Thursday, September 27, 2012

Windows phone monthly photo contest: Favorite Places

David Chen announced the launch of the theme of this month photo contest for Windows Phone devices. Each month, a picture is selected and featured on the blog and related Facebook page, twitter and Pinterest with credit to the photographer. This month is about your favorite places.

Participants are allowed to edit the pictures using whichever photo editor they like. However, when sending the pictures to windowsphone@microsoft.com, they must include the original, unaltered photo.

Learn more @ http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2012/09/26/this-month-s-windows-phone-photo-challenge-favorite-places.aspx.



Sunday, September 23, 2012

Watch the joint HTC-Microsoft event announcing the HTC 8X & 8S.

If you've missed the event last week, I'm posting the video so you can catch up. Watch HTC CEO Peter Chou and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announce two new HTC's Windows Phone 8 devices. Enjoy.



Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Press release: HTC AND MICROSOFT UNVEIL FIRST SIGNATURE WINDOWS PHONES

New Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC to be available through
more than 150 mobile operators globally

NEW YORK, 19th September, 2012 - HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, and Microsoft today unveiled the first signature Windows Phones, the stunning Windows(R) Phone 8X and 8S by HTC(R). The smartphones feature the new Windows Phone 8 operating system and boast iconic design, studio-quality sound with Beats Audio[TM] and incredible camera capabilities.

"Pairing HTC's beautiful new Windows Phone 8X and 8S with our brand is a big milestone for both companies," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. "Together we are offering customers a clear choice and a truly unique experience. I'm thrilled to take our longstanding partnership to the next level."

"We've been inspired by Windows Phone 8 to create new smartphones that give the platform the iconic design and personality it deserves," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. "Windows Phone has clearly emerged as one of the top mobile ecosystems and is competitive against any other smartphone platform in the world."

Iconic Design
The only phone with Live Tiles, Windows Phone has a clear, differentiated vision and the consumer experience has been widely recognized as being groundbreaking, innovative and fresh. HTC created the Windows Phone 8X and 8S to blend the virtual and the physical utilizing a three dimensional, pure uni-body design based on the Windows Phone Live Tiles. The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC are perfectly sculpted with a dramatic taper making them feel magically thin in your hand.

Because color is such an integral part of the Windows Phone experience, HTC is bringing bold, sophisticated and adventurous colors in a premium matte finish to these devices. The Windows Phone 8X will come in a variety of colors including California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC will be available in Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue and High-Rise Gray.

Capture and share your world
For the first time, HTC is introducing a 2.1mp, f/2.0 aperture, 88° ultra-wide angle front-facing camera that allows up to four people and more to be captured at once. It also supports 1080p video capture. The rear camera sports an 8mp CMOS sensor with backside-illumination (BSI) for improved low-light performance, along with an f/2.0 aperture, 28mm lens and a dedicated imaging chip. A physical shutter button makes it quick and easy to capture spontaneous action, even if the phone is locked.

Spectacular Sound with Beats Audio
Exclusively available on HTC smartphones, Beats Audio provides authentic, studio-quality sound that delivers the spirit of the original recording. The Windows Phone 8X by HTC featuring Beats Audio also offers a unique audio amplifier powering the 3.5mm audio jack and the speaker, boosting the audio signal for even better sound no matter if you're listening to music, playing a game or watching a video.

Brilliant Display
The Windows Phone 8X by HTC features a beautiful, 4.3" HD-resolution super LCD 2 screen protected from everyday bumps and scrapes by lightweight Gorilla(R) Glass 2, while optical lamination reduces reflections and glare, ensuring you see every detail. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC boasts a bright super LCD 4" screen with Gorilla(R) Glass, allowing users to see the Windows Phone Live Tiles, and every message and photo, with crystal clarity and sparkling color.

Entertainment
With the Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC people can carry their favorite music, movies and photos with them wherever they go. With the Windows Phone Store and Xbox Live, it is easier than ever to enjoy the latest video, music and games on the move.

