Microsoft is to end access to the Marketplace for users of Windows Phone 7.

Microsoft had posted the information last month, but today it has issued a further reminder to all that if you are a Windows Phone 7 user, you need to upgrade to Windows Phone 7.5.

No speicfic date has been given when access to the Marketplace will end but it is likely to be soon considering the new finroamtion. Users of Windows Phone 7 who do not update, will be unable to purchase or install new applications after the deadline.

Source

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Windows Phone 7 Access to Marketplace to End originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 18, 2012.

Latest research from ABI Research shows that the majority of users spend little to nothing on mobile apps, with more than 70% of users spending less than $7.50 per month. The research also found that the top 3% of spenders accounted for nearly 20% of all revenue generated.

“The median amount among the consumers who spend money on apps is much lower than the average, just $7.50 per month,” senior analyst Aapo Markkanen said. “This reflects the disproportionate role of big spenders as a revenue source.”

The research also found that the apps that generated the most revenue were often utility apps targetted at business professionals or iOS games with in-app purchases, as Apple discovered.

Whilst the research concerns the US market, it can be applied to app revenue generation globally and although not accurate, it can provide an indication of app revenues worldwide.

Here’s the full press release.

3% of Users Account for One-Fifth of All Money Spent on Mobile Apps

LONDON – May 14, 2012
?According to a US consumer survey conducted by ABI Research, about two-thirds of app users have spent money on an application on at least one occasion. Among these paying users, the mean spend was $14 per month. Behind the seemingly high average amount there are, however, some striking findings.

Senior analyst Aapo Markkanen explains, “The median amount among the consumers who spend money on apps is much lower than the average, just $7.50 per month. This reflects the disproportionate role of big spenders as a revenue source. The highest-spending 3% of all app users account for nearly 20% of the total spend, while over 70% spends either nothing or very little.”

The numbers also reflect certain trends in different app categories. Thus far, the releases that have best succeeded in making money have typically been utility apps often used for business purposes, or iOS games monetized through strings of in-app purchases. In both cases the money comes from a remarkably small base of customers. Is there anything developers can do to boost the conversion rate from free to premium?

Markkanen has two recommendations. “First, don’t get obsessed by mobile and apps, but remember also the web,” he adds. “Most of the successful app concepts either support, or are supported by, a web component. Second, see your product through a long-term lens, asking yourself what could convince your customers to still engage with the app in two years’ time. Evernote, for example, has excelled at both. It has skillfully combined the web and the mobile, and at the same time it has also managed to become a habit for many of its users. It demonstrates that the longer its customers stick around with a free version of an app, the likelier they’re going to convert to its premium version.”

Via

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Mobile apps research shows most people spend little to nothing originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 16, 2012.

Rafe from All About Windows Phone has established that there are now 90,000 apps available on the Windows Phone Marketplace, meaning the platform is growing at an incredible rate having recently crossed the 70,000 apps milestone less than two months ago.

The numbers pale in comparison to Apple’s App Store (around 600,000) and the Google Play Store (500,000) but given the platform is only around a year old, 90k is a good milestone for Microsoft (and Nokia) to have reached.

As we all know, once you get to that number of apps, it’s less about quantity and more about quality. That being said, it’s definitely great to see Nokia’s adopted platform become appealing to developers.

Source

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Windows Phone Marketplace now has 90,000 apps originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 15, 2012.

Apple looks set to drop Google and make the move to its own maps application. It is thought that the new maps will be the clinching feature of the new OS.

We are not yet sure how the maps can bring a bigger newer New touch to Apple’s iOS 6 after the launch of Siri but it is something we look forward to where Apple can take this.

Apple has purchased Placebase, C3 Technologies and Poly 9 – the three combined offers Apple the technology and software to bring forth a unique and captivating experience. The app is said to look much different to its present guise but we do not imagine that it will be too far different that novice users will not be able to use it. Apple has been known for their simple UI and it is likely they will not want to counteract that position when ease of use is part of its known capabilities.

Apple acquired C3 technology back in October 2011 and it is known for its 3D mapping solutions, street-level photography as well as user-generated images.

You will be familiar with C3 technology if you use Nokia Maps as it plays a part in their inbuilt technology and was part of Nokia Ovi Maps.

We have not clarified what licences Nokia has with Apple for the use of C3 technology.

Source

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Apple’s iOS 6 to Follow Where Nokia Leads originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 11, 2012.

Microsoft are following the lead of Windows Phone partner Nokia and rebranding a series of different services and brands into fewer. The latest service to bite the bullet is the Twitter integration into the company’s Windows Phone operating system.

Previous tweeters will have seen that tweet sent from Microsoft’s platform would appear with “via Windows Live” branding on Twitter but going forward, tweets will now appear as “via Microsoft“, as the company looks to simplify and cut down on excessive brands.

This follows the rebranding of Windows Live ID to Microsoft Account and is part of Microsoft’s preparations for the truly refreshed Windows 8 platform.

Via ~ Via

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Microsoft Windows Live rebranding continues originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 11, 2012.

Nokia appears to be getting some exclusive branding on their Windows Phone.

