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Leaked press images show Samsung's ATIV SE for Verizon
Samsung's upcoming Windows 8.1 smartphone for Verizon, the ATIV SE, passed through the FCC last month, and now we're getting a look at the actual device. The leaked press photos above show a phone that strongly resembles the Windows Phone-powered ATIV S, with a physical home button. The alleged ATIV SE appears to share design elements with Samsung's Galaxy handsets as well, from the rounded edges to the textured finishes on the back and front. It's still unclear when the ATIV SE will launch on Verizon, but we know it'll arrive some time this year following the debut of the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system. Expect a 5-inch, 1080p display and LTE capability when the SE hits store shelves.
Skype now lets you sign up with a Microsoft account, updates its Windows Phone app
It's been a long time coming, but Skype's revealed that folks can finally sign up for service using a Microsoft account. Skype believes this feature is perfect for users who perhaps want the least amount of logins possible, and it also points to Microsoft's two-step verification as a benefit for having such an account. Meanwhile, the Windows Phone app has been updated with a number of security improvements, plus an indicator which lets you know when the person on the other side is typing. As part of the integration with its parent company, Skype will now require a Microsoft account (like the one used to set up your WP device) when registering for a new account through the application. This new version is only available for Windows Phone 8, however -- as you might recall, support for the app on earlier versions of the OS was cut off months ago.
BBM coming to Windows Phones this summer
BlackBerry is slowly, but surely covering all its bases in an effort to turn BBM into a cross-platform messaging monster. The quest to return the standard-bearer to its former glory started with iOS and Android, but this summer it'll be coming to Windows Phones as well. According to the Canadian company, it will ship with all the same functionality as its counterparts on other OSes, including stickers and voice. More importantly though, BBM Groups (which allows you to chat with up to 50 people at once) and Channels will be included as BlackBerry works to fight off challenges from the likes of WhatsApp and Hangouts. Sadly those are all the details we have for now, but hopefully Waterloo will lock down a release date sooner, rather than later.
Windows Phone 8.1 leak reveals new messaging and storage settings, and more
Up until now, the most we'd heard about the next rumored update to Microsoft's Windows Phone OS centered on two features: Cortana, the company's Siri-like digital assistant, and Action Center, its native notification center. Today, however, we have a clearer idea of where Windows Phone 8.1 could be headed thanks to a Reddit user who's allegedly gained access to the new SDK as part of Microsoft's developer preview program.
Viber improves notifications and statuses in latest Windows Phone 8 update
Viber, the popular VoIP service, today released a new version of its Windows Phone 8 app. This update focuses on delivering smarter notifications and giving users more customization options for their statuses. For example, the application can now play a sound when a notification comes in, and it also gives you the ability to choose whether or not you want to hide these. In addition to that, Viber has added a "Seen" feature which shows when a contact has viewed a user's status, while "Last online" keeps you better informed on who's online and able to chat it up. And if you're into Viber's custom labels, like the ones seen above, then you'll be happy to know the Sticker Market is now available on Microsoft's mobile platform. We're pretty into that "YES SIR!" one ourselves. As for Viber CEO Talmon Marco, he's pretty thrilled and had this to say about the refreshed Windows Phone 8 application: Bringing the Viber Sticker Market to Windows Phone 8 is a very exciting step for us and we are sure that our users on the platform will love it. This is the first time we are bringing a monetization feature to Windows Phone 8 and it's another part of our commitment to the platform. More importantly, this release is part of our commitment to our users who want to communicate with their contacts no matter what OS they use.
Nokia Black update brings imaging enhancements to Lumia 1020 today
Nokia likes to bundle Microsoft's Windows Phone updates with a set of its own improvements specific to the Lumia line, and the latest such version -- known as the Black update -- is finally making its way to the Lumia 1020 on AT&T. In addition to the standard firmware enhancements that comes as part of the "GDR3" update to Windows Phone 8 (such as screen rotation lock, custom ringtones for specific types of notifications and the ability to close running apps in the app switcher more easily), you can also enjoy some of the same imaging features that were integrated into the Lumia 1520: the Nokia Camera, which combines the Pro Cam and Smart Cam into one fantastic app, and other unspecified performance enhancements. You'll also get the new and improved Glance Screen also seen on the 1520, Bluetooth 4.0 LE support, better battery monitoring and other miscellaneous stability fixes. The download is hitting our devices right now, but as usual, it may take a while to roll out to everyone.
Daily Roundup: Amazon Prime Air drones, Cyber Monday deals, Windows 'Threshold' update rumor and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Next Windows release reportedly codenamed 'Threshold,' set to further unify Microsoft operating systems
Microsoft's on the, erm, threshold of something big -- something that's likely to make its three major operating systems even more similar. Queen of Microsoft leaks Mary Jo Foley has caught word from some unnamed contacts that the next major update to the Windows family is codenamed 'Threshold.' That name comes from an internal email from EVP Terry Myerson. The codename reportedly covers updates to Windows, Windows Phone and the Xbox One operating system, bringing even more commonality to the three OSes. The Threshold is title more than just a big abstraction -- it's actually borrowed from the original Halo game, following the Cortana codename the company adopted for its forthcoming personal assistant offering. Among the shared, cross-OS features are single, unified app store and tool sets designed to further entice developers to create applications for all three. Naturally, none of the higher-ups at Microsoft are confirming the existence of Threshold yet, but Foley's projecting a spring 2015 release for the upgrades.
