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Windows Phone Apollo to feature speech-to-text for email, low-end Tango gets split in two
If this hodgepodge of sorta, kinda official confirmation is to be believed, Windows Phone users can look forward to deeper integration of voice command functionality built-in to the Apollo update. Nokia US' CEO, Chris Weber, first spilled the speech recognition beans in an interview with VentureBeat back in early August, referring to the tech as a killer WP feature. Now, a report over on ZDNet backs up that leaked info with resume tidbits from former MS Windows Phone / Mobile Communications team members that had a hand in creating the so-called "Voice-Compose" and "Read-Aloud" features for native email clients-- even tipping us off to a possible Windows 8 and WP 8 convergence. There's also mention (gleaned from a company job listing) of MS' lower-end mobile OS splitting into two separate versions -- Tango1 and Tango2. We know what you're thinking. It's hard to get excited about far-off OS updates when we're still waiting on Mango's release. Still, it's good to know Ballmer and co. aren't just resting on their Windows laurels.
HTC Mazaa's awarded in dev contest, winners promptly splay (and auction) them to world
What would you do if you'd won an unannounced smartphone that sported Windows Phone Mango? Naturally, we hope you'd first send us the dirt, but what if you were a college student and knew the weekend was rapidly approaching? Undergrad winners of Microsoft's WPAppitUp competition are facing this smartphone / cheap beer conundrum, as they're now holding HTC Mazaas as prizes, yet many are selling them for cash instead. If you'd like to adopt an orphan, the phones come with Qualcomm's MSM8655 SoC -- the same as the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible 2 -- which supports (but may not feature) dual mode GSM / CDMA for world roaming. A 1GHz Scorpion CPU and the Adreno 205 GPU are in the mix, and while the over-sized earpiece seems to indicate that this is the same 12-megapixel monster previously shown off by Eldar Murtazin, one of the contest winners, Heedeok Lee, informed us that the camera is actually of 5 megapixel resolution only. Frankly, it's unclear whether the Mazaa is heading for retail shelves at all, but if you're wanting an early taste of Mango, you should consider befriending a thirsty student developer. %Gallery-130391%
Microsoft offers up 'managed driving' source code, gets back to location-based business
WiFi-sniffing -- all the major tech giant's are doing it. But it's for your own better-targeted, location-based good... they swear. It's a familiar story that saw Google get served in France and the UK for its fleet of data-collecting Street View cars, and had Apple accidentally storing users' geographic info unencrypted on their phones. Given the history, it's not surprising to see Microsoft take the offensive by offering up source code from its own 'managed driving' program: the cars that collect WiFi, GPS and cell tower data. With the code out in the open, MS can easily side-step allegations of personal data-mining and continue its focus on improving local search services. The move is further evidence that the Ballmer-led company intends to take user privacy very seriously, having already stopped the tracking of individual Windows Phone handsets last May. Location aware devices are an inevitable part of our search-assisted lives, we just wish they all came with a giant opt-out button. [Image credit via WinRumors]
Dell curiously missing from Windows Phone 'Mango' hardware partner list, Microsoft says 'stay tuned' (updated)
Microsoft this morning added Acer, Fujitsu and ZTE to its stable of Windows Phone hardware partners, but look at that image above and you'll find one name missing. Yes, Michael Dell's surname is a notable absentee from the group of Mango manufacturers, which prompted us to reach out to someone in charge to see what's what. A Microsoft rep informed us that the company has nothing to announce on that front at present, but urged us to "stay tuned," whatever that may mean. If you're wondering where Nokia is, fret not, it's still very much in Microsoft's future plans, it just got a separate mention. As to Dell? Not a peep in the entire keynote. This comes only a day after a Wall Street Journal article mentioned Dell's intention to reduce its presence in the consumer market and focus on its enterprise strengths -- could an abandonment of Windows Phone be one of those steps? Update: Dell is not off the list of WP7 hardware manufacturers. Microsoft told us that the Round Rock gang simply isn't one of the "partners ready to go" do the Mango tango right now.
