Poll: Would you buy a current Windows Phone knowing that your chances to get an upgrade to Windows Phone 8 are slim?

Answer the poll below by selecting an answer(s) and clicking the cast button. Or click here to vote online at Vizu: Would you buy a current Windows Phone knowing that your chances to get an upgrade to Windows Phone 8 are slim? Yes No Poll not working? Click here to vote online at Vizu.com. 1000's more polls are available at Vizu.com where you can see what the world thinks.

Bing Translator app updated.

Bing Translator app lets you use your Windows Phone camera to translate such things as road signs, menus, etc. Almost anything that has text that you cannot understand. Better yet, and very useful when travelling, Bing will let you interact with locals by translating whatever you say and render it into the local language or the language that you want.


This is the download link.


See it in action:

Announcing Windows 8 editions.

This is an interesting post over at the Windows Team blog about the different upcoming editions of Windows 8. Does that mean that Windows 8 is just around the corner? I don't know, but now I know the upgrade path to Windows 8 from Windows 7. As Brandon LeBlanc writes in his post, the official product name of for the x86/64 bits is - drum roll - Windows 8.


 Devices like PCs and Tablets powered by 32/64 bits processors will come in two flavors: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.


Windows 8 is probably the edition most of us will use. It will include features such as an updated version of Internet Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and, my preferred one, the ability to change language on the fly.


Windows 8 Pro, you must have guessed by now, is intended for tech enthusiasts and businesses. Windows 8 Pro is the equivalent of Windows 7 Ultimate and include all the features of Windows 8 plus encryption, virtualization, PC Management and Domain connectivity.


The other edition of Windows 8 is Windows RT. You probably heard about it as Windows on ARM or WOA. This edition will be installed on devices powered by ARM processors. Windows RT is the only edition of Windows that will natively include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.


Want to learn more? Read more on the Windows Team Blog.

Evernote update: Notebook Sharing, Improved Editing, Smarter Searching, and More

This updated version of Evernote - the best note app out there - lets you easily share your notes. Premium subscribers can allow recipients to add and edit content.  The People panel lets you share with individuals via email whereas the Public panel creates a URL which you can then attach to an email or share via social apps.
Another addition is the ability to perform contextual searches within a notebook. Searches will remain within that notebook and not bring up irrelevant results.


Read more...


Get Evernote from Marketplace.

Free: SafeWallet Free Viewer for Windows Phone.

SafeWallet Free Viewer is now available for free in Windows Phone Marketplace. The app is one of the best and most secure password manager out there to store your passwords, credit cards info, bank accounts details, account logins and more.



❖ The MOST secure solution for your important information! 256bit AES encryption, rainbow hash hacking attacks protection and more!
❖ PC SafeWallet collects and fills online logins automatically as-you-browser with SafeWallet add-ons, available for all major Windows browsers.
❖ Search for cards easily and efficiently.
❖ Designed for security - Automatic wallet lock for maximum safety.



√ Makes your life easier - never forget passwords again.
√ Online identities - desktop browser add-on automatically collects and fills online logins on desktop and makes them available on mobile too.
√ Always synced - keeps your passwords in sync between all your devices - securely!
√ Protects you – keeps your passwords secure, creates strong passwords for you and more.
√ Makes your password management a breeze.
√ Secure Dropbox cloud sync – access your passwords anywhere.
√ Multiplatform - available for desktop and mobiles.

Download your free copy here.

Nokia and China Telecom launch two CDMA Windows Phones in China.

With Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, currently visiting China for reasons that we can only guess - release of new iPad, Proview lawsuit over the iPad name - Stephen Elop on his side had joined Mr. Wang Xiaochu, the chairman of China Telecom, to launch two CDMA Windows Phone in China: The Nokia Lumia 800c and the Lumia 610c. The latter will be available in quarter 2.
"We're excited to introduce our first Lumia Smartphone, the Nokia 800c, to this important market with our exclusive launch partner, China Telecom. Working closely together, we've created a compelling, locally relevant experience on the Nokia 800c especially tailored for people in China," said Stephen Elop, CEO of Nokia.
For his part, Wang Xiaochu said: "This grand launch for China's first CDMA Windows Phone represents our optimism and excitement for the future of Windows Phone and Nokia Lumia in China."
Will Windows Phone succeed in China and get a grip on the world biggest smartphone market? Only time will tell. Tim Cook's visit to China is still a secret, but it's certainly not to drink tea with China's officials.
Read the full press release after the break

Kindle preview for Windows 8 available.

Kindle for Windows 8

Just noticed that Amazon has published a metro-compatible version of the Kindle reader app for Windows. The app is available free on Windows Store.

After downloading and signing in, Kindle preview automatically listed my purchased books. So the books are stored in Amazon's cloud until I choose to download them to my PC's drive for reading. The download was flawless. I did get a connection error after I switched to another app during the download. My first thought was that the app was designed to not take advantage of Windows 8 multitasking. But I was wrong. It worked just fine for the second download. One feature I'd like to see is the ability to download multiple books at a time.

Once the book is downloaded, it opens up fast and navigation is easy. A right click reveals the top menu with options like Bookmark, Go to etc. The tools you're already familiar with in other versions of Kindle on other platforms. The right click also reveals the page slider at the bottom.

Google redesigns Google Search for Windows Phone.

Google has published a redesigned version of the search app to Marketplace for Windows Phone.
Check out the features:

• Google Autocomplete: As you type in your search, our autocomplete feature offers search predictions that often match your intended search term making search entry easier and faster.


• Voice Search: With our voice feature, you can avoid typing all together. Simply press the microphone and begin speaking your query.


• My Location: With your permission, Google can use your device location to provide nearby results easily and accurately. For instance, a search for “coffee shops” quickly displays the nearest places you can go to for a cup of coffee.

Download Google Search here.

Microsoft discontinues Marketplace for WM6.x. HTC Advantage kills self.

This is bad news if you happen to own a Windows Mobile device. Microsoft is definitely killing Marketplace for devices running it's very old operating system. Owners of Windows Mobile 6.x have to consider an upgrade to the newest and more modern Windows Phone platform. After May 9, Marketplace will just cease to exist. Therefore a hard reset of a WM6.x device now means no ability to re-download your apps and games.


Shortly after reading the notification email from Microsoft, my good old HTC Advantage reached the edge of my desk and dramatically threw itself into the void. I picked it up physically unscathed, but definitely brain dead. No more response, no power, the end of an era.


Read the full discontinuation notice after the break.

Facebook Messenger finally lands in Windows world.

Finally the Facebook Messenger app for Windows [Desktop] is here. From now on you'll be able to chat, keep up with comments, photo tags as they happen on your desktop. The app will happily retrieve all these stuffs for you in the background while you're busy browsing or editing a Word document.


The app is Windows 7 friendly. Understand that it will not work with previous versions of Windows including Windows XP and Windows Vista. 

Click here to install.

Nokia to giveaway 5 white Lumia 800 to users worldwide.

Nokia is giving away 5 white Lumia 800 through their Facebook page. To get a chance to win you have to Like the page and pass a simple test which consists of tapping a white tile within 60 seconds. When you succeed, enter your personal info. That's it. 

The contest closes on March 1 of the current year.

Enter the contest on Facebook here.

Facebook for Windows Phone updated. Is it really necessary?

While I have the app installed on my Mozart, I hardly ever use it. The reason for that is very simple and obvious. Facebook - just like Twitter, LinkedIn, Messenger - is already integrated into Windows Phone 7.5. That's what makes the beauty of Windows Phone. Don't believe me? Then check the Windows Phone simulator through your browser on your Android and iPhone. Go into the People hubs and you'll be able to check your friends' Wall, comment on their post, chat with them, all in one place. No need to have a dedicated app. 