Nokia's Verizon-bound Lumia 929 shows up again in leaked photo
We're quickly losing count on how many times we have seen leaks of the Nokia Lumia 929. Still, something tells us Verizon subscribers won't mind getting as many looks as possible at what's rumored to be a pretty high-end smartphone. Now, courtesy of a forum member on Windows Phone Central, we're seeing the Lumia 929 from a slightly different angle than in previous occasions. As a refresher, Nokia's unannounced handset is rumored to come with a 5-inch, 1080p display, 32GB of built-in storage and a 20-megapixel PureView shooter. Previous reports suggested it could hit Verizon around Thanksgiving, but according to the person behind the most recent leak, this Windows Phone device won't be official until sometime in mid-to-late December.
Fixes coming for Skype Messaging on Windows Phone; improved device syncing also in the works
If you've used Skype on Windows Phone, chances are you've dealt with out-of-sync and missed messages. Luckily, a fix is on the horizon: according to Skype product manager Jeff Kunins, who spoke with The Verge, Microsoft is aware of the issues and working to resolve them. Part of the problem, it seems, stems from Microsoft's move from peer-to-peer networks for Skype to cloud-based servers. Once the hiccups are fixed, users can expect syncing across devices to avoid any random bursts of old, already-read messages. Kunins also said that continuous notifications will run only on the device you're currently using, as opposed to every Skype-running gadget you own. Few things are more headache-inducing than five different devices ringing at once, after all. Finally, Kunins hinted that the Skype app for Windows 8.1 will have "a lot of fun things" to offer. Stay tuned.
Android powers four in every five smartphones thanks to growth in China
Gartner's third-quarter smartphone research report is out, and on the surface it paints a very flattering portrait for Google. Mirroring Strategy Analytics' report at the end of last month, Gartner also estimates that Android has crossed the symbolic 80 percent mark, reaching 81.9 percent of smartphone shipments in the last quarter, a 9.3 percent rise from last year. In comparison, analysts believe sales of Apple smartphones dropped 2.2 percentage points over the year to hold 12.1 percent of the smartphone market. Microsoft continued to take small steps to boost its market share, with Nokia's strong US sales helping Windows Phone grow to 3.6 percent of the market. Lenovo's impressive run of smartphone sales helped it almost silently climb to number three, leapfrogging LG in the process.
Nokia releases its Refocus app for all PureView Lumia smartphones
Unveiled at its Lumia launch event in Abu Dhabi in October, Nokia has finally made Refocus, its Lytro-like variable depth of field app, available to all PureView Lumia devices. The tool makes use of Scalado's imaging technology to change the focus of a photo using "clever algorithms," while also adding deeper color using a feature found in other Nokia apps called "color pop." Nokia's new app integrates with SkyDrive to host your photo, creating a unique page on Nokia's dedicated Refocus website that can be shared via email, SMS or Facebook. If you own a Nokia Lumia 920, Lumia 925, Lumia 928 or Lumia 1020, you'll need the Amber update installed to enjoy the app. Lumia 1520 owners can grab it when the device goes on sale in the coming days.
Daily Roundup: Hydrogen fuel cell USB charger, Tegra Note 7 review, Vine for Windows Phone and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Nokia's high-end Lumia 929 Windows Phone for Verizon gets fully detailed in latest leak
It's not the first time we've seen a leak of what's purported to be Nokia's forthcoming Lumia 929 smartphone, but this latest one from Windows Phone Central should clear up most lingering questions that anyone's had about the device (with a couple of notable exceptions). According to the site, the Verizon-bound phone is a "very quick," high-end device with a 5-inch 1080P AMOLED display, a 20-megapixel PureView and 32GB of internal storage -- not surprisingly, it's more or less a slightly bigger and refined version of the Lumia 928, with a metal band around the edge being another distinguishing feature. Unfortunately, the two details that remain unknown are two big ones: a price and a release date, although the latter is said to be sometime between Thanksgiving and the beginning of next year. You can find the full spec list (and more photos) at the source link below.
Microsoft confirms Windows Phone's Twitter feature is causing excess data use, says it'll be fixed
Noticing that your Windows Phone device is using more data than usual? You're not alone. As The Verge reports, Microsoft has confirmed that a recent backend change on Twitter's part has caused the built-in Twitter feature of Windows Phone to eat up data a far higher than expected rate; specifically, it's caused it to frequently re-download profile images. In an effort to fix the problem, Microsoft has made a change to sync Twitter accounts just once a day, but a fix will need to be implemented on Twitter's end to completely remedy the problem -- that, Microsoft says, will take a few more weeks. In the meantime, the only other alternative is to unlink your Twitter account from the device -- or accept the data charges.