The Nokia Lumia 900 which has recently gone on sale in the UK was sighted with a Nokia logo on the Marketplace hub.

Nokia Windows Phone includes many exclusive applications which will not be available anywhere else. The newly revealed Windows Marketplace icon could be an indication of Nokia’s intention to open its own Nokia-branded store within the Windows Phone Marketplace.

It is not yet known if other Windows Phone manufacturers will be following in the same footsteps.

Source

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Nokia Windows Phone Marketplace Appears originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 10, 2012.

Nokia’s windows phone, a collaboration with Microsoft has released four smartphones to date. The Lumia 800, 710 and very recently released Lumia 900 and 610.

The Nokia windows phone has exclusive application that other windows phones do not have including Nokia Drive, Nokia Maps, Nokia Music and Nokia Pulse.

However, you can never have enough exclusivity and the above applications will be joined with:

PGA Tour

ESPN Sports hub

Angry Birds Space

Groupon

Tripdots

PayPal

AOL

Time Magazine

Newsweek

box

The full press release reads as follows:

Nokia Lumia drives further ecosystem momentum with new app partnerships announced at CTIA

No related posts.

Nokia Lumia to Gain Exclusive Apps to Windows Phone originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 8, 2012.

Running a business requires you to have a smartphone device that caters to your needs. But how do you know what your needs are and how much a mobile device can help you to conduct and run your business.

Here we take at a unique situation between a BlackBerry and Nokia Lumia smartphones. Both devices have facilities that offer business’ better management facilities but how do they compare?

Take a look at the following video and let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.

Source

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Windows Phone for Your Business Needs originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 5, 2012.

Microsoft have begun sending our “Save the Date” emails for the Windows Phone Developer Summit on June 20-21 in San Francisco.

The Redmond based company is expected to fully announce Windows Phone 8 (known as Apollo) and delve into the details and APIs that developers will need to develop for the latest interation of Microsoft’s platform.

The Apollo update is set to be released later this year alongside the Windows 8 platform and the two smartphone version of Microsoft’s latest Windows OS should see the Metro UI redesigned to support tablets, smartphones and PCs alike.

At least we now only have a few weeks to go until Microsoft could reveal all.

No related posts.

Microsoft to announce Windows Phone 8 at Developer Summit? originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on May 3, 2012.

We know that the Samsung Galaxy S III is set for launch next week but what about the future for the Korean manufacturer, who recently became the number one manufacturer for global mobile phone sales.

According to latest reports, Samsung could be planning a dual-attack, with the Galaxy S III taking on the spate of Android devices on the market as well as Apple’s iPhone whilst a new Windows Phone Apollo device takes the fight to their Windows Phone competition.

We already know that Samsung is planning to launch Windows Phone 8 (Apollo) in October, and one of them is rumoured to be an Apollo version of the Android toting Galaxy S III. It’s unclear whether this would fall inside the Galaxy branding, but the company could resurrect their now dormant Omnia line of Windows based smartphones.

The reports suggest that the Apollo Galaxy S III smartphone would not be a carbon copy of its Android kin, but would share similar components. It is possible that Samsung could power the device with a dual-core or quad-core Exynos CPU (see Nokia CEO Stephen Elop’s thoughts on multi-core smartphones), and other specs are expected to include a 4.7 inch HD display, LTE support, NFC and a 12 megapixel camera.

Microsoft is definitely planning for WP8 to take off in a big way, and there are plenty of people who like Samsung’s hardware but aren’t a fan of the Android platform; for these people, and anyone wanting to try out a high-spec WP8 smartphone, this device could be the answer.

Source ~ Via

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Samsung planning Apollo Galaxy S III (S3)? originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 28, 2012.

In a spatter of leaks or slip of the tongues this morning, Nokia Saudi Arabia has been pleasing its citizens by keeping them up to date with the very latest of information.

Earlier we read the news that Nokia’s 808 PureView will be arriving in June for Saudi Arabia. Nokia’s 808 PureView is one of those devices that you will either love or hate. Great love is attributed towards the 41 megapixel sensor. Some would say the newest of technology, running on the dinosaur that is the symbian operating system. Nokia has issued update to the OS in its attempts to keep bring it into the 21st Century. Whether it has done enough, remains to be seen.

However, the latest update concerns Windows Phone. The conversation resolved around a direct question aimed at the Lumia 900:

Customer “Can I know when the Lumia 900 will be available in Saudi Arabia with full Arabic Support/System for WP?”

Answer from @NokiaKSA “Nokia LUMIA phones will be available in Saudi Arabia in month #10 with 100% full Arabic Support – running on Windows 8″.

Nokia answers direction with a response to windows 8 and neglects to mention the Mango devices. So from the looks of things it appears that Mango will not get Arabic support for the time being and that not only will Windows 8 have support but also that there will be a new device, Windows 8, as early as October.

Thank you to Ali for the transcription.

