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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.
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'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."
Instagram will finally make its Windows Phone debut 'in the coming weeks'
Third-party apps like 6tag not working for you as an acceptable Windows Phone Instagram client? We've been waiting a long time for the social network to acknowledge that it's working on an app for Microsoft's mobile OS, and your patience will now be rewarded: Instagram is finally coming to Windows Phone. Elop announced that the Facebook-owned company will launch its app in "the coming weeks," followed closely by Twitter's popular video-sharing service: Vine.
Maxthon heads to Windows Phone with multi-device cloud syncing in tow
If you're a Windows Phone user who yearns for a browser other than plain ol' Internet Explorer, you have one more option starting today. Maxthon, which has already released versions of its mobile browser for Android and iOS, has announced an iteration specifically made for Microsoft's mobile operating system. As with the other variants, one of Maxthon's key features is that if you sign up for a free Maxthon Passport account, you can sync bookmarks online and across devices. Other goodies include forward and backward browser navigation by swiping up and down, touch-optimized bookmarking, Quick Access live tiles and a pop-up address bar. We'll let you peruse the press release after the break for more info, or simply hit the source to download an alternative to the browser behemoth.
Microsoft announces Windows Phone GDR3 update, adds 1080p and large screen support
It's autumn, which means it's time for Microsoft to come out with its latest and greatest update for Windows Phone. This year, however, the company isn't pushing anything as drastic or significant as WP8, and it even shows in the name of the refresh itself: GDR3. (GDR stands for General Distribution Release.) The update, which will begin rolling out in the coming weeks and "will continue over several months," doesn't feature any improvements to the notification experience, but it delivers on a few important enhancements that are sorely needed -- especially when it comes to hardware support. First, GDR3 will now offer Start screen support for screens between 5 and 7 inches, with resolution support now set at a maximum of 1080p (both of which lend credence to the leaks we've seen of the Lumia 1520, Nokia's upcoming 6-inch device). As an aside, we've confirmed with a Microsoft rep that this update won't be adding support for full-on tablets, though we can't rule out that possibility in a future refresh. Future Windows Phones can become much more powerful as well, now that the update adds support for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 quad-core SoC. On the software side, Microsoft is throwing in Driving Mode, which limits notifications on the lock screen and can be set to trigger whenever you connect a Bluetooth device. You can also close individual apps in the multitasking menu, lock your screen orientation and assign custom ringtones for text messages. Also, remember that annoyingly vague "other" category in the storage settings? GDR3 now breaks it down into more specific categories and lets you manage each one (excepting the system storage). Aside from these enhancements, Microsoft claims "hundreds" of other tweaks and fixes, many of which are under the hood. For a few more details, head below the break to look at the official blog post in its entirety.
Nokia Here software to load offline map updates incrementally
When Microsoft acquired Nokia's devices and services business, it left the Here maps platform behind. However, that doesn't mean it's been abandoned. In fact, the Finnish company announced today that the mapping service will receive an update that'll allow for incremental updates to offline maps. This means that whenever there's an update to only a portion of a map, users can download just that part instead of the whole map all over again. This should hopefully lead to less data consumed and a faster upgrade overall. Nokia is rolling out the update starting today for all Windows Phone 8 devices that have the latest firmware. No word yet on whether Here will be updated for Android and iOS, but seeing as the company just signed over a huge part of their business to Microsoft, we're not surprised they're giving first dibs to the OS from Redmond.
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.
Nokia Lumia 625 review
Another week, another Lumia. This latest grenade thrown by Nokia in its continued assault on the smartphone market is the Lumia 625. Following up on its previous high-end devices -- the good-looking one, the one with the fancy camera -- the 625 is a soldier of lower rank. There's already an army of budget Windows Phones that fill various niches, so what's the deal? Well, despite the number on its dog tag, the 625 is far from a Lumia 620 variant: it's a completely different phone. For starters, it sports the biggest screen of any Lumia to date (for now, anyway). Actually, make that any Nokia phone ever made. But the real reason it exists has nothing to do with the display size; it's all about the 4G radio hiding away inside. Does LTE, plus a big screen and eyebrow-raising price tag, make it worth your while, though?