Nokia leaks Lumia 1520 details on Chinese online store: 20MP PureView camera, Snapdragon 800 processor
Looking for more evidence that Nokia's about to unleash an oversized Windows Phone? You've got it: the company's official Tmall store (an online marketplace in China) recently published a product page for the fabled Lumia 1520. There's no images to speak of, but the listing agrees with the handset's rumored 6-inch 1080p display and 20-megapixel PureView camera. The page also promises a Snapdragon 800 CPU and a 4,999 Yuan (about $819) price tag. That said, the page seems to just be a placeholder for now, but the phone is expected to be officially announced at Nokia World later this week. Hopefully, it'll be worth the wait.
iOS 7 wins mobile OS user experience shootout
Pfeiffer Consulting recently put iOS 7 through its paces, comparing it to a number of other mobile OSes to gauge which OS has a step up on the competition when it comes to the user experience. The operating systems involved in the study included iOS 7, iOS 6, Android, Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10. Now seeing as how there are innumerable versions of Android out there, the study focused on Samsung's implementation of Android since it's currently the most popular Android handset maker. The study focused on four variables: cognitive load, efficiency, customization and user experience friction. Each variable was afforded equal weight. Also note that the tests were measured from the viewpoint of an average, non-technical user. When the dust settled, iOS 7 reigned supreme with a 73.25 score followed closely by iOS 6 with a score of 70. Next came Android, Blackberry 10, with Windows Phone 8 pulling up the rear. The report reads in part: What separates the Android user experience from iOS 7 is not functionality, but feature-bloat and sloppy user interface design. In terms of user experience, less IS more. But there is another issue for Android, and that is market fragmentation: The loyalty of Apple's users is such that the company can be certain that millions of users will upgrade to a new release -- and Apple's marketing is working hard to increase the desire to do so. Android, by contrast is terrifyingly fragmented, with most users only upgrading when they change device. This is a problem that will be almost impossible to overcome -- and can only get worse over time. Overall, the entire study provides an interesting read and is worth checking out in its entirety. There is also an interesting discussion regarding the study's methodology over here.
Microsoft reportedly developing cookie alternative to track activity across devices
Last month brought word of Google's AdID effort to replace the aging cookie as a way to track people's activity on the internet, and it looks like Microsoft also has an alternative of its own in the works. According to a report from Ad Age, Microsoft is working on a new system that would let it track users' activity across various Windows and Windows Phone devices. That tracking would also apparently extend to Xbox, although that is said to be "on the latter end of that roadmap," with a rollout to computers, tablets and smartphones expected first (even those plans are reportedly still in the "early stages"). While it didn't directly confirm the news, Microsoft did tell Ad Age in a statement that "we agree that going beyond the cookie is important," adding, "our priority will be to find ways to do this that respect the interests of consumers." Of course, the other priority is being able to offer more targeted ads to advertisers, with your activity on one device affecting the ads you see on another.
Microsoft cuts off Skype support for Windows Phone 7 because old things must die
There are two ways to deliver bad news: an overlong, meandering apology or the 'pull no punches' route. Microsoft, in explaining away future Skype support for Windows Phone 7, went with option number one. You see, it's not you, it's Windows Phone 8. And besides, according to Microsoft, there aren't even really that many of you left on WP7 to merit continued updates. Please understand, this is about the future; it's about integrating Skype into every (viable) Microsoft platform and product and you, forlorn WP7 user, aren't part of that picture. Chin up, though, you can still download the app from the Windows Phone Store. Now don't say Microsoft never gave you anything. Buh bye.
Nokiasoft comes full circle: Microsoft's play for ultimate control will redefine the Windows ecosystem
The "soft" in Microsoft isn't what it used to be. A score ago, the company was certain the software-licensing business was the one it wanted to be in -- Apple decided to hold its cards a lot closer to the chest, and it cost the company dearly for years. Meanwhile, Microsoft made a lot of cash with Windows, and it still does. But the tide is turning. Two of the last three Windows operating systems haven't generated the kind of crazed mindshare that a company needs to remain relevant over the long haul, and at some point, one has to wonder if Microsoft will be able to inject a bit of life into its stodgy, outmoded self by grabbing the reins on the hardware side. In fact, that's exactly what Microsoft wondered, as it casually announced a plan in June of 2012 to affront scores of OEM partners with its Surface initiative. In an instant, Microsoft dove headfirst into the hardware game, and regardless of how it wanted the public to perceive the move, the truth was impossible to hide: this was Microsoft telling Acer, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo and the rest that it could no longer trust their design chops to keep its revenue on the up and up. In February of 2011, well before it transformed the Surface from a big-ass table into a slate that almost no one wants to buy (Microsoft's words, not mine), the company managed to procure a huge ally on the mobile front. The Nokia / Microsoft alliance was monumental. This was Nokia's formidable hardware being exclusively used to push Microsoft's fledgling Windows Phone OS. At once, Nokia loyalists found hope, and those praying for a coalition with Android were dismayed. Little did we know: that partnership marked the end of the original Microsoft, the end of the original Nokia and, in my estimation, a complete rerouting of the Windows roadmap. This week's acquisition simply makes it all the more official.