In collaboration with Microsoft, Nokia has released the Lumia range of devices running on the Windows Phone OS. Nokia has released to-date, the Lumia 800 (Oct 2011), Lumia 710 (Jan 2012) and Lumia 900 (April 2012). The Lumia 900 has been released in the U.S. so far and looks to be heading outside the state in May 2012. Nokia’s fourth Windows Phone device, the miniature Lumia 610 has not yet been released. It is likely to be a big hit when it does, as it will feature NFC technology in certain variants of the product and the 610 will see the device hit the lowest price point of a Nokia Windows Phone so far.

source

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Windows Phone 8 on Nokia Arriving October originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 27, 2012.

Earlier this week Skype was finally announced for Windows Phones and while Nokia Lumia phone users were quick to download after waiting for several months on the occasion, Sony’s new PS Vita is next in turn.

Skype’s new VoIP version brings turns the gaming device into more than a game console bring internet phone connectivity over Wi-Fi and 3G.

Check your PlayStation Store as it should be available for US users straight away with it arriving to Europe and most of Asia in the next day or two.

The PS Vita has both a front and rear camera and either can be used to make Skype video calls in addition to voice-only calls. The Skype for Vita is able to multi-task allowing you to take a call whilst playing a game or having an app in use.

Source

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Sony PS Vita: Skype Now Available originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 24, 2012.

As part of tdoay’s HTC One Day, we thought it would only be fair to also bring you HTC news from around the globe, with this entry coming from the USA where HTC’s One X flagship took on Nokia’s Lumia 900 Windows Phone flagship in yet another Smoked by Windows Phone challenge.

The challenge was a HTML 5 screen reader test and here’s how the One X fared:

• HTC One X – 24 FPS, average draw 41ms
• Nokia Lumia 900 – 45 FPS, average draw 22ms
• HTC Titan II – 60 FPS, average draw 13ms

So it goes to show that despite rocking a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU (the US One X features a dual-core CPU whilst the international One X rocks a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU), the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and 1GB RAM, specs aren’t everything as the One X is also outperformed by its Windows Phone toting brother, the HTC Titan II.

Source ~ Via

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Nokia Lumia 900 beats the HTC One X in “Smoked by Windows Phone” challenge originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 24, 2012.

Microsoft recently bought $1 billion worth of patents from AOL, some of which are now headed to Facebook in a deal worth $550 million, the companies just announced.

Approximately 275 AOL patents will remain in Microsoft’s ownership whilst the rest will be sold to Facebook. The deal spells potential legal action against Yahoo, who have been the subject of breaching Facebook’s patents.

This is yet another twist and turn in the patent wars where everyone seems to be suing everyone around patent infringement.

We’ll let you know how this one pans out; full press release is below.

Microsoft Corp. and Facebook announced today a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will assign to Facebook the right to purchase a portion of the patent portfolio it recently agreed to acquire from AOL Inc. Facebook has agreed to purchase this portion for $550 million in cash.

In the initial AOL auction, Microsoft secured the ability to own or assign approximately 925 U.S. patents and patent applications plus a license to AOL’s remaining patent portfolio, which contains approximately 300 additional patents that were not for sale.

As a result of today’s agreement, Facebook will obtain ownership of approximately 650 AOL patents and patent applications, plus a license to the AOL patents and applications that Microsoft will purchase and own.

Upon closing of this transaction with Facebook, Microsoft will retain ownership of approximately 275 AOL patents and applications; a license to the approximately 650 AOL patents and applications that will now be owned by Facebook; and a license to approximately 300 patents that AOL did not sell in its auction.

“Today’s agreement with Facebook enables us to recoup over half of our costs while achieving our goals from the AOL auction,” said Brad Smith, executive vice president and general counsel, Microsoft. “As we said earlier this month, we had submitted the winning AOL bid in order to obtain a durable license to the full AOL portfolio and ownership of certain patents that complement our existing portfolio.”

“Today’s agreement with Microsoft represents an important acquisition for Facebook,” said Ted Ullyot, general counsel, Facebook. “This is another significant step in our ongoing process of building an intellectual property portfolio to protect Facebook’s interests over the long term.”

The parties are evaluating the accounting treatment for these transactions. These transactions are also subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

Source ~ Via

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Microsoft selling AOL patents to Facebook for $550 million originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 23, 2012.

In addition you now have the option to share contents of files and folded to friends, family and contacts via your People Hub.

You can grab the download from your local Marketplace. If you do not see it then do not worry as it may take slightly longer to arrive in some places than others. However, I can confirm that it has hit UK shores.

Source: wpcentral.com

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SkyDrive for Windows phone gets update to v2 originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 22, 2012.

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Skype For Windows Phone Now Available originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 22, 2012.

Microsoft could be planning a double-sided smartphone display system according to a recent patent trademark filing by the Redmond based company. According to PatentBolt, Microsoft filed the patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Friday with the invention allowing certain types of information to be moved from the main display to the rear display, which will be powered by low-powered processor.

The secondary display could also be used in customising the device, with the option to choose your own colour for the display to turn being touted as one of the possibilities for this invention.

It’s unclear when (or if) the display will come to market, but it will likely be running Microsoft’s Windows Phone or Windows 8 operating systems and possibly made by Nokia, who recently released the Nokia Lumia 900 as part of their re-entry into the US.

