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Samsung tipped to revisit Windows Phone 8 with the 5-inch, 1080p SM-W750V
Much like HTC, Samsung hasn't expended a huge amount of effort on Windows Phone 8, having crafted just a few handsets running the platform before seemingly losing interest. Various clues are now pointing to a renewed curiosity in Microsoft's mobile OS from the company, in the form of the high-end SM-W750V. Shipping documents from before the new year indicate a screen size of 5 inches and provide first mention of the model number, which matches a recent North American approval by the Bluetooth SIG. A user agent profile on Samsung's site is even more fruitful: "Windows Mobile Lab" is named co-conspirator alongside Sammy, Internet Explorer is penned as the default browser, and a couple of specs point to an LTE-capable handset with a screen resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. As these things go, it's probably just a matter of time before pictures of the handset start surfacing, and there is a large mobile conference a little more than a month away. With Nokia rumored to soon enter unfamiliar territory, perhaps Samsung is preparing a undercover agent of its own.
Nokia's Lumia Black update starts rolling out worldwide (update: App Folder download)
Nokia knows how to start a new year properly -- it gave Americans a first shot at the Lumia Black update as 2013 came to a close, and it's starting 2014 by rolling out the software to Lumia owners around the world. The Windows Phone 8 upgrade is reaching the Lumia 925 and 1020 first; other devices should get it in the weeks ahead. The fresh software brings common features like app folders, Bluetooth 4.0 LE support, an updated Glance screen and the unified Nokia Camera app. Some improvements depend on beefier hardware, however. You'll need at least 1GB of RAM to use Beamer transfers or Refocus image processing, and only 1020 owners can shoot RAW photos. Whatever device you're using, you'll want to hit that Phone Update option in the near future -- you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Update: Nokia has posted App Folder as a separate download.
Microsoft connects Windows 8 for PCs, phones with new Solitaire, Minesweeper and Mahjong
As a late holiday gift, Microsoft is finally syncing up some of the popular software from its desktop and tablet Windows OS with the latest version of Windows for phones. We are, of course, referring to classic Windows games like Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Minesweeper (which also has a WP7 version) and Mahjong, which as of today are available on Windows Phone 8. Better still, they're enhanced for Xbox leaderboards, achievements and stat-tracking, with the ability to pause and resume games across Windows PCs, phones and tablets. They're all free, so hit the links to download them and waste time on the go just like you do at work.
Facebook for Windows Phone 8 now lets you pin chats and events to the home screen
Windows Phone-toting Facebook users no longer have to worry about missing an important conversation or party update. A revamped Facebook app for Windows Phone 8 lets socialites pin seemingly any Facebook content to the home screen as a Live Tile, including chats, events, groups, pages and photo albums. The app's redesigned main Live Tile also shows wall updates, and Microsoft has spent time bolstering both the language support and overall performance. Whether or not you need to watch your friend activity like a hawk, there's enough here to justify swinging by the Windows Phone Store for an upgrade.
Microsoft releases standalone Xbox Music and Xbox Video apps for Windows Phone 8
Microsoft appears to be taking a page from Google's approach to core software updates: It just launched standalone Xbox Music and Xbox Video apps for Windows Phone 8 users. The music app (currently deemed a preview) is largely what we've seen in Microsoft's integrated software, but it also lets you edit playlists and sync radio stations. A completed version is due in 2014, the company says. The video client, meanwhile, resurrects functionality that hasn't been a part of the OS since Windows Phone 7; you can now download or stream Xbox Video content directly from your handset, with playback syncing between phones, PCs and game consoles. There's no certainty that Xbox Music and Xbox Video represent the first steps toward OS-independent media apps in the rumored Windows Phone 8.1 upgrade, but you can at least try them today.
Plex Media Server arrives on Windows Phone 8, free for Nokia devices for the first month
While Plex has been busy updating its media server software for iOS and Android, it's sadly neglected Microsoft's mobile OS since its debut on Windows Phone 7 nearly two years ago. That changes today however, with the introduction of Plex for Windows Phone 8. Based on Plex for Windows 8, the program has many of the features as its other iterations -- you can remotely control your media from the device, view metadata about shows and tunes, and even share selected files with friends. Plex also now supports HTTP Live Streaming, which should result in higher quality video and support for more subtitle formats. And here's a special bonus for those of you with a Nokia WP8 device: you'll be able to download it for free for the next 30 days. Do note that the app is still under heavy development, but the company promises there are plenty more updates (like a new second screen remote feature) coming down the road.
Mint's personal finance app comes to Windows devices with Live Tile support
It's been a long time coming, but Mint has finally released a version of its personal finance app for both Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8. Just like its Android and iOS iterations, the app lets users track their account balances, spending habits and net income over time so that they can make better financial decisions. It also offers personalized alerts like bill reminders and advice to help you save more money. Other features include the ability to enter cash purchases manually and see if you're on track to reach a certain savings goal. A nice bonus that both Windows versions bring to the table is the ability to monitor information in real-time thanks to Live Tiles -- if you've set it up appropriately, you'll be able to see any changes to your account right from your Windows Start screen. New users can sign up and add their info right from within the app as well. So if you're trying to watch your holiday spending this time of year and you happen to use a Windows device, you may want to give the new Mint app a whirl. Who knows, you might have enough cash to spend on a brand-new tablet for yourself.
