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Nokia Lumia 625 destined for China with 4.7-inch screen
Well, what do we have here? According to China's official certification website (TENAA), this above is the unannounced Nokia Lumia 625. The handset apparently features a 4.7-inch WVGA screen with super-sensitive touch, 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 512MB of RAM and 2,000mAh battery -- basically a lower-end model. While the listing only mentions GSM / GPRS and WCDMA / HSPA support, the phone supposedly includes LTE, and wraps everything in a unibody design that follows the attractive looks of its smaller cousin, the Lumia 620. In fact, the shape appears to match the RM-941 that passed through the FCC back in June. The device is expected to land in China at the end of July for 1,999 yuan ($325) -- just hit the source link below for more info.
Aviary lands on Windows Phone 8, paid content made free for a limited time
Aviary has come a long way from its humble origins as a Flickr plugin -- over the last year it's graduated to a standalone app, been given a makeover and has even been ported to Windows 8. Today the popular photo-editing software lands on yet another platform: Windows Phone 8. As on iOS and Android, the app itself is free and comes with a bunch of filters and stickers. Extra packs can usually be purchased for two bucks a pop, but WP8 users can get them for free for a limited time -- not bad for a digital lizard sombrero. Follow the source link below to check out the (temporarily) gratis photo editor yourself.
WhatsApp update for WP8 brings in-app dialing, background agent support
A number of issues have plagued WhatsApp on Windows Phone 8, but hopefully this latest update has addressed some of them. While it's yet to integrate a VoIP function like Viber and other competitors, the new version allows you to initiate a call through the phone's dialer. It promises to fix notification problems as well, although you can still see a lot of complaints about push notifications on the Windows Phone Store. The latest version also adds support for Windows Phone background agents, which prevents the app from killing off music and other tasks. Let's not forget the new emoticons, because WhatsApp sure deserves a smiley for these much-needed changes.
Halo: Spartan Assault to be available first on Verizon's Windows Phone 8 devices
We knew Halo: Spartan Assault would be making its debut sometime this month; what we didn't know, however, is that it would only be reaching Verizon-branded Windows Phone 8 handsets initially. According to the Big Red network, its subscribers will be the first in the US to be able to download the popular franchise's mobile title, although no word was given on when exactly we can expect it to launch. Halo: Spartan Assault is set to cost $6.99 once it eventually hits the Windows Phone store -- the good news is July's almost over, so it won't be much longer before you can get in on the action. For now, it looks as if our hands-on preview will have to hold you over.
Nokia Lumia 1020's Pro Camera app to hit 920, 925 and 928 (hands-on video)
One of Lumia 1020's main attractions is its Nokia Pro Camera app, which completes the phone's 41-megapixel camera with a bunch of handy features. In our video after the break, you can see Niina (not a typo) from Nokia demonstrating the manual focusing and lossless digital zooming. The latter actually works both ways: even if you've zoomed in before capture (and still get native 5-megapixel resolution), you can also zoom back out while browsing these photos, as the app captures both the zoomed-in 5-megapixel image as well as the full 38-megapixel image simultaneously. This way you can reframe the image and even focus on a different subject, as CEO Stephen Elop showed us in our earlier interview. But if you don't need this feature, you can simply set the app to capture just 5-megapixel images by default.
Path partners with Nokia to bring app to Lumia 1020, 'all Windows Phones'
After months of anticipation, Path is finally bringing its social network to the Windows Phone, and it's starting with the Nokia Lumia 1020. The app, which is still in the works and hasn't been assigned a launch date, will take advantage of the company's new imaging SDK and its plethora of photo filters. Although the main focus of Path's announcement was centered on the new Lumia, it also mentioned that the app will indeed come to "all Windows Phones." No word on if the launch will occur across the board at the same time (nor if this includes Windows Phone 7.5 or only affects WP8 users) or if it will be featured only on the 1020 at first, but we'll update you as soon as we know. In the meantime, there's a press release for you to digest below the break. Check out all the news from today's Nokia event at our hub!
Nokia Lumia 1020 vs. 925 vs. 920 vs. 808 PureView: what's changed?