The updated Facebook app brings a new feature called Groups. A feature that is also present in the people hub. You create groups of friends, co-workers and and view their status and communicate with them all in one place. One thing that Windows Phone does and that the app doesn't is that you can pin the groups to your home screen for fast and easier access and better yet, see your groups' update right from the home screen thanks to the live tiles.
Is the Facebook app really necessary on Windows Phone? 


Focus areas for the v2.3 release:

• News feed performance improvements

• New panorama design.

• New profile design.

• Banner Images.

• Improved navigation.

• Pages

• Groups

• View “likes”.

• Feed filters.

• Posting privacy.

• Bug fixing




If you do not have the app already installed on your Windows Phone, you can get it here. 


Otherwise, check the MarketPlace live tile on your phone to see if you received the update.

TextMe offers unlimited free texting to any phone.

Yesterday I added a new messaging app on my HTC Mozart following an email I received from the developper to give it a try. The app is called TextMe and is a free messaging app for Windows Phone that is trying to kill Whatsapp and traditional SMS and it may well succeed.


TextMe is a multi-platform app that lets you send and receive picture messages without size limitation. The app takes good advantage of Windows Phone features with a live tile and push notifications that really works. I would have liked a lock screen notification as well. Of course, TextMe lets you do group discussions and it even has a web client for your friends without a smartphone. But there's more.


This is, I think, a feature that is unique to TextMe; the ability to get an American phone number to send and receive messages to simple mobile phones in 40 countries for free. Unfortunately Mauritius is not on the list of supported countries. But Mauritian users will get an U.S phone number upon registration. This feature by itself makes TextMe a must have. Hopefully the developer will add Mauritius to the list soon. I'll make sure he does.


TextMe is definitely an app you want to try. It's free, has great features and it just works. get it on Marketplace.


More at http://go-text.me/

Update 8107 finally lands for Windows Phone Mango, fixes disappearing keyboard issue.

Sometime ago, Microsoft prompted an outrage when they announced that their latest update to Windows Phone Mango will be pushed to devices at the discretion of carriers. While I am not particularly affected by this this I still showed support for my many friends around the globe who relies on carriers to receive updates . Shortly after that announcement, Joe Belfiore himself, the Windows Phone boss, tweeted to tell his followers and the community at large not to overreact. 
That's the short story behind Microsoft latest update for it's mobile OS. This morning I finally receive the popup  on my phone showing that the update is now available in Mauritius and most likely in the region too. Connect your phone to your computer with Zune to download and install the update.


What's in the update:
Fixes an on-screen keyboard issue to prevent the keyboard from disappearing during typing.


Fixes a Gmail syncing issue.his fix, when you reply


Fixes a location access issue. With this fix, the Me feature in the People Hub sends anonymous information about nearby Wi-Fi access points and cell towers to Microsoft only if you agree to allow the Check In function to access and use location information.


Revokes digital certificates from Digicert Sdn Bhd to address an encryption issue.


Fixes an email issue related t Microsoft Exchange 2003. With this fix, when you reply to or forward a message, the original message is now included in your response.


Fixes a voicemail notification issue.

Nokia unveils the Lumia 900.

After months of rumors, The Lumia 900 finally made an appearance yesterday at CES in Las Vegas. The device, to be released in coming months in the United States, boasts a huge 4.3inch Amoled Clearback display, with a 800 x 400 pixels resolution. Inside the Lumia 900 has a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor; a 1840mAH battery which Nokia claims will last for 7 hours talk tome and 300 hours in standby mode.

The Lumia 900 sure looks great. Unfortunately, Nokia has not announced its availability to the rest of the world. In the mean time, have a look at the specs and a short video about the Lumia 900.

