Microsoft started updating Windows Phone 7 updater software to prepare phone for NoDo.

Since yesterday, Microsoft has started pushing a small update to Windows Phones globally. While this is not the update known as NoDo that will bring copy/paste to WP7, it prepares your device for it and for upcoming updates that Microsoft will push your way. As mentioned in the title of this post, the update upgrades the updater software on your phone. If you haven't got the update yet, don't worry, Microsoft is gradually pushing it out, so it will eventually reached your beloved device. So what can you do in the mean time.

First, check that you have the latest version of Zune on your computer. To verify that, open Zune, click Settings at the top of the screen, then Software > General > Check for updates.

On your phone, verify that the update notification is enabled. Navigate to Settings > System > Phone update. Check both boxes on that screen.

Connect your phone to your computer and restart. Try again later if, like me, you do not see the update notification.

Anyone got the update yet? 

Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac out of beta.

Owners of Mac computers running Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later can you now use the free connector to sync a Windows Phone 7 with a Mac. So, if you're a Mac user and have been holding off purchasing a Windows Phone, you don't have to worry anymore.

Besides being easy to use, Windows Phone 7 Connector lets you:

• Sync music, movies, TV Shows and podcasts, from your existing iTunes library, to your devices*
• Sync photos and videos, from your existing iPhoto library, to your devices
• Retrieve photos and videos, taken on your Windows Phone, and automatically import them into your existing iPhoto library
• Browse and preview media items located on your devices
• Download and install operating system updates for your Windows Phone (as applicable)
* Only unprotected (non DRM) files are supported


Click the image to download the app from App Store.

A Geek is born

Free Amazon app for Windows Phone 7.

It's the Windows Phone platform to now receive the Amazon app after IOS and Android. The free app of course lets you purchase stuff on the online store, post reviews, compare prices, access account and shipping options right on the device on the go. Windows Phone users can access Amazon through their browsers without the app, but its was somehow inconvenient and slow. The new Amazon app makes perusing the online store more fun. Note that all prices are in U.S. dollar.

The app can be downloaded free in the Windows Phone MarketPlace.

Windows Phone 7 photos from Nokia press conference.

Today is day one of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and Nokia did not wait for today to show some Windows Phone 7 concepts at a press briefing held yesterday. The concepts phone have great looks. They sure look attractive, eye-catching and thin. The different colors are a differentiating factor already, considering that other existing Windows Phone 7 phones are mostly black or grey. Unfortunately Stephen Elop, the former Microsoft Vice president turned Nokia CEO, did not mention any availability dates.

Check out the video of the Nokia press briefing at MWC.

Seesmic Gets updated.

There is an update to Seesmic for Windows Phone 7. You should see it
on your home screen on your phone if you have MarketPlace tile there.
The update brings Seesmic to version 1.3 and includes the following:

Timelines are now caches for increased loading speed.
Speed and scrolling improvements everywhere in the app.
Display of private and verified Twitter accounts.
Added animations and transitions.
Bug fixes.

Nokia and Microsoft announce plans for a broad strategic partnership to build a new global ecosystem

London, Feb. 11, 2011 - Nokia and Microsoft today announced plans to form a broad strategic partnership that would use their complementary strengths and expertise to create a new global mobile ecosystem.

Nokia and Microsoft intend to jointly create market-leading mobile products and services designed to offer consumers, operators and developers unrivalled choice and opportunity.  As each company would focus on its core competencies, the partnership would create the opportunity for rapid time to market execution.  Additionally, Nokia and Microsoft plan to work together to integrate key assets and create completely new service offerings, while extending established products and services to new markets. 

Under the proposed partnership:

- Nokia would adopt Windows Phone as its principal smartphone strategy, innovating on top of the platform in areas such as imaging, where Nokia is a market leader.

- Nokia would help drive the future of Windows Phone.  Nokia would contribute its expertise on hardware design, language support, and help bring Windows Phone to a larger range of price points, market segments and geographies.

- Nokia and Microsoft would closely collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and a shared development roadmap to align on the future evolution of mobile products.

- Bing would power Nokia's search services across Nokia devices and services, giving customers access to Bing's next generation search capabilities.  Microsoft adCenter would provide search advertising services on Nokia's line of devices and services.

- Nokia Maps would be a core part of Microsoft's mapping services.   For example, Maps would be integrated with Microsoft's Bing search engine and adCenter advertising platform to form a unique local search and advertising experience

- Nokia's extensive operator billing agreements would make it easier for consumers to purchase Nokia Windows Phone services in countries where credit-card use is low.

- Microsoft development tools would be used to create applications to run on Nokia Windows Phones, allowing developers to easily leverage the ecosystem's global reach. 

- Nokia's content and application store would be integrated with Microsoft Marketplace for a more compelling consumer experience.

"Today, developers, operators and consumers want  compelling mobile products, which include not only the device, but the software, services, applications and customer support that make a great  experience," Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO, said at a joint news conference in London. "Nokia and Microsoft will combine our strengths to deliver an ecosystem with unrivalled global reach and scale. It's now a three-horse race."

"I am excited about this partnership with Nokia," said Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. "Ecosystems thrive when fueled by speed, innovation and scale. The partnership announced today provides incredible scale, vast expertise in hardware and software innovation and a proven ability to execute."

Please visit www.nokia.com/press for press materials.