Source ~ Via

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Microsoft planning double sided smartphone display? originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 21, 2012.

Microsoft has posted its revenue for fiscal Q3 2012. It has enjoyed a good season and posted $17.41 billion an increase of some six percent over the same period last year.

Window and Windows live revenue is up to $2.95 against $2.79 this time last year. Operating income has seen a boost up by 12 percent to $6.37 billion.

Microsoft made some loss and attributed this to the Xbox where the device reported $584 million decline in its quarterly revenue. “Research and development expenses increased $100 million (35 percent) in the quarter, as did sales and marketing – which Microsoft attributed mostly due to “headcount-related expenses.”

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Microsoft Revenue Reaches $17.41 Billion Q3 2012 originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 19, 2012.

News breaks today that suggests Microsoft could be set to introduce a form of OEM branding and customisation in the upcoming smartphone version of Windows 8. The news comes via Netbook News who today report that Microsoft is preparing a Sit down meeting with Windows Phone partners to discuss the upcoming Windows Phone Apollo platform.

There is very little confirmed news re the meeting except for the agenda which reads:

• Apollo Review
• Windows Phone Schedules and release plans/processes
• Customization & Differentiation opportunities
• New Windows Phone 8 application development capabilities
• What’s new feature review of Apollo
• Connectivity and APN management
• Better together with Windows 8

Some website have taken the “Customization & Differentiation opportunities” part of the agenda as confirmation that Microsoft will allow their partners to customise the experience deeply, but I’d expect the Redmond based company to allow their partners some degree of flexible control and differentiation whilst retaining the platform’s Metro UI and look and feel.

It is also possible that Microsoft wants their partners to push the platform over their Android devices; Android remains the only truly customisable platform for OEMs and partners which is why they tend to choose that over Windows Phone. A more customisable and hence differentiated Windows Phone Apollo would appeal to both OEMs and in fact mobile networks who could include their own branding and services and this could be just what Microsoft needs to firmly establish the platform as the choice of manufacturers and partners.

Read

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Microsoft to allow OEM customisation in Windows Phone 8 Apollo? originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 19, 2012.

This looks set to become a right royal PR mess but to begin with, according to Microsoft (via The Verge), the current line of Windows Phone smartphones won’t get the official update to Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Phone Apollo update.

However, WMPowerUser quote Microsoft evangelist Nuno Silva as saying the devices will get the update, and they have a video interview to prove it.

Originally, it was thought the Windows Phone update wouldn’t come to existing devices due to hardware limitations, but it seems that that is no longer the case.

No matter what happens, Windows Phone users will be extremely annoyed if they don’t get the update, so Microsoft, if it’s possible, get the update out to users! You really can’t afford people to “jump ship” and move platforms.

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WP Mango devices won’t get Apollo, oh wait, yes it will originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 18, 2012.

ChevronWP7 Labs unlocked 10,000 devices whilst it was up and running offering the free service to help Windows Phone beginners and hobbyist.

However, they will be shutting down and on its demise, the devices unlocked will be re-locked within 120 days.

ChevronWP7 had this to say as to the reasons why they need to close shop;

“First, to determine if we could supercharge the Windows Phone beginner/hobbyist community by removing the initial cost barrier (i.e. App Hub membership.) And second, to convert potential developers into published developers.”

However, developers who sign up for the App Hub at a price of $99 will see Microsoft refund their payment within 60 days of purchase.

Read the full information and how to qualify for the refund.

Source

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Windows Phone Developers App Hub Membership originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 15, 2012.

Reports are coming in that AT&T online and local stores have sold out of the Lumia 900. This is good news for both Nokia and Microsoft that their collaboration is to all intents working out as planned.

The Black and Cyan Lumia 900 went on sale as of Monday last week, following a big event the night before with major Singing songstress Nicki Minaj. The Lumia 900 presents itself as the third major Windows Phone from Nokia. To-date Nokia Windows Phone has seen it push ahead of other Windows Phone manufacturers to become the leading seller of windows phone.

The Lumia 900 had early problems with connectivity and a fix has already been offered by Nokia along with a discount for purchasers who have been diagnosed with the problem. In addition, any new purchasers up until 21 April 2012, will receive their purchase price of $100 as a return.

It could be an uncomfortable few days for Nokia and Microsoft if the most popular Windows smartphone is not available for purchase while the discount rebate is available.

Hopefully, the stock levels will be back soon and everyone who wants one will be able to make their purchase.

Source

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Nokia Lumia 900 Sold Out: Good News for Nokia and Microsoft Collaboration originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 14, 2012.

Not all consumers are knowledgeable about the device they are just about to purchase or indeed one they have actually bought.

So Nokia aims to help those users out by providing a new application that highlights Windows Phones.

The app is available across the entire Lumia range including the 610, 710, 800 and 900. Aptly called Lumia Highlights, the app will help you discover new things about Windows Phone and about Lumia in general. It will feature hints, tips and tricks and engage you by informing you about the newsiest apps and games and accessories that are available to you.