Facebook's Windows Phone beta updated to work on WP7 too
There was a time when Windows Phone 7 users could only look on as WP8-using peers Like status updates on their newer and shinier Facebook app. Not anymore. An update to the Beta version is now ready for download, bringing to the table a user interface similar to the WP8 version that meshes well with the platform's aesthetics. Those who've been waiting for the update forever can hit the source link below -- it's available for both platforms, so WP8-toting folks can also join the party.
HTC 8XT for Sprint: what's different?
This summer, Sprint's lineup of Windows Phone 8 devices increased from zero to two. The first to show up in stores was the HTC 8XT ($100 on contract), a modified version of the 8X designed for Sprint customers upgrading from old Windows Phones. Though in many ways it's a chip off the ol' block, there are enough differences in the hardware (and to a lesser extent, the software) that it has a personality all its own. So what exactly makes this particular handset sit apart from last year's flagship? And does it enhance or take away from the original 8X user experience? Keep reading to find out.
Telenav Scout arrives on WP8, premium features available for $25 a year
Windows Phone 8 users partial to Telenav Scout can now leave the long line of people twiddling their thumbs waiting for their favorite apps to arrive on the OS. Previously available on iOS, Android and older Windows Phone versions, the newest Scout on the Marketplace works on all WP8 devices. It comes with all of the bells and whistles one would expect from a personalized navigation platform, including a user's current location, nearby establishments, real-time traffic flow, possible routes to take and the commute duration for each. Voice guidance (and voice command), as well as traffic and red light alerts are also available -- assuming you're willing to pay $25 per year for the privilege. If, however, you're immune to Scout's navigational charms, there's always alternative options like Drive+, MapQuest and CoPilot to help your not-so-aimless wanderings.
Nokia Amber update arriving on Lumia devices: camera improvements, Glance Screen, and plenty more (updated)
Those unofficial Amber ROMs you (briefly) considered toying with 10 days ago? History. Nokia has just announced that the honest-to-goodness, ready-for-consumption Amber code has been approved, and Lumia owners the world over will begin seeing it hit their Windows Phone 8 handset in the coming days / weeks. The software update is a fairly major one, delivering a wide range of new and improved features and apps, like Nokia Glance Screen with the standby clock and an even better imaging experience that mirrors the one found on the 1020. Users will be graced with a new FM radio player and improvements to Xbox music and the Internet Explorer browser, as well as improved image processing and the Nokia Smart Camera app (which debuted on the Lumia 925). The Glance Screen acts a bit like the glanceable extras added to the Moto X, but sadly, it won't be available on the Lumia 520 and Lumia 625, which have a smaller display memory. Longstanding Nokia loyalists will surely appreciate the addition of "Flip to silence" and "double-tap to unlock," and those who rely heavily on Here maps will find future updates easier to install. The rollout starts now first for the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 in selected countries as well as the Lumia 521, Lumia 810, and Lumia 928 in the US, while owners of the Lumia 520, Lumia 620, Lumia 720, Lumia 820 or Lumia 920 will likely have to wait until the end of September. Update: There's one more important tidbit: if you're using a Lumia 920, 925 or 928, you also get the Nokia Pro Camera app.
Microsoft Bing app suite comes to Windows Phone 8
Have a need for Bing? Microsoft's got you covered. The same suite of apps already available on Windows 8 -- that would be News, Sports, Weather and Finance -- is now ready for your downloading pleasure on the smartphone version of the platform. This move comes just two days after the company updated the official WP8 Bing app, so it seems the mobile team's been hard at work lately. As you can imagine, all four apps have plenty of options for pinnable Live Tiles; your favorite sports team, the weather for your travel destination, preferred stock holding and even Engadget are among the various choices. The apps should be live in the Store today, so expect them to land any time now. In the meantime, we have a full gallery of screenshots for your viewing pleasure.%Gallery-195517%
Skype for Windows Phone 8 updated with new People list, UI enhancements
Got an itchy update trigger finger? If so, your Windows Phone is patiently awaiting. Skype for WP8 just been refreshed to version 2.9, which offers up a couple UI enhancements that should be pretty useful. First, you'll now be able to filter your People list so that you can choose to view only Skype contacts if you prefer; there's also a new contact layout within the app that lets you see more people on one screen. On top of this, you'll also benefit from the obligatory bug fixes and speed improvements -- after all, who doesn't love fewer bugs and getting things done faster? If you do, head straight for the Store and get up to date.