Source: Conversations by Nokia

Tech Specs

Networks: GSM/EGSM 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 850/1900/2100, LTE Band 4 (1700/2100) & 17 (700)

OS: Windows Phone Release 7.5 – Mango Commercial Release 2 (Mango + LTE)

Memory: 512MB RAM

Storage: 16 GB internal memory (14.5GB user memory) + SkyDrive cloud storage

Volume: 90cc

Weight: 160g (5.6 ounces)

Dimensions: (max): 127.8 x 68.5 x 11.5 mm (5 x 2.7 x .45 inches)

A-GPS

Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)

USB 2.0 high-speed

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

3mm headset connector

Get this nice Christmas wallpaper for your PC.

This post is about Windows 7; Windows Phone 7 big brother. With Christmas almost upon us, I am posting a link to a nice Christmas wallpaper for your PC from Microsoft. It takes some time to install. Enjoy.

Download the Christmas Ball wallpaper

Introducing SkyDrive for iPhone and Windows Phone

I thought I'd post about the release of Skydrive for Windows Phone and iOS before going to bed. Skydrive is Microsoft free 25gb online storage. While deeply integrated into Windows Phone 7, there was no one place to manage Skydrive. The app was designed to help you manage your files on the go.

Skydrive for iOS works on the iPhone and iPad but is not optimized for the latter.

More info and download links @ 

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_live/b/windowslive/archive/2011/12/13/introducing-skydrive-for-iphone-and-windows-phone.aspx

Whatsapp updated to version 1.4.

Whatsapp, the multi-platform messaging app that wants to kill SMS, has published an update to Marketplace today. Among the new features there is now the ability to record audio notes and video messages and a better handling of picture messages.

Whatsapp can be downloaded free at http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/218a0ebb-1585-4c7e-a9ec-054cf4569a79

Nokia contest gives you and 9 friends the chance to win the Nokia Lumia 800.

Nokia has launched a worldwide contest on its Facebook page that gives you the chance to win a Lumia 800. But Nokia is not stopping there. You also have the opportunity to invite 9 of your Facebook friends into the contest. So if you're the lucky winner, your nine friends also get a Lumia 800. Go to the contest page here and add 9 friends using the people hub. Then enter your name, email address, phone number and click Enter Now. The contest will close on December 20. So hurry, the clock is ticking.


Good Luck.

Microsoft fixes Exchange Server 2003 and Voicemail issues with new update.

This fix was already available in the U.S. for a while and it seems that Microsoft is now pushing it to Europe and Africa today as I just got the notification on my HTC Mozart.


Update 7.10.7740.16 fixes the following issues:

Email threads. Fixes an email issue related to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. With this fix, when you reply to or forward a message, the original message is now included in your response.

Voicemail. Fixes a voicemail notification display issue that occurs on some European and Asian networks under certain conditions.

This update is available only in certain markets.

To update your Windows Phone, connect to your PC/Laptop where you have Zune installed and follow instructions on the screen.

Microsoft creates Windows Phone simulator for Android and iOS.

No, this is not just a launcher. In fact, it's not a launcher at all but a real Windows Phone simulator that Microsoft created using HTML so iPhone and Android users can play with and get a taste of Windows Phone 7. They can do that by using a mobile browser and pointing to this address: aka.ms/wpdemo. I ran the simulator on my Nexus One and it runs smoothly. Even the simulator is fun to use. 

HTC updates bring Internet Sharing to HTC Mozart.

Aesthetically, Android pales in comparison to the Windows Phone interface. When you come to think about it, Windows Phone - besides its visual appeal - is a pleasure to use as it's interface is unique. However, there is this one feature that my Nexus One has that was missing on my Mozart, Internet Sharing. The Android side of me was teasing my Windows Phone side.

That has changed today thanks to an update from HTC. Apparently, there is a similar update for the HD7 as well. To get the update, plug your phone to Zune on your PC. 

Microsoft France lets you try a Nokia Lumia 800 and keep it.

Yes, you've read that title well. Microsoft France and Nokia have a truck going to 8 French cities (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes and Strasbourg) handing out Nokia Lumia 800. Those interested will get a phone to test and post their experience to get points. The more points you get and you keep the Lumia 800. Yes, you've read that one well too. So, if you happen to be French and reading this English blog, go to www.tryandlikeit.fr to register and receive your phone. Lucky Frenchies.