Nokia Lumia 1520 reaches the UK on December 6th, starting at £80 on a £38 per month plan
Brits who've been yearning for the Nokia Lumia 1520 will soon get their chance. The supersized Windows Phone is now due to reach the UK on December 6th, when it will be available through O2 at retail and Vodafone through the web. Third-party retailers like Carphone Warehouse and Phones4u will also stock the 6-inch flagship. While the exact pricing will vary, Vodafone will sell the phone for £80 when it's attached to a £38 per month plan and a 2-year contract; it will be available for free if you subscribe to a beefy £47 plan. The 1520 will undoubtedly be one of the more expensive handsets in the country, then, but it may be worthwhile for those who want one of Nokia's most powerful devices.
Redbox Instant hits Windows Phone, will remain Lumia-exclusive for 60 days
After launching on iOS and Android almost a year ago, the mobile version of Redbox Instant by Verizon has finally arrived in the Windows Phone Store. Aside from a few cosmetic changes and added Live Tile support, the new app works exactly like its cross-platform counterparts, offering movie streaming and maps to nearby Redbox kiosks. An $8 monthly subscription also covers the rental fees for up to four DVDs, although customers can upgrade to Blu-ray discs for an additional dollar. The bad news is that the app's exclusive to Nokia's Lumia range right now -- plebes with other WP8 devices will have to wait until the end of January for general availability.
Nokia rebrands Music service as Mix Radio, updates Windows Phone app to match
Nokia's Music service has been a secret weapon for Lumia owners -- they get ad-free radio streaming on their phones at no extra cost. The company is driving that advantage home today by rebranding the service as Mix Radio (reflecting the service's main feature) and launching an updated music app to match. The new Mix Radio client centers on Play Me, a personalized stream defined by a few favorite artists. There are also Pandora-style thumbs-up and thumbs-down votes to refine the selection, and it's now easy to share mixes through email, Facebook, text messages and Twitter. As before, avid listeners can spend $4 per month to get unlimited downloads, improved quality and web listening. Current Lumia users just need to update their existing Music app to take advantage of Nokia's smarter audio experience.
Nokia Lumia 1520 review: the best Windows Phone device yet
Windows Phone has never looked this good. The latest update to Microsoft's mobile operating system, known as Update 3, added support for 1080p displays, large smartphone screens and state-of-the-art processors. And now, these features are finally showing up on actual hardware. The first device to tick off all these boxes is the Nokia Lumia 1520, a 6-inch flagship with all of the trimmings we've been waiting to see on a Windows Phone device for three years now. Because high-end Windows Phones have been limited to whatever specs Microsoft officially supports, we've felt that Nokia's flagships didn't differ enough in specs from the lowest-end Lumias to justify the enormous price difference. At least, they didn't until now. The Lumia 1520 is the first top-of-the-line Windows Phone device that brings the best possible components. So, what's WP8 like on hardware that isn't behind the times? Let's find out.
Nokia Black update to add Bluetooth LE across entire WP8 Lumia range
Bluetooth low energy compatibility arrived on select Nokia Lumia models (520, 620, 625 and 720) through the Amber update, but now it's making its way to the rest of the line. A new FAQ entry on Espoo's website has confirmed that the feature will come to all devices in the range (even the more high-end ones) via the upcoming Lumia Black update. The Bluetooth 4.0 mode mode uses less power than traditional Bluetooth data connections, and its arrival will allow all Lumias to connect with accessories and other gadgets that use the technology exclusively. Nokia has yet to reveal when Black will be released, but we'll update you faster than a Bluetooth transfer as soon as we find out.
Nokia's 6-inch Lumia 1520 arrives on AT&T November 22nd for $200, pre-orders open now
After an early leak on Microsoft's store, we've finally got the official launch info for Nokia's Lumia 1520. The first Windows Phone 8 device with a 6-inch, 1080p display goes on sale November 22nd, and costs $200 on contract for AT&T customers. If you're ready to dive into its new three-column start screen, quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, 16GB of built-in storage (expandable via microSD and a 32GB edition is coming in the "near future," but you'll still live without the international version's wireless charging) and other high end specs, Microsoft and AT&T are both offering a few specials for pre-orders. The Microsoft store teases $70 worth of app store credit, free flip cover and a free copy of Halo: Spartan Assault, while AT&T's offer packs in $20 of app store credit, the game, and 50GB of cloud storage in AT&T's locker service. The black, red and white versions will be available at launch, with yellow due "later this year."
