payments" scheme expected to eventually account for billions of dollars. The two companies have always declined to put an exact figure on the "significant investments" Nokia would receive, though this new stat lends weight to earlier talk of over a billion in Microsoft subsidies."

1327637866.usr14226.jpg (480×325)

Talk about getting paid - what kind of reward do you think would a CEO get from his shareholders, if he got another company to pony up a billion greenbacks? Conversely, what should the shareholders of Microsoft think of a billion dollars in cash going to somebody else, who isn't even a big name in the US (and losing ground everywhere else)? Still it shows the kind of lengths Microsoft, or should I say Steve Ballmer, will go to to get WP7 into wider circulation. As much hammering as Nokia has taken in the last couple of years, they're still a big presence in most major and emerging markets. This is a gamble, but given the competition, it's probably no time for half measures.


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Will 2012 Be The Year Of Windows Phone?

Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 06:30 PM

http://robtiffany.com/windows-phone...f-windows-phone

"So here we stand with the best smartphone operating system, best hardware, best development tools and the best mobile web browser. I'm certain that Windows Phone with its army of app developers, OEMs and Mobile Operator partners will be marching to victory this year."

Yes it will, says Rob Tiffany in his blog. How is he so sure? Well, he thinks it's a convergence of a number of factors that play well into Microsoft's hands. For instance, he believes that exciting new hardware options will entice customers from a handset perspective, and developers will be able to develop compelling new apps using Microsoft's effective development environment. Good points, and indeed these will be important factors. I think marketing, product positioning with both vendors and the public, and continual evolution of the reference hardware specs will be important too. Read through his blog and the drop over to our forums to let us know if you think 2012 will be "the" year for Windows Phone.


AT&T Lumia 900 Set For March 18th Release At $99.99

Posted by Richard Chao in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 10:11 AM

http://www.bgr.com/2012/01/25/atts-...18th-for-99-99/

"We just received a portion of AT&T's 2012 roadmap from a trusted source, and it looks like AT&T isn't playing around this year."

BGR is reporting that a leaked AT&T 2012 roadmap shows the Nokia Lumia 900 will be available on March 18th for $99.00 with a two year contract.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Comprehensive Lumia 710 Review

Posted by Adan Galvan in "Windows Phone News" @ 05:00 AM

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews...obile,3109.html

The Nokia Lumia 710 was released last week on T-Mobile USA and the reviews have been largely positive. The device is the first Nokia Lumia device released in the US and will come with a large advertising campaign funded by both Microsoft and Nokia. The device has 3.7" screen 5MP camera, and of course Windows Phone 7.5. Tom's Hardware has done a thorough review that looks at the hardware, special features, camera and more. Hit the link for the full review.


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