PC Remote updated; Copy files from PC to Windows Phones and vice-versa.

If you are looking for a simple free app to remote control your PC, then check out PC Remote for Windows phone. They published an update to Windows Phone Store yesterday with the following changes:

• Browse PC files on phone and open on PC with one click
• Ability to open phone’s pictures on PC
• Copy files from PC to phone and vice versa. 

Check out the list of existing features:

Features:
• Mouse: move cursor, left/center/right click from phone
• Keyboard: type from phone - full keyboard support including control, shift, alt, tab, function and other special keys
• Remote Desktop without locking PC: view PC screen at phone, use keyboard to type and tap to move mouse cursor
• Volume: control PC volume from phone
• YouTube: search YouTube in the app and use "Play on PC" feature to view YouTube videos on PC
• PowerPoint: control PowerPoint presentation - change slides, start/stop slideshows, change mouse cursor to a pen
• Windows Media Center: fully control Windows Media Center from phone
• Zune: view and play playlist and song
• Wake up PC using “Wake on LAN” feature
• Power controls: shutdown, logoff, sleep, hibernate 
• Turn on/off monitor
• Password protection
• Encrypted data transmission
• Drag and drop file/folder
• Zoom in/out on browser
• Vertical scroll
• Domain network support
• iTunes
• Spotify
• Media Player Classic
• XMBC
• VLC
• Netflix
• Hulu


PC Remote can be downloaded free here.

Microsoft shares apps design inspiration with Developers with new website.

The Windows Phone 7.5/8 Start screen is undoubtedly beautiful and in line of this, Microsoft has put up a website to share their inspiration with developers. The site offers "the basic principles and concepts you need to design great Windows Phone apps".

Head over to the "How we design" site and learn what inspired the Windows Phone design team, their design principles and process. 

Issue #1 of Windows Phone Developer Magazine available..

WindowsPhone Geek, a vibrant developer community, has released the first issue of Windows Phone developer magazine yesterday. The issue naturally covers the release of Windows Phone 8 SDK and goes quite deep into different topics about the SDK that developers should find helpful.

• What’s new in Windows Phone 8 SDK for developers 
• Tiles and Lock Screen Notifications in Windows Phone 8
• Implementing Coupons and Memberships using the Windows Phone 8 Wallet
• Implementing in-app purchasing in Windows Phone 8
• File and URI associations in Windows Phone 8
• New Launchersin Windows Phone 8 
• New LongListSelector control in Windows Phone 8 SDK
• New Location APIs and Background Location Tracking
• Spotlight: Interview with Matt Lacey – Founder of WPUG London
• Business: How to start a successful mobile app business 
• WPGeek Component Marketplace – A Great Opportunity for Developers

Get your free copy here.

Meet Joe belfiore's Windows Phone 8.

Here's a video I recommend if you do not want to watch the hour long webcast of Microsoft unveiling Windows Phone 8. It's a less than 20 minutes video of Joe Belfiore showing the new features of Windows Phone 8. Enjoy!

Microsoft unveils new Windows Phone 8.

Yesterday Microsoft announced Windows Phone 8, its new mobile OS with a slew of features. I'm posting a link to the webcast below for those who could not watch it last night. Joe Belfiore was of course on stage to demo the various features of the OS along with actress Jessica Alba. She has been using a Lumia 920 and she loves the Kids Corner and her music. I will not elaborate too much about those features in this article as I don't have a Windows Phone 8 yet. However, you'll get a glimpse of some of the exciting features announced yesterday and that make Windows Phone 8 a more people-centric OS. More article will follow as soon as I receive and play with a Windows Phone and test these features in real life.

The first feature I want to highlight is the Kid's Corner. As a father of two daughters, this feature is more than welcome. I don't use a lot of storage on my phone but my daughters do by taking a ton of pictures. The Kid's Corner will help me control whether they can access the camera or not. Parents have control over what the children have access to.

Internet Explorer in Windows Phone 8 reaches version 10. Most of the changes are under the hood though. So user experience will be the same as in Windows Phone 7 except that IE10 has increased support for HTML5 and CSS3. Smartscreen filter and Do Not Track options have also been added.

With Windows Phone 8 you can now customize the notification areas of the lock screen. Third party apps can now display notifications icons and counters on the lock screen. Previously, only the calendar could do that.

Rooms is another new feature that gives the user the ability to communicate within a private space. The room comes with a shared calendar that will sync with every member's phone. Things like pictures, videos and to do lists can also be published and shared in the room. Better yet, access to the room can also be granted to iOS and Android devices.