Nokia's sure taken its time, but its 41-megapixel Windows Phone beast is now finally out of the bag. Naturally, we have to compare this Lumia 1020 with its recent siblings: externally it's closer to the 920 than the slimmer 925 or 928, except for its earpiece and, well, the camera. That said, the 1020 is somehow a lot lighter and a little thinner than the bulky 920, while packing the same 2,000mAh battery. Clearly, the lack of built-in Qi wireless charging and perhaps that Gorilla Glass 3 screen are responsible for this weight loss. And needless to say, the Symbian-powered 808 PureView didn't come with as many goodies compared to its Windows Phone cousin -- even the newer lens is faster with six elements instead of five. Feel free to check out our detailed comparison table after the break. Check out all the news from today's Nokia event at our hub!
Nokia officially announces the Lumia 1020: 41MP camera, OIS, six lenses
We can't say we were really taken aback with shock at the news, but Nokia has officially unveiled its latest imaging flagship, the Lumia 1020. The 41MP Windows Phone, which has been anticipated by many enthusiasts since the 808 PureView was introduced, is looked at Nokia as "the next chapter in smartphone photography." With the phone only offered in yellow, black and white hues, it's not the most colorful device in the Finnish company's repertoire, but Elop's gang is hopeful that it can make up for the lack of color with a stellar imaging experience: in addition to the high megapixel count, the 1020 will feature OIS, BSI, lossless zoom, six Carl Zeiss lenses, 1080p video capture, xenon flash for stills and LED flash for video. While the resolution is top-notch -- you'll be able to take 34 and 38MP pictures, depending on your desired aspect ratio -- the 1020 will also simultaneously take 5MP oversampled shots that are much more friendly for Facebook and SkyDrive sharing (not to mention capped data plans). The phone also has ball bearings and tiny magnetic motors built-in to aid in optical image stabilization. If you're worried about being able to change settings or do other imaging adjustments, the 1020 offers a Pro Camera lens app that includes white balance, ISO, exposure and others. Still not enough? Nokia's also adding an optional camera grip which adds external battery and a tripod mount.
Nokia to update Here Drive and Transit apps, release Drive+ for all WP8 handsets
Nokia's Here Drive+ global sat-nav app for Windows Phone 8, currently exclusive to certain Lumia handsets, will be available to all devices running Redmond's mobile OS when it gets updated "by the end of this week." In addition to wider availability, the app refresh will see the integration of local traffic information and bring a "more intuitive user interface." Also, the new My Commute feature will make its debut, which monitors traffic along your common route and gives you an estimated travel time so you can plan accordingly. It'll also let you know if things change while you're on the road and offer up different routes if it spots a jam up ahead. An identical update will be applied to Here Drive, the non-exclusive version of Drive+ that's tied to one country (read: local navigation license). In tandem with the Drive apps, Nokia's Here Transit app for planning journeys on public transport will be updated with a redesigned user interface. Drive+ global navigation doesn't come free, however, even for those packing a Lumia 720, 520 or 521 variant (those handsets only have the standard Drive app pre-installed). A global license which turns Drive into Drive+ costs 15.49 euro (nearly $20) in some countries, such as the US, Canada and the UK, and 34.99 euro (almost $45) elsewhere; Here Transit will also come at a price of 1.99 euro (around $2.50) in these regions. There's table after the break which neatly lays out what costs what where, and you can hit up the PR if you feel you haven't done enough reading already.
Samsung ATIV Odyssey now available on US Cellular for $50 after rebate
The obscure ZTE Render's had its fair share of good times as US Cellular's Windows Phone, but the carrier's now ready to add its first WP8 device to the lineup: the Samsung ATIV Odyssey. The smartphone, which has been available on Verizon for several months, finally launches online today and in stores this Thursday for $50 on contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate. The device offers a WVGA display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 chipset, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage with microSD expansion, NFC, a 2,100mAh battery and 5MP rear camera with 1.2MP front-facing cam.
HTC 8XT will be available on Sprint July 19th for $100 after rebate
The term "this summer" has finally become much more specific for anyone hoping to score a Sprint-branded Windows Phone: July 19th. This is the date the Now Network will launch the HTC 8XT, the carrier's first WP8 device, and you'll be able to grab one for $100 after a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year commitment. For that overall cost, you're getting a 4.3-inch WVGA display, 1.4GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400 CPU, 1GB RAM, 8MP rear camera, BoomSound, microSD expansion and an 1,800mAh battery. There's still no word on Samsung's entry to this arena, but we imagine it won't be terribly long before the news arrives, but we do know that HTC's version will start out $50 cheaper (likely due in part to the lower resolution). Press release after the break.