Windows Phone App Studio makes it easy to build WP8 apps
Say what you will about Microsoft's ecosystem struggles, but no one can fault it for trying. In an effort to get more developers to give Windows Phone 8 more than a passing glance, the outfit has just launched a beta version of Windows Phone App Studio -- a web-based dev environment that's "designed to help anyone quickly bring an idea to life by applying text, web content, imagery, and design concepts to any one of a rich set of customizable templates." Moreover, Microsoft is now allowing any dev to unlock and register a single phone to use with up to two apps, and it's also offering a $19 "Summer Break" Dev Center registration offer for those looking to actually publish software to the store. Finally, a new "Click To Chat" support program is being instituted to help those who can't quite seem to overcome a programming hurdle. Take a look at the company's blog post for the full skinny.
Google Sync support for Windows Phone to be kept alive until December 31st
As it turns out, yesterday wasn't the last opportunity to get your Windows Phone chatting with Google Sync. At the final hour, El Goog decided it wasn't the right time to block new connections for contact and calendar syncing -- the end date has been postponed again, this time to December 31st. That should leave plenty of time for all handsets to receive the GDR 2 update, letting CalDAV and CardDAV take over syncing duties so that Google Sync can finally retire with a clear conscience.
Instagram reportedly blocking images uploaded through some third-party apps
Hipstamatic Oggl app users might want to rethink those subscriptions. Select Windows Phone 8 imaging apps, such as Instance, may no longer be able to upload images to Instagram's photo sharing service. According to a spokesperson's comment published on The Verge, the site has updated its API, restricting access to third-party apps in an effort to "fight spam to help prevent future attacks and increase security." Images apparently still pop up on the platform, but are deleted seconds later. For now, it appears that the only way to share images on Instagram is to capture them directly within the app, or through a supported service like Hipstamatic Oggl, leaving some WP8 and BlackBerry users out in the cold. Let's hope this unwelcome change means additional OS support is on the way. Update: We spoke to an Instagram representative, who provided the same ambiguous response we've already seen reported. "We recently made an update to the systems that we use to fight spam to help prevent future attacks and increase security. As part of this, applications accessing Instagram against the terms of our API may also be affected. This update does not specifically target any particular app or platform." Unfortunately, it's not clear which apps are affected, including Hipstamatic Oggl, but we're currently testing several third-party offerings and we'll share our results shortly. Update 2: We've managed to test Hipstamatic Oggl, and the app was successfully able to upload an image to Instagram. It appears that this new restriction is limited to apps that aren't accessing the service in line with API requirements.
Nokia: your favorite apps are coming to Windows Phone 8, it's simply a matter of when
Bryan Biniak, VP and General Manager of Global Partner and App Development at Nokia, was in London today for the UK launch of JobLens, so we took the opportunity to sit down with him and talk Windows Phone 8, the basket in which Nokia has entrusted all its eggs. Being Microsoft's brother-in-arms, Nokia's heavily involved in building out the platform and, despite an increasing number of high-profile apps making the jump, the general health of the WP8 store was the main topic of discussion. Unsurprisingly, Biniak was keen to report the app catalogue and with it, competitiveness, is growing fast. There are still gaps to be filled, however, and if Biniak's claims are to be trusted, all the apps most common to iOS and Android home screens are headed to WP8 in the near future: We're not having a single conversation with anybody, of any material application that's out there, that isn't going to be coming to the platform. It's not a matter of if -- I had those conversations, the "if" conversations, before -- all of our conversations now are "when."