7 Videos about the Nokia Lumia you need to watch.

The lumia is not yet available in Mauritius but before it gets here and you make your mind to buy it, here are some videos that will help. Enjoy.

Nokia showcases Windows Phone-based Lumia 800 and 710.

Nokia is actually holding its annual event for customers, partners and developers in London and today unveiled a series of new phones including the much anticipated Windows Phones. Indeed Nokia showcased two new phones, the Lumio 800 and 710. Besides the Windows Phones, Nokia also unveiled four new stylish mobile phones: The Nokia Asha 300, Nokia Asha 303, Asha 200 and Nokia Asha 201. In his keynote address, Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO said, "Eight months ago, we shared our new strategy and today we are demonstrating clear progress of this strategy in action. We're driving innovation throughout our entire portfolio, from new smartphone experiences to ever smarter mobile phones,". Mr. Elop added, "From the Nokia Lumia 800 to the Nokia Asha 201, we are bringing compelling new products to the market faster than ever before. I'm incredibly proud of these new devices - and the people of Nokia who have made this happen."


Check out the new phones below:


Nokia Lumia 800 
The stunningly social Nokia Lumia 800 features head-turning design, vivid colors (cyan, magenta and black) and the best social and Internet performance, with one-touch social network access, easy grouping of contacts, integrated communication threads and Internet Explorer 9. It features a 3.7 inch AMOLED ClearBlack curved display blending seamlessly into the reduced body design, and a 1.4 GHz processor with hardware acceleration and a graphics processor. The Nokia Lumia 800 contains an instant-share camera experience based on leading Carl Zeiss optics, HD video playback, 16GB of internal user memory and25GB of free SkyDrive storage for storing images and music. The estimated retail price for the Nokia Lumia 800 will be approximately 420 EUR, excluding taxes and subsidies.

Nokia Lumia 710
The purposely built, no-nonsense Nokia Lumia 710 can be personalized with exchangeable back covers and thousands of apps to bring the Lumia experience to more people around the world. The Nokia Lumia 710 is designed for instant social & image sharing, and the best browsing experience with IE9. It is available in black and white with black, white, cyan, fuchsia and yellow back covers. With the same 1.4 GHz processor, hardware acceleration and graphics processor as the Nokia Lumia 800, the Nokia Lumia 710 delivers high performance at an affordable price. The estimated retail price for the Nokia Lumia 710 will be approximately 270 EUR, excluding taxes and subsidies.






Both smartphones include signature Nokia experiences optimized for Windows Phone, including Nokia Drive, which delivers a full-fledged personal navigation device (PND) with free, turn-by-turn navigation and dedicated in-car-user-interface; and Nokia Music introducing MixRadio, a free, global, mobile music-streaming application that delivers hundreds of channels of locally-relevant music. In an update delivered later this year, Nokia Lumia users will also gain the ability to create personalized channels from a global catalogue of millions of tracks. Also integrated in Nokia Music is Gigfinder, providing the ability to search for live local music for a complete end-to-end music experience, as well as the ability to share discoveries on social networks and buy concert tickets also coming in the Nokia Music software update delivered later this year.



The new Nokia Lumia 800 is now available in select countries for pre-order on www.nokia.com and is scheduled to roll-out across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK in November, with 31 leading operators and retailers providing unprecedented marketing support in those first six countries. It is scheduled to be available in Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan before the end of the year, and in further markets in early 2012.
The Nokia Lumia 710 is scheduled to be available first in Hong Kong, India, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan toward the end of the year alongside the Nokia Lumia 800, before becoming available in further markets in early 2012.
Nokia also announced its plans to introduce a portfolio of products into the US in early 2012 and into mainland China in the first half of 2012.  In addition to the existing products, which include coverage for WCDMA and HSPA, Nokia also plans LTE and CDMA products to address specific local market requirements.