Spotify for Windows Phone 8 update available now: drops beta, adds track scrubbing and more languages
As teased by no less than Windows Phone exec Joe Belfiore earlier this morning, Spotify has dropped its beta learning plates. In the latest update, you'll get improvements to offline playlists (hopefully making them less temperamental), alongside more language support, with 19 of 'em now supported. Steeling itself to go up against the homemade Xbox Music (not to mention the entirely free Nokia Music), the full version also throws in track scrubbing -- something that was curiously missing from Spotify's early WP8 app. The 2MB update can be grabbed through your phone, or installed at the source link below.
Nokia will pay you up to $300 to trade an old phone for a Lumia
Nokia's Lumia phones show promise despite the company's dwindling overall sales, and now's your chance to nab one at more affordable prices -- if you're willing to trade in an old phone, that is. The Finnish company's new trade up program in the US will take in old mobile devices and send back up to $300 loaded on a Visa prepaid card, so long as you also purchase a Lumia. A lot of brands and models are accepted (check out if yours is via the trade up portal linked below), but popular ones like the iPhone 4S, the Galaxy S 4, and the HTC One will net you the most money. So, if you're sick of being lost in a crowd of Androids and iPhones, now's the time to give WP8 a whirl.
Huawei Ascend W2 shows up prematurely, packs color-matching backlit soft keys (hands-on)
After the official product shot leaked in late May, we knew it wouldn't be long before Huawei's Ascend W2 makes an official appearance. Well, today's the day, but as the company's second-ever Windows Phone device, the W2's appearance at Mobile Asia Expo was surprisingly low key. According to the spec sheet at Huawei's booth, this affordable phone comes with a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 display (looked like IPS to us) and a 1.4GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8230 SoC (same as the W1 but faster) with 512MB RAM. There's 8GB of built-in storage along with microSD expansion -- the slot is located next to the removable 1,700mAh battery plus full-size SIM slot, all underneath the red or yellow back cover. Even though Huawei doesn't hide the fact that the W2 is a low-cost device, it's actually not too shabby. Most notably, the three usual soft keys are color backlit and will match your desired theme in Windows Phone 8. As a bonus, the touchscreen has a glove mode -- as featured on several other more recent Huawei phones -- for the cold winter days. There's still no price or date announced just yet, but since this particular model packs a TD-SCDMA radio for China Mobile, folks outside China will have to wait for the WCDMA variant. For now, we have a hands-on video for you after the break. %Gallery-192374%
Microsoft updates Blink for Windows Phone 8 with GIF-like clip creation (video)
If Vine still leaves you pining for the choppiness of GIFs, Microsoft's got you covered -- on Windows Phone 8, at least. Redmond's Blink app, which helps smartphone photographers capture bursts of images, has hit version 2.0 and scored the ability to create short animated clips, aptly dubbed Blinks. In addition to the bite-sized videos, the latest update bakes in camera settings in capture mode, sharing to social networks and web galleries for shared creations. Microsoft Research also released Blink Cliplets for Windows 8 and RT, which allows users to layer static and dynamic elements atop footage. Hit the break to check out the new release of Blink in action, or jab the first source link for the download.