Download your copy of the application here.

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Nokia Lumia Highlights for New Windows Phone originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 13, 2012.

Want another Windows Phone 8 rumor? You got it. Neowin citing VR-Zone reports that Microsoft has a big surprise in store for us with its upcoming Windows Phone Apollo version. How big is it? Well does the notion of Kinect enabled Windows Phone ring any bells in your ear.

Yes, the motion sensing sensation which did wonders in the console gaming world, may very well be coming as a major not to forget eye capturing feature on the upcoming Windows Phone update. VR-Zone whose sources have a pretty decent track record claim that Microsoft has dedicated a large work base of its to integrate Kinect NUI with Windows Phone 8 and TellMe, the Redmondian’s voice recognition engine.

All of this sounds good doesn’t it? There is just one problem or should I say a hurdle that Microsoft somehow needs to overcome. Kinect, needs three cameras, two for capturing motion and depth, and one IR image sensor for working in the dark. This as you can imagine will bring up space issues. But the question is, will Microsoft’s research team be able to research their way out of this challenge and do truly a magical thing? As always, let’s wait and see.

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Kinect is coming to Windows Phone 8 originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 13, 2012.

Want a pleasing Windows Phone 8 rumor? One juicy Windows Phone 8 rumor coming right up. The word on the street is that the Redmondians have started testing their yet to be announced Windows Phone 8 build. Bear in mind that this is the internal testing we are talking about.

So what led to this interesting bit of development? Well, the hyperactive folks at wpcentral caught glimpse of a Windows Phone 8 build running smartphone using a  social networking app called I’m a WP7.

Are you surprised upon seeing a Windows Phone 8 codename Apollo wandering in the wilds of the mobile universe? Well, you shouldn’t be as Microsoft is expected to unveil their most significant Windows Phone update in the coming months. Moreover, the blog has received a word from a trustworthy source that the Redmondians began internal testing of Windows Phone 8 from 30th March.

If this is indeed the case, get ready for some sensational leakages and discoveries in the coming days.

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Windows Phone 8 internal testing has begun originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 11, 2012.

The new Yoga prizes itself as an ultra book laptop with a folding screen. The screen has the ability to bend backwards turning the laptop into a tablet. The Windows 8 operating system is the next generation of Microsofts operating system which will run on both computers and tablets.

The Yoga is the basic priced model at £1,200 with the Core i7 version costing a disturbing £1,500.

A definitive date of arrival has yet to be confirmed.

Source

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First Windows 8 Tablet Priced at £1,200 originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 11, 2012.

The big four network carriers in the US, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile, have today announced plans to introduce a database containing the IMEI (identification) numbers of stolen mobile devices.

One of the biggest problems that affects mobile users worldwide is stolen phones, of which there are growing numbers, and the use of them afterwards. The UK operates a national crime database which disables the use of any handset listed as stolen (or lost even) on any UK network. However, these devices work freely outside the UK.

With the US’s top four carriers catering for around 90% of mobile device usage in the US, the idea of a combined database makes perfect sense and should prohibit the use of those devices on any of the four carriers. The combined database should launch within six months and there are plans to make this into a national database within 18 months, disabling the use of any of those devices on any US network. The plans are being backed by CTIA.

There are four voluntary industry commitments in place in the US, which address the issue of stolen devices:

1. Implement databases to prevent reactivation of stolen smartphones.
2. (A) Notify consumers of features to secure/lock smartphones with passwords.
   (B) Educate consumers about features to secure/lock smartphones with passwords.
3. Educate consumers about applications to remotely lock/locate/erase data from smartphones.
4. Educate consumers about smartphone theft, protections and preventative measures.

The plans are sure to be a great deterrent against mobile phone theft and this could eventually lead to cross-Atlantic (or even global) co-operation to prevent the use of stolen smartphones around the world.

More on this when we get it.

Source ~ Via

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U.S. to go the way of the UK with stolen phone database originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 10, 2012.

Third party office apps have been around for a while but they are often below part and don’t fit closely within the operating system.

However, that is all to change with the introduction of Microsoft Office Mobile app. The app will be pre-installed on the Nokia 808 PureView. But, today the app also becomes available for the Nokia 701, Nokia 700, Nokia 603, Nokia E7, Nokia X7, Nokia C7, Nokia Oro and Nokia C6-01. you can get hold of the Microsoft Office Mobile app via your Nokia Software Update tool or via Nokia Suite for your pc.

Office Mobile apps will also become available via the Nokia Store in a few short weeks. Word Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, Excel Mobile are the latest to join our earlier announced OneNote, Lync 2010, Document Connection and PowerPoint Broadcast for Symbian devices. Created by Microsoft the apps allow smooth integration with quick access to your documents so that you can get to work on your products straight away.

Microsoft Office Mobile apps will become available for the Nokia N8, Nokia E6 and Nokia 500 at a later date.

Source

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Nokia 808 PureView Pre-Installed with Microsoft Office: Available Now for Belle Devices originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 10, 2012.

Stories have been arising about a possible Nokia Lumia PureView Windows Phone.