Microsoft announces Windows Phone 'Mango' update, coming in autumn (updated)
Mango may no longer be a secret in and of itself, but we doubt Microsoft would've set up an entire event to preview its big Windows Phone update if there was nothing hidden up that Redmond sleeve. To that end, we've just come across an official press release from the company, released on its Romanian website. The machine translation awaits after the break. Update: We've now swapped in the natively English press release. There's also confirmation that Mango will indeed be known as Windows Phone 7.1. Update 2: Turns out Microsoft "had to give [the SDK] a name" and dubbed it 7.1, so Mango retains its formal WP7 moniker. The first thing to note is that the update will be "freely available" to all current Windows Phone handsets, something Microsoft already committed to, and will be ready for download "at the beginning of this summer." (Update: it looks like our translation machinery betrayed us, tipsters are saying it's actually the beginning of autumn.) Naturally, the new goodness will also figure in new devices and from new partners, including Acer, Fujitsu, and ZTE. Those fresh faces join Nokia and the incumbent partners of Dell (maybe) HTC, Samsung, and LG to expand the WP ecosystem. A Beta SDK of the new Windows Phone free tools will be available within 24 hours, we're promised, for developers to sink their teeth into. In the communications department, Microsoft is introducing conversation threads, which seamlessly transition between MSN Messenger chats, SMS, and Facebook messaging to keep you talking to the same person irrespective of the method. New contact group tiles are also incoming, with the ability to send quick emails or IMs to entire groups. Twitter and LinkedIn contact integration is mentioned, though we expect this go a lot deeper in Twitter's case, as Microsoft has already demonstrated. Speaking of more in-depth integration, Microsoft has improved the Live Tiles to allow the display of more dynamic information from apps, which will of course be able to multitask beautifully. Internet Explorer 9 is also joining in on the Mango fun with support for HTML5. Jump past the break for all the details. Update 3: Would you look at that, Bing search has gotten a thorough sprucing up as well. Video of all the new goodness follows after the break -- or you can click here to hit up Microsoft's own video library, which is loaded to the gills with feature overviews. %Gallery-124305%
NEC's waterproof MEDIAS N-06C to get a sprinkle of Gingerbread and 1GHz power
The MEDIAS N-04C might well be the hotness in the world of super slim phones right now, but if you're looking for something with a little more oomph and protection against water, then NEC's also got you covered. According to a pamphlet obtained by datacider, the MEDIAS family will soon be welcoming a Gingerbread-powered N-06C, which closely resembles the N-04C except for the extra 0.2mm thickness plus 10g weight, as well as touch buttons instead of physical ones. But what we really care about here are the IPX5 and IPX7 waterproof ratings, meaning this 7.9mm-thick Android's been tested against small water jets and one-meter immersion, respectively. On the inside, apart from the faster 1GHz chip and 14Mbps FOMA download speed, the rest are pretty much what we've seen before: 4-inch 480 x 854 LCD, 1GB ROM, 512MB RAM, 802.11n WiFi, and 5 megapixel camera with 720p video. There's no clear indication on a release date, but you're welcome to kill some time by checking out the full spec sheet after the break. [Thanks, Pavlo L.]
Homebrew dev previews multitasking on Windows Phone 7, Microsoft issues stern warning (video)
Oh, hackers... how we heart thee: following our story on Jaxbot's fascinating instant app resuming mod on Windows Phone 7, the plucky dev has taken tricks a step further -- this time demoing a workaround that struts true multitasking on your handset. Now before you start rushing to the source link, please note we say "demoing" intentionally as no release date has been set, and Jax is only previewing this work-in-progress to solicit user input (and achieve bragging rights, of course). Meanwhile, Microsoft has taken notice of developers' growing tenacity and is pleading for patience on its official blog, warning users to stay clear of these unsanctioned techniques citing unknown consequences. We're inclined to believe they aren't fully bluffing, considering their update track history, and all. Keeping in mind there's nothing to download just yet, check out WP7 tossing around apps in the background after the break, and let Jaxbot know what you think, will ya?