Nokia Lumia 925 review: lots of changes, but not much difference
More Info Nokia Lumia 925 announced Nokia Lumia 928 for Verizon hands-on Nokia Lumia 920 review It's been just half a year since Nokia revealed its first Windows Phone 8 device, and we've already got another flagship to review. The Lumia 925 marks a departure in design for Nokia -- it looks nothing like its predecessors, barring an expanse of screen and some capacitive Windows buttons. This time around, the phone is housed in an aluminum frame, making it Nokia's first metal smartphone since those heady Symbian days. This, alongside some hardware repositioning and (minor) specification changes has been enough for the Lumia 925 to weigh notably less than its 920 forebear -- and we think it's enough to feel in your hand. As we juggled the two Windows Phones ahead of this review, our first impressions were that the 925 was also much easier to hold, despite only a negligible difference in thickness. This, alongside some hardware repositioning and (minor) specification changes has been enough for the Lumia 925 to weigh notably less than its 920 forebear Arriving in three comparatively restrained monochrome hues (white, black and grey), Nokia's returned to OLED for its display tech, although it's the same 1,280 x 768 resolution as the rest of the 920 series and includes the company's anti-reflective screen technology for good measure. Its new Smart Camera app debuts on the Lumia 925, standing alongside the stock app and offering up some interesting new picture-taking options. Otherwise, it's an awful lot like the Lumia 920, at least on paper: there's the same lauded 8.7-megapixel camera sensor (with an extra lens element), the same dual-core 1.5GHz processor and the same OS (albeit with some beta goodies). Nokia reckons that the phone is geared towards a different buyer than those who bought the Lumia 920, but alongside Verizon's recent US-only Lumia 928, is there enough to get fans that skipped on last year's model to buy this time around? And is there enough to persuade you not to hold out for what's on the horizon?%Gallery-191452%
Huawei Ascend W1 review: the company's first WP8 device is promising, yet flawed
More Info Huawei's Windows Phone handset outed as Ascend W1 Huawei Ascend W1, the company's first Windows Phone 8 device, comes to the US in prepaid form Huawei Ascend W1 hands-on When Microsoft announced its hardware partners for Windows Phone 8, we were surprised that there was no mention of Huawei. You see, in the lead-up to the event, we'd seen enough evidence to be sure that the Chinese outfit would become the fourth phone maker to join Nokia, Samsung and HTC. When the Ascend W1 debuted later at CES, Huawei made no great effort to explain the delay, but with the vehement political opposition it's currently facing in the US, perhaps it had cold feet. Now, several months down the line, we have our first chance to put the Ascend W1, its first Windows Phone 8 device, through its paces. With a £130 off-contract price on O2 UK (or $230 at Walmart in the US) and a spec sheet that screams "2011," it's clear that Huawei's aiming this at the same audience as Nokia's lowest-priced Lumias, the 520 and 620. That puts it squarely in the reach of smartphone virgins, the "price sensitive" and those looking to dip a toe into Windows Phone's hot tub with more of a secondary handset. But should the W1 be the device new users pick to be their entry point into Microsoft's mobile world, or will we once again say that it's the Lumia 620 that deserves your hard-earned cash? The answer resides below the fold.%Gallery-190424%
CoPilot comes to Windows Phone 8: free offline sat nav, £18 for premium features
It can't be easy, developing a Windows Phone sat nav app in the heavily publicized shadow of Nokia Here, but when we met the folks at CoPilot recently they were brimming with confidence. They've already counted 4.5 million downloads on Android and iOS, and today they've finally gone live for owners of WP8 devices too. The free app comes with CoPilot's own, slightly different approach to laying out navigation info and options on a small screen, plus an offline map for the country of your choice, but you'll have to scroll through directions manually. For the full works, which are only free for 14 days, you'll need to spend £17.99 (the equivalent of $28) on an in-app upgrade that brings voice guided turn-by-turn instructions, a year's worth of live traffic flow info, 3D maps and a few other features. You'll find more screenshots and a growing number of reviews over at the source link.
Nokia and Microsoft 'working even closer,' will have something to show us soon
At a UK briefing for Nokia's incoming Lumia 925, the company revealed that it's continuing to deepen its relationship with Microsoft. Nokia UK's Ray Haddow said that it was "working even closer" with Redmond and that we can expect to see the fruits of this pairing "in the next few weeks." While we're not sure what that will entail just yet (and we're already expecting to see some beta software functionality land on our review model), we're hoping to see some new features from the team-up. Better still, we've just received our very own Lumia 925 to test, so expect a review very soon. Update: As the meeting progresses, we've heard another small tidbit out of Nokia related to this collaboration. It appears that reps have been emphasizing the marketing aspects of this pairup, suggesting the two companies will work together in advertising and increasing Nokia's visibility. We'll update this post with more info if we get more clarification on exactly what we can expect.
HTC Windows Phone with Sprint LTE surfaces in FCC docs
We know for sure that Sprint intends to carry Windows Phone 8 devices from HTC and Samsung this summer -- the company said as much at this past CES. And with yet another HTC WP8 filing surfacing at the FCC, the evidence for a fast-approaching launch continues to mount. Bearing a model number that branches off from the rumored Tiara, the PO88100 looks destined for the Now Network as it reps some very carrier-specific frequencies, namely the presence of CDMA and LTE Band 25. Apart from that, we know it'll also support NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi a/b/g/n, but that's the extent of what these docs reveal. What you can likely expect from HTC when it does get official, is a more moderately-specced device that differs from the One in style, size and power; something that slots in with the WP8 demo.