A few short months ago, Nokia unveiled the Nokia 808 PureView at Mobile World Congress. The 808 with its 41 megapixel sensor and PureView technology went on to be the most talked about feature of MWC 2012.

However, the 808 caused some raised eyebrows by its operating system which will run the nearly defunct symbian. Nokia had announced in February 2011 that it would no longer be working on symbian as its main operating system but that it will be supporting and producing some devices for a few years to come. For many, that day sounded the death of symbian and few expected much more from Nokia from that sector, despite the updates of Anna, Belle and the forthcoming Carla.

The Nokia 808 PureView caused some excitement in the industry that the new flagship camera device from Nokia, raised hopes amongst many that symbian may, after all, be making a come back.

However, it would appear that any excitement in the 808 PureView has been short-lived and has already been diluted with news of an alleged PureView Windows Phone with the same spec megapixel as the 808.

The problem now for the consumer is whether to buy the Nokia 808 PureView when it arrives or wait for the newer edition in a Windows Phone format. The combination of the two devices have now muddied the water somewhat and I myself who was sure to be purchasing the 808 PureView is having to think twice about my next purchase.

Are you in a dilemma or have you made your choice between a symbian 808 PureView and a Windows Phone PureView?

The following images show some mock-up photos of the Nokia Windows Phone PureView. There is no definitive information whether they are real or not but the suggested images reveale the device will arrive with:

• 4.3? Curved Glass touchscreen with HD display
• 41mp sensor, Carl Zeiss lens and PureView imaging technology
• 1080p full HD video recording and Rich Recording Technology
• Dual Core processor with Adreno 320 GPU
• Windows Phone Operating System

Source:

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Nokia Lumia PureView Halts Sales of 808 PureView originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 10, 2012.

AOL and Microsoft have reportedly struck a deal whereby the Redmond-based Windows Phone owner will gain 800 patents and have access to AOL’s remaining patents for just over $1 billion in cash.

The news caused a 37 percent spike in AOL’s share price, with the stock closing at $25.16 before close of play on Monday versus the $18.42 they finished at on Friday.

“This is a valuable portfolio that we have been following for years and analyzing in detail for several months,” Microsoft’s General Counsel Brad Smith said.

The transaction is expected by the end of this year, with Microsoft liable for a termination fee of $211.2 million if the deal falls through. AOL will still hold over 300 patents, around advertising, search and mapping.

Read

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Microsoft to buy 800 AOL patents for $1 billion originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 9, 2012.

Nokia’s Lumia 900  was announced for the U.S. market back at CES in January and is to carry the flag for the Finnish company in a territory where they have struggled in the past.

Today finally sees the release of the Nokia Lumia 900; a device that has really captivated the interest.

Featuring a 4.3 inch AMOLED display, the Lumia 900 offers an attractive smartphone with a powerful processor and the Windows Phone platform for a cheap sub-$100 price with a two year contact on AT&T!

Full press release via Nokia’s blog below.

SUNNYVALE, CA, UNITED STATES – We’ve been waiting months and months for this day. Today, April 8th, the Nokia Lumia 900 is officially available for sale at AT&T stores across the United States.

After a fun weekend of celebrating a huge kickoff event in New York City with Nicki Minaj anchoring our huge Times Square event, it’s time to unleash the breathtaking phone thousands gathered to celebrate.

The Nokia Lumia 900 is our most exciting phone to date, featuring a stunningly beautiful 4.3? ClearBlack Display screen, an 8 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss Lens, and is powered by AT&T’s blistering fast 4G LTE network.

To make sure you can surf the web and access your apps throughout the long working day, we’ve included a huge 1830 mAh battery. Also, the Lumia 900’s 8-megapixel camera has a wide aperture (F2.2) and wide-angle focal length (28mm) to ensure that low-light photos look great.

The Lumia 900 is available for $99.99 on a 2-year contract from AT&T. The colors available today include the matte black model and head turning Cyan color. White Lumia 900s will be in stores on April 22nd nationwide.

Accessories also for sale include the Nokia Purity HD Stereo Headset by Monster, the Nokia Play 360° Wireless Speaker, and soft bumpers that fit snugly around the edges of the phone.

You might also like:

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Nokia Lumia 900 officially available in the U.S. originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 8, 2012.

If you’re like me, Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac is a lifesaver as its pretty much the only reason I’d be able to use my Windows Phone powered Nokia Lumia 800.

For those who use it, the software has had an upgrade, bringing it to version 2.02. The latest version brings features, bug fixes and improvements.

Here’s the changelog:

Features:

• Full sync and import support for Apple Aperture software
• Drag and drop import of files from Browse Device
• Ringtone transfer support (for phones running Windows Phone 7.5 or later)
• Improved video conversion process with user configuration options
• Support for Windows Phone Marketplace (for phones running Windows Phone 7.5 or later)
• Localization support for 13 additional languages
• Improvements to backup and restore operations
• Improved configuration for podcast sync and photo import
• Improved iTunes import support in certain languages
• Improved metadata support for videos

Fixes:

• Added additional error codes and help references for device update
• Resolved connectivity issues with certain devices
• Resolved album art display issues for certain devices

Source: Mac App Store ~ Via

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Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac Updated originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 7, 2012.