Nokia's Lumia 1520 comes to AT&T on November 15th, priced at $199
You like your Windows Phones big, right? If so, you'd best put in your preorder for the Lumia 1520, because Nokia's six-inch smartphone will arrive on AT&T's frequencies in just a few weeks. According to Microsoft's own store listing, it'll also come priced at $199, and you'll be able to choose between black, white, yellow or red color options to flank the 1080p display (a first for WP8). Nokia's gone for the middle PureView specification, with a 20MP sensor capable of lossless digital zoom alongside all those requisite imaging software bells and whistles. This time around, however, there's expandable storage alongside the 16GBs of built-in space, meaning plenty of room for photography purists to save shots in RAW format. The rest of us can simply fill those extra gigs by shooting even more photos and video. Update: Looks like Microsoft jumped the gun. According to Computer World, the company said that it published the product page prematurely, but promises to honor any early pre-orders prompted by the flub. [Thanks, Suraj]
Nokia Lumia 525 reaches Chinese regulator, hints at play-it-safe Windows Phone upgrade
Was Nokia's recent cavalcade of new Lumias not enough for you? Don't worry, there's yet another model on the way -- Chinese regulator TENAA has approved the Lumia 525, a previously rumored refresh of the entry-level 520. As the name suggests, the Windows Phone likely won't be a radical break from the past. Photos that briefly appeared at the Chinese agency (and were first caught by LiveSide.net) show a device that closely resembles the 520, including the flash-free rear camera. We don't know much about what's inside beyond 3G and WiFi, although an earlier rumor at BlogJack has the 525 doubling the onboard RAM to 1GB and putting a greater focus on music. The clearance doesn't necessarily confirm an imminent launch. However, there have been murmurs at Nokiapoweruser of a launch by early December; those who want yet another frugal Lumia may not have long to wait.
Viber for Windows Phone 8 gets a fresh UI, better integration with Viber Desktop
It's been less than a week since Viber brought a handful of improvements to older versions of BlackBerry OS, and now the time has come for Windows Phone 8 to get a similar treatment. Today, the VoIP service announced version 3.1 of the app, bringing with it a completely redesigned user interface, improved notifications and support for Live Tiles. Perhaps more importantly, this update enhances integration between the Viber Desktop and WP8 applications, making the experience smoother when transferring calls from one to the other. On paper, Viber's refreshed app would appear to be a much better one, but we'll let you be the judge of that after downloading the update from the Windows Phone Store.
Nokia Lumia 929 caught on video, may reach Verizon by Thanksgiving
Disappointed that the rumored Lumia 929 didn't surface at Nokia's big event this past week? Don't worry -- WPCentral forum member Falorin has posted photos and a video (after the break) revealing more details of Verizon's Windows Phone flagship. As previous leaks implied, the 929 is effectively a compact Lumia 1520; the 1080p screen resolution, 20-megapixel camera and Snapdragon 800 chip remain intact. There's no microSD slot, although there will reportedly be models with 32GB and 64GB of built-in storage. The biggest surprise is Nokia's use of a nano-SIM, which suggests that the company no longer minds using a competitor's SIM format. Those who like what they see might not have to wait long to try the new Lumia for themselves. If Falorin is accurate, Verizon hopes to release the 929 around Thanksgiving.
Samsung ATIV S Neo Windows Phone coming to AT&T on November 8th for $100
AT&T's love of Samsung-made Windows Phones seemingly turned sour after it skipped last year's ATIV S. It's clear that any ill will was short-lived, however, as the carrier just unveiled its version of Samsung's ATIV S Neo. The Windows Phone 8 device is a close match for its Sprint counterpart, sharing the same 4.8-inch 720p screen, dual-core 1.4GHz processor, 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.9-megapixel front shooter. The launch price will be easier to swallow, though. AT&T plans to ship the ATIV S Neo on November 8th for $100 on contract, or $50 less than it cost at Sprint when brand new.
Nokia's Chris Weber says there's no 'silver bullet' for Windows Phone success
With Gartner claiming Microsoft nibbled up just 3.3 percent of the smartphone market in Q2 this year, Nokia still has a long way to go to regain its mobile standing. Even with the handful of impressive products unveiled at Nokia World, Chris Weber, EVP of Sales and Marketing, agrees that there's still work to be done. "I don't think there's a silver bullet," Weber said during an interview yesterday. "It's the portfolio, it's great marketing to make sure people are aware of the capabilities, and it's making sure that the apps are there."
Nokia's incoming Windows Phone update will teach new Lumia 1520 tricks to old(er) smartphones
Nokia, now under the Microsoft umbrella, will combine an incoming Windows Phone update with its own smartphone upgrades. Lumia Black is its name, and it'll bring the new, unified Nokia Camera, alongside Storyteller and Beamer apps found on the new Lumia 1520 and 1320, to existing high-end Windows Phone 8 (namely the 920 series and the 1020) -- soon. The company didn't specify a roll-out date, however. According to Elop: "This will happen later on, it won't happen immediately. Some of the key updates for Windows Phone are in GDR3, so the notifications... will come through across all devices and be combined together with the Black update."