RWC 2011: The free official Rugby World Cup app.

Unless you've been on vacation on a distant planet, you probably know that the Rugby World Cup kicks off today in New Zealand. While you may not be able to go there to attend all the games or watch them on TV, the free RWC 2011 app will prove very useful. 


With it you will be able to get the latest news, get live match coverage  including stats and video highlights wherever you are. For those who are lucky enough to be there, the app will provide you information about nearby events, stadium locations, seating plans and facilities.


Whether you're in New Zealand or elsewhere and you're a rugby fan, this app is definitely a must have.


Download link: http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=72f30269-c0ea-4dff-88fa-6faadc26746d

Microsoft/HTC unveils two new phones with Windows Phone 7.5.

Microsoft and HTC have officially unveiled two new phones powered by Mango, the latest major update of Microsoft's mobile operating system. Mango is not officially out yet as device manufacturers are busy customizing it for release in October. As of now, HTC is the second manufacturer to reveal their starting lineup. Fujitsu is the first manufacturer to have launched a Windows Phone Mango in Japan recently. With October only a month away, we should expect to see more and more devices. Now back to HTC and their starting lineup.
The first of the devices is the HTC Radar crafted from a single piece of polished metal. The radar sports a 3.8" WVGA capacitive touch screen, a 1 GHz Qualcomm processor, and a pitiful 5MP camera. Unfortunately, there is no release date. I almost forgot, the Radar is white.
The HTC Titan plays at another level with a huge 4.7" touch screen, a 1.5 ghz processor, an ultra-slim 9.9mm unibody contoured design. The Titan has a 8MP camera.

For me, the choice between these two devices is quite obvious. The white color of the Radar is already a repellent. But it's nice to see that both devices have front faced camera. So Skype should soon make its way to Windows Phone Mango.

Now, has anyone seen a Nokia out there?

Source: www.Microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/cmpn/HTC.aspx

A free version of IM+ now available for Windows Phone.

An ad-supported version of the multi-platform messaging app is now available for download on Marketplace. This is a great move from the IM+ developers. They had a similar strategy on Android.The paid version is now called IM+ Pro.

I started using IM+ today because I missed being able to chat via Skype on my Windows Phone. Since Microsoft acquired Skype recently, I expect to see the latter deeply integrated into Windows Phone sometime in the future. When that happens I'll use IM+ for Google Talk...until Google comes up with a GTalk client.

IM+ Messenger is free on Marketplace.

GroupMe comes to Windows Phone.

GroupMe is a nice groups messaging app that works with data or plain SMS. You basically setup a group on your phone and start group conversation with friends. GroupMe lets you create as many groups as you want and assign a unique phone number to them. Any member of the group can initiate a group call by just dialing the number.

This is the first instalment of GroupMe. Expect more features to be added in future updates.

GroupMe can be downloaded free on Marketplace.

Keep track of your borrowings and lendings with IOU.

How many times you borrowed/lent money or anything else and forgot about it? It happens often, way too often. Well, you can put an end to this and use your Windows Phone to keep track of your belongings and, equally important, what you've borrowed. Chances are that your friend is also is using the same app. IOU is just the app you need to keep track of those and it's free on Marketplace.


Download: http://social.zune.net/redirect?type=phoneApp&id=e35eb877-1ba4-e011-986b-78e7d1fa76f8

Source: http://wmpoweruser.com

IM+ upgrade adds Windows Live Messenger; $5 cheaper.

A few weeks ago, IM+ Messenger made its way to the Windows Phone Marketplace amid rumors that Microsoft has approved the multi-messenger but has blocked Windows Live Messenger. The good news is that version 1.1 includes Messenger and a $5 drop in the price.


IM+ was initially priced at $9.99 and while customers will appreciate the drop, it still remains an expensive application.


Download: http://social.zune.net/redirect?type=phoneApp&id=86a45097-5bdb-df11-a844-00237de2db9e