Availability
The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC will be available beginning in November. Available through more than 150 carriers in 50+ countries, the Windows Phone 8X or 8S by HTC will be available from the world's top carriers including: United States: AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Europe: Orange, O2 Telefonica, MTS, Three UK, T-Mobile, and Vodafone Asia-Pacific: Chunghwa Telecom, Optus, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel), Smartone, Telstra and Vodafone Australia.


HTC8 S Specs


Size: 120.5x63x10.28mm
Screen: 4inch super LCD with Gorilla glass.
CPU speed: Qualcomm S4 1GHz dual-core
SIM: Micro SIM
Total Storage: 4GB
RAM: 512MB
Battery Capacity: 1700mAh; embedded and rechargeable
Network: HSPA/WCDMA 900/2100 MHz
               GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

Connectivity:

  • 3.5mm stereo audio jack
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • WiFi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

HTC 8X Specs



Size: 132.35x66.2x10.12mm
screen: 4.3inch super LCD with Gorilla glass.
CPU speed: Qualcomm S4 1.5GHz dual-core
SIM: Micro SIM
Total Storage: 16GB
RAM: 1GB
Battery Capacity: 1800mAh; embedded and rechargeable
Network: HSPA/WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100 MHz
               GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Connectivity:

  • 3.5mm stereo audio jack
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Micro-USB
  • NFC capable  


HTC and Microsoft announces the HTC 8X and 8S.

HTC today unveiled their two Windows Phones, the 8X and 8S. Both phones are available in Red, blue, black and Yellow and will be available in November in 50 countries. Watch the two videos below to learn more about these exciting devices. Enjoy.





Monday, September 17, 2012

Weather Smiles is temporarily free (1 live tile 2 locations).

Weather Smiles is a nice little app for Windows Phone that is free for a limited time. If you cannot buy apps  yet on Windows Phone store, you may want to seize this opportunity to get your free copy of an app that is so unlike the other weather apps. 



Yes, Weather Smiles is different in that it shows you the weather for two locations on one tile. One tile is enough to hold the data for two cites on one side. If you're wondering what is the "Smile" in the app name, it refers to the smilie on the live tile that changes depending on the weather condition - big smile when it's sunny. The tile also displays the temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit and graphics to illustrate the current weather condition. The other side of the tile displays the 5-days weather forecast for the home town.

Weather Smiles is a great app that I heartily recommend. 

Get it free on Windows Phone Store

Friday, September 07, 2012

Submit your switch and win 5 Nokia Lumia 920.

The Lumia is not commercially available yet that Nokia wants you to consider switching. And what better incentive than giving away 5 Lumia 920 for the best reason you can provide to make the switch. All you have to do is to publish your switch to Nokia's page on Facebook for a chance to win.  Take your time, the competition is open until September 21, 2012. Good luck.

Submit your switch on Nokia's competition page.

Thursday, September 06, 2012

PayPal for Windows Phone released.

PayPal was Windows Phone is now available free in Marketplace. The app will let you manage your account on your phone. However, some features may not be available in your country.

Check out the features below:

SEND & REQUEST MONEY

Whether you want to send a money gift or pay off a loan from a friend—sending money is easy and FREE (when using Bank or Balance as a funding source)

MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT

Check your balance, withdraw funds or view past transactions—anytime, anywhere

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• New "Local" feature where you can find local merchants who are using our Paypal Here™ service and pay them with PayPal.

• Online or on-the-go, your financial information is always safe and secure with PayPal

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/75738196-1db2-49d9-afb1-d66a34d19fb6

Nokia and Microsoft introduces WP8 powered Lumia 920 and 820.

I am very busy these days so I won't be able to write extensively about these devices and the live webcast of yesterday when Nokia and Microsoft introduced the new Lumia 920 and 820 with Windows Phone 8. In place, I recommend you watch these two official videos from Nokia. Like me, you will most likely get sold. I want one.

Enjoy