Microsoft announced last months plans for the creation of a concept car in its aim to inspire developers to build apps and automotive products for the future.

Today, Microsoft revealed the contents o their work. In collaboration with West Cost Customs, Microsoft has brought its dream to life in this 2012 Ford Mustang.

The car is built with Microsoft technology including Kinect sensors on the front of the vehicle which allows you to look at objects andpedestrians surrounding the vehicle. In addition, the sensors allow you to view whatever in happening in front of your ride.

The Mustage sports two Windows 8 tablets on the dashboard,. Windows 8 tablets have yet to become available to the public until the latter part of this year. Microsoft said of the tablets, one takes on the role of the traditional gauges and the second, on the passenger side, provides features such as sending messages and surfing the web in addition to the novelty effect of creating messages that can be displayed on the rear window of the car for other drivers to see.

A projection screen is housed at the rear and it is hoked up to an Xbox for gaming.

With the aid of the Nokia Lumia 800 windows phone featured (though you can use another windows phone) you can locate, unlock and start your vehicle from the Viper SmartStart app. An additional app is available which allows you to speak through the vehicles external audio PA system (think Knight Rider). The Mustang horn sound and accent lighting are all customised from an app.

Are you ready for this super car from Microsoft? Is that enough tech in the vehicle for you or is there still more you would like to see?

Source

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Nokia Lumia Windows Phone and Windows 8 Tablet Feature in 2012 Mustang originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on April 5, 2012.

The bad news doesn’t end here. The word on the street is that the Internet giant is thinking of handing over its search business duties to the search engine giants, Google.

Yahoo is expected to hold a meeting with Microsoft in which the providers of the Yahoo mail service will talk the Redmondians into changing its current search and advertising partnership.

While we don’t have anything official yet, it seems that Yahoo will replace Bing with Google. If this happens, it would hurt Microsoft big time as the makers of the Windows plans of eating into Google’s market share through Yahoo and Bing will go wastde. How will Yahoo achieve this is a big question as well since the Yahoo Microsoft search partnership is a 10 year journey with almost 8 years still remaining?

Do you want to see Yahoo ditching Microsoft for Google? Sound off in the comments section.

No related posts.

Microsoft Yahoo search partnership about to end originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 30, 2012.

Microsoft have launched the Windows Phone Marketplace in 13 additional countries, bringing the total new markets for 2012 to 19 and the total number of markets where Marketplace is available to 53.

The new markets where it has launched are Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela.

It should appear on your Windows Phone device very soon if you’re in one of those countries.

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Windows Phone Marketplace launched in 13 more countries originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 29, 2012.

It’s quite rare that I write about non-UK affairs but the whole Nokia in the US thing has me pretty gripped. Let me take you back; Nokia has enjoyed pretty good success over the years but has always struggled in the US. It’s easy to see why; compared to the iPhone and Android devices, Nokia‘s previous Symbian devices have definitely paled in comparison.

Just over 12 months ago, Nokia’s CEO Stephen Elop announced the decision to move to Windows Phone. It was quite a big move for the company as for the first time, they didn’t have total control over the operating system powering their devices. At the time, Windows Phone was quite small as an operating system meaning the company was hedging their bets against a platform that hadn’t really taken experienced great success.

Along came Nokia’s first two Windows Phone devices in October last year; the Lumia 710 and Lumia 800. Both looked great but again, were they enough to conquer the US market as both Microsoft and Nokia wanted? Honestly, probably not. I personally love the design of the Lumia 800, which is a breath of fresh air in an Android dominated market.

At CES earlier this year, the Lumia 900 for AT&T was announced. This took the Lumia 800 and repackaged it with a bigger display, LTE radio and front-facing camera alongside better battery life. When they announced it, I thought here’s device that could really help Nokia in the US. Especially with AT&T’s support – Nokia has traditionally struggled to gain carrier support in the US – the device should sell well. Geeks everywhere love the Lumia 900, but the company won’t resurrect their fortunes with just geeks. The company’s real profits lie in consumer uptake.

Will consumers buy the device? Honestly, as a geek I don’t know. Should they buy it? I think they should. I’ve not spent a lot of time with the device but I can safely love the device. I love the design, the size, the device looks amazing in white and its fast and reliable. I really like the device for what it offers; the Windows Phone platform packaged in a really beautiful powerful device. As we reported earlier, it’s price is simply amazing. $99 for an LTE enabled device on AT&T is super cheap. If the Lumia 900 becomes the AT&T employee phone as rumoured, the device could really take off.

One thing intrigues me about the Windows Phone platform; does it have the necessary ecosystem to compete. By ecosystem, I mean more apps than the rest. Things like carrier billing, customisability and platform features, which make up part of the ecosystem, can be added at a later date if not included at launch. The key thing is does the platform have developer support?