Windows Phone 7 hack brings instant app resumption, mobile multitasking to the masses
Looking for a little snappier response when jumping to and fro between apps on your WP7 device? Well, do we have just the hack for you -- a dev from Windows Phone Hacker, Jaxbot, did some poking around in the Window's Phone registry and found a way to instantly resume apps, no muss, no fuss. By setting the "DehydrateOnPause" registry key value to zero, he got rid of that pesky app dehydration / rehydration process altogether. Keep in mind there may be some "undesirable" side effects from force-feeding your device multitasking (ADD?) ahead of schedule and you'll need a developer-unlocked device to access the registry, so only advanced users need apply -- you taking notes, Mr. Ballmer? Hit up the source link for the full monty, and check out the hack in action after the break.
Live from 'An Evening With Nokia' at MWC 2011!
We've been gathered at the same cozy venue as two years ago (for the introduction of the E52, if memory serves correctly) for Nokia's event at MWC 2011 this evening... and frankly, in light of what's happened the past few days, we're not quite sure what to expect. CEO Stephen Elop should be on stage to take some questions -- but in terms of product or strategy announcements, it's anyone's guess. Follow the break for all the fun!
HTC 7 Pro now available on O2 Germany, €22 monthly or €599 up front
Not that we had any reason to doubt O2 Germany's Twitter account, but a formal press release does help ease our few concerns. The HTC 7 Pro is now official on the European carrier for the asking price of €29 down and 24 months of €22.50. If you want to rip the proverbial band-aid off faster, it's also available for a €599 flat fee -- both of those without SIM lock. The rest of the world? We imagine it's just a matter of time before HTC offers this through its other channels.
HTC HD7 gets its .bins all in a tizzy, custom ROMs up next?
What do you get when you cross an HTC HD7 with a Mondrian ROM? Or a Schubert ROM? ('Elephino... wait, that's not right.) Nothing too crazy, we imagine, but in doing so, xda-developers patron ansar.ath.gr has provided a proof of concept that custom ROMs can be implemented on Windows Phone 7 devices. In more technical terms, "this proves that the imgfs.bin can be used from any branded device to any other branded device." It's okay, you don't have to know what an imgfs.bin is, but if you're the sort who likes to tweak phones well beyond what's in the settings menu / user manual, just be patient and know there's at least a few brilliant coders who'll capitalize on this freshly laid groundwork.
Chrome to Windows Phone 7 now available
Approved and waiting for your download, Chrome to Windows Phone 7 is now available in the mobile OS' operating system. True to its name, once you download both this app and the applicable Chrome extension, a quick click on the Windows logo in your otherwise Google browser will send links or selected text to your Microsoft mobile. Join your Android friends in embracing the Continuous Client lifestyle. Update: Looks like Site to Phone can handle just about any smartphone. Thanks, Ed!
Dell: bigger Venue Pro launch coming, keep hands off microSD
Didn't get a Venue Pro when Microsoft threw a few on its store shelves? Why, that'd be enough to make us mad, too -- Ballmer mad, in fact. Fear not, though: as Dell tells it, the company has production ramped up for a "timely" launch on T-Mobile's network. When? Won't say. Holiday season, at least? No release windows is given. And one more thing, too... Dell read our piece on the Windows Phone 7 microSD and wants you all to know that, no, you shouldn't mess with the Venue Pro's card, either. There's no eject mechanism, and that's supposed to be a not-so-subtle hint to stay back. Consider yourself warned, again.
Windows Phone 7's microSD mess: the full story (and how Nokia can help you out of it)
There are many reasons to be excited about Windows Phone 7, but a bleak spot has been Microsoft's message -- or lack thereof -- on user-expandable storage, and the situation finally came to a head last week when AT&T told Samsung Focus owners to hold off on buying microSD cards altogether until Microsoft had a chance to certify some for use with the platform. How did it get to this point? Why wasn't it communicated to users that this was such a problem before the phones ever went on sale? And if it really is such a problem, why did Samsung dare to make the microSD slot user-accessible in the Focus the first place? All good questions -- and in talking with a number of sources the past few days, we've pieced together some of the answers. Read on.