For quite some time the platform has been growing in terms of app numbers. In December it hit 50,000 then in January it crossed 60,000 and last week, it hit 70,000. The number of apps is always a good start but what about the quality of apps and the high-profile apps that users look for. I’ve not really been able to find fault with the quality of apps on Windows Phone; generally there are some really good quality apps but quality varies depending on the app, but last Friday, it became apparent that some high-profile companies weren’t backing the platform.

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Angry Birds Space for Windows Phone fiasco. If you haven’t, let me recap. Angry Birds Space, which is awesome btw, was made available a few days ago but not on Windows Phone. First Rovio’s CMO said it wouldn’t come to Windows Phone and then Rovio’s CEO performed a U-Turn and said it would but would take some time. Without the backing of app developers such as Rovio and others, the platform has had a reality check. With 10 million downloads in less than three days, Angry Birds Space is the perfect example of apps you’d expect to see that might not necessarily be available on the platform.

Despite the Angry Birds issue, the Windows Phone platform has a really good developer following with excellent growth. Sometimes I can’t find the exact app I would use on a rival platform but most of the time, there are alternatives which are actually better than the apps I’m used to.

Overall, Nokia have a lot of work to do if they’re going to become a force in the US market. With the Lumia 900 they have a device that can do just that. The Windows Phone platform is definitely the platform that offers enough for Nokia’s devices to be different to the competition. AT&T’s price on the Lumia 900 is excellent and will definitely help sales of the device.

The Lumia 900 is sexy, smart and sophisticated. It’s powerful, packed full of features and offers something different from the competition.

So what could go wrong? It depends on whether AT&T, Microsoft and Nokia manage to mess things up and whether consumers take up the device. I firmly believe the company has its greatest ever chance to become a force in the US. Nokia especially has shown they know how to make Windows Phone look good and Microsoft are committed to making sure their platform is up to scratch.

All will be revealed when the Lumia 900 launches on AT&T on April 8th. I hope I’m right and Nokia is back in the US with force.

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Nokia Lumia 900; will it restore Nokia U.S. fortunes? originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 26, 2012.

Yesterday we reported that Rovio, the developer of the smash hit phenomenon that is Angry Birds had confirmed they would not be porting the latest Angry Birds Space to Windows Phone.

The initial confirmation of the lack of Angry Birds Space (and future editions?) for Windows Phone came from Rovio’s CMO Peter Vesterbacka, but Rovio Chief Executive, Mikael Hed, has confirmed to Reuters that Angry Birds Space, which launched on Wednesday, would be making its way to the platform. He said that “We are working towards getting Angry Birds Space to WP7″ and that “the launch date was not set.”

Now it’s no secret that Rovio’s Headquarters are a stones throw away from Nokia’s in Finland and one can’t help but feel that Nokia is using their influence (and possibly some of Microsoft’s money) to ensure that the next edition of one of the most successful mobile games in history, makes its way to their newly adopted platform.

Either way it’s good news for all Windows Phone and Angry Birds lovers alike. Watch this space for more news when we have it.

Source: Reuters

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Rovio perform U-Turn, Angry Birds Space headed to Windows Phone!!! originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 24, 2012.

Microsoft has unveiled that the Windows Phone Marketplace has carried on growing and has now crossed the 70,000 apps milestone. Having reached 50,000 apps in December and 60,000 in January, the growth continues for Windows Phone, no doubt due to apps being certified in less than three days currently.

So far, Microsoft’s mobile platform has more than 100,000 registered developers, with an average of 300 apps being added daily. By the end of 2012, a further 28 countries will have gained Marketplace support bringing the total to 63 markets globally.

Via

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Windows Phone Marketplace passes 70,000 apps originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 22, 2012.

Cross platform messaging apps are definitely booming; despite the existence of several big name competitors, including WhatsApp messenger, more and more services are being created, all offering something different.

PingMe is not a startup and having established itself on the iOS, Android and BlackBerry platforms, the popular cross messaging service has now launched on the Windows Phone platform.

Here’s wha PingMe offers:

• Cross-platform and will enable communication with iOS, Android, Kindle Fire and Blackberry devices.
• Record and send voice and video clips.
• Receive real-time message receipts with typing indicators and sent / delivered / read notifications.
• Engage in group chat with numerous contacts at any given time (ability to create circles / groups).
• No registration is required. Your number is your ID.
• Receive social updates from close friends to stay up-to-date.
• Locate friends and contacts nearby with geo-location enabled messages.
• Push notification will keep you alerted when a message is received.
• Find friends or known acquaintances with the included friend finder functionality.

As some of its competitors such as Kik Messenger and WhatsApp don’t appeal to all users, PingMe should enjoy some success amongst the Windows Phone loving community. Head over to the Marketplace to download now. via

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PingMe heads to Windows Phone originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 21, 2012.

Some good news for fans of El Goog’s social network; the company is planning to launch an official Google+ app for the Windows Phone operating system.

The good news comes via Stefan Keuchel, a PR spokesperson for Google in Germany, and although no timescales are not known, fans of the social network will be glad to see the service will be coming soon.

Source: @dominiksichling, Via

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Google+ headed to Windows Phone OS originally appeared on UK Mobile Review on March 18, 2012.