Windows Phone 7 app submissions are a go, now for everyone
Though already open for early registrants, as of this week Microsoft has unbarred the floodgates for Windows Phone 7 app submissions from all developers. Full details and instructions can be found at the official App Hub, but if you're just curious about the experience overall, WP7 dev Adam Nathan -- who's reportedly submitted 30 through the system already -- outlines what he sees is the good, bad, and ugly of the process (literally). Face it, if you ever want to see your app on the Venue Pro, this is the gateway you must pass.
Kindle for Windows Phone 7 revealed, due 'in the coming months'
As sure as the sun, Amazon's just announced it'll be bringing Kindle to the Windows Phone 7 platform sometime "in the coming months." The app was shown briefly today at Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference (PDC 2010) and, based both on that and the official screenshot from Amazon's teaser page (above), it's definitely wearing that stylish WP7 aesthetic quite well. Press release after the break, and check out More Coverage for a couple screenshots from its PDC presentation (care of istartedsomething's Long Zheng and his Flickr account). And while you wait for its inevitable release, we have full confidence you'll be able to find another platform to enjoy your Kindle books. Trust us.
Dell Venue Pro gets Expansys listing: £499.99 for November 8th (update: Amazon, too)
Don't take this as the gospel, but online retailer Expansys has gone ahead and listed Dell's Venue Pro -- affectionately known as "the Windows Phone 7 device with a portrait QWERTY slider" -- with pricing and availability date in tow. Which, if you're wondering, is £499.99 (or about $783 in US dollars, when crudely converted) and Monday, November 8th, respectively. That's just over two weeks away, which means if it is true, you won't have long to wait... and if it's not true, you'll know soon enough, anyway. Update: PC World's spotted the same date and price for the Venue Pro on Amazon UK. You lucky Brits.
Windows Phone 7 now on sale... in New Zealand
Well played, New Zealand. Hobbit-infested scenery, Flight of the Conchords, the first in the world to get iPhone 3Gs... and now this. What you're looking at is purportedly the first person to purchase a Windows Phone 7 device, and even if that's not quite the case, it signals the launch of the phone for the island country, which would make it the first region in the world to put the device on sale. Have patience, non-Kiwi friends. Update: After the break, a shot of a Vodafone NZ HTC Trophy, purchased at Aotea Square in Auckland. Thanks, Jonathan! [Thanks, Stephen]
Windows Phone 7 ads reveal Samsung Focus for AT&T, November 8th date and shiny new website
We'd heard November 8th was AT&T's Windows Phone 7 launch date, but this makes it real -- Microsoft advertisements on Microsoft's page, pointing to a brand-new Windows Phone website. And unless we're completely mistaken, the Samsung Cetus finally has a name -- it'll be called the Focus when it comes to AT&T on the specified date. We're not seeing any other spilled beans at Microsoft's new launch page, but we're digging the upbeat tune -- let us know if you find anything intriguing buried in the Silverlight source code on that "new phones" page, will you? [Thanks, Collin W.]
HTC PD29110 Windows Phone 7 device hits the FCC, sports T-Mobile frequencies
Sometimes FCC filings contain reams of glorious details, but there's very few here -- just the alphanumeric designation for a HTC Windows Phone 7 handset with 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth + EDR, and a set of cellular frequencies (including AWS) that all but peg the phone for a T-Mobile launch. Pay no attention to that "Camera-2nd" listed above, as it's not proof there's a front-facing camera on this device -- rather, the "Sample 2" line indicates that the labs tested a pair of these phones, each with their own photo module. If there does happen to be a second camera on a Windows Phone 7 launch device, however, you'll be the first to know -- we'll be on the lookout for this and other hot new phones at Microsoft's Monday launch.