Windows Phone 8 has a lot more features. Unfortunately, as an amateur blogger, I do not have the time to cover them all for now. But again, I will come back with how-to's once I get to play with Windows Phone 8. Until then, enjoy the webcast.

http://www.studiosevent.com/newscenter/?id=WindowsPho0ec59#

Microsoft releases Windows Phone app for Windows 8.

Microsoft has published a companion app in Windows 8 Store for  Windows phone 8 devices that will allow users to sync their devices to their PCs, tablets running Windows 8 Pro or RT. The app is simply called Windows Phone and will not work with any phones besides Windows Phone 8 which is to be announced later today. The Windows Phone app replaces Zune desktop software. 

The app will let you move/share your photos, videos, music to and from the phone and computer.
Here's the list of features:

Features

• Get your music, photos, and videos from your computer to your phone (and vice versa).
• Quickly share things from your phone with Windows 8 apps (like Photos, or Search). You don’t even have to open the Windows Phone app to move things around.
• Automatically save photos and videos you take with your phone to your PC.
• See at a glance how much space you’re using for each type of content, so it’s easy to make sure you never run out of room on your phone.

Windows Phone app can be downloaded in Windows Store.

• 
  

Google Search and Chrome already available free in Windows 8 Store.

It did not take long for Google to publish a Search and Chrome app to the Windows 8 store. Both apps are available for you to download free. 



To get both apps, go to Google site to download.

Press Release: HTC's best deals in Europe.

UK, 26^th October  — HTC, a global leader in mobile design and innovation, today announced Best Deals, a new service that delivers personalised money-saving deals direct to your HTC smartphone.

Categorized by your preferences and interests, this service uses your location to bring you all of the best discounts in your area. Preferred deals can be reviewed, bookmarked or shared with a single click; they can also be sorted by popularity, discount, price and expiration date.

“HTC strives to deliver the best web content and services to its customers,” says Cédric Mangaud, Vice President of Value-Added Services for HTC. “We’re excited to be launching a service that gives you the very best deals, in line with your own personal interests, wherever you are.”

Partners

HTC has built partnerships with 12 leading deal providers across the five launch markets, UK, Italy, Germany, France and Spain, including LivingSocial, that will provide four of the five markets with deals, Trip Advisor, Qype Deals and Offerum.* Best Deals customers will have access to thousands of local offers and will also benefit from exclusive deals for a range of HTC products and accessories.

“HTC’s dedication to providing personalised experiences fits perfectly with the diversity of our handpicked deals service,” says Peter Briffett, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at LivingSocial. “Our wide range of location-based offers will allow HTC smartphone owners to take advantage of hundreds of deals in their local area, from Michelin-starred dining and luxury spas to supercar racing days and hot air balloon rides.”

HTC will continue to secure a range of additional deal categories after launch by establishing new partnerships with a number of providers and mobile operators.

Availability

The Best Deals application and widget will be available on the new HTC One X+, and the Windows Phone 8X and 8S which launch in November. It will also be included in the upcoming software update for the acclaimed One series devices, the HTC One X and HTC One S.

A total of 1,700 deals and offers will be available at launch.

About HTC

Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense^™, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visitwww.htc.com.

###

* Deals will be provided from 12 providers that include: LivingSocial, Trip Advisor, Qype Deals, iVoucher, Offerum, Lookingo, Lets Bonus, Elgrupazo, Daily Deal, Deal Ticket, Getbazza and Prezzo Felicea.

The names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

All Liquid Daffodil apps free until their Surface arrives.

The folks over at Liquid Daffodil are really cool as the apps they make. They just announced that their library of Windows Phone apps have all gone free. This is just awesome. So hurry up and download these cool apps. You have until the official launch of Windows 8 and Surface RT tablet on Friday 26 to do so.

Here's a download link to all of Liquid Daffodil apps in Windows Phone Store:

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/store/publishers?publisherId=Liquid+Daffodil&appId=deaebfcd-5d45-4460-b8e0-b067ec3cba06

Enjoy.

Nokia announces low specs Lumia 510 at $199 only.

Today Nokia announced a new cheap device, the Lumia 510, to be available in November 2012. The device  has low specs and the price should appeal to those who haven't made the jump to smartphones yet. The Lumia 510 will run Windows Phone 7.5 and has a Snapdragon SI processor, 1300 mAh battery, 256MB of  RAM, 4GB of mass storage and a 5MP camera. No memory card storage is included. 

The Lumia 510 will be available in 5 colors: red, yellow, cyan, white and black. The phone will be initially launched in India and China followed by other Asia-Pacific countries and South America.


Check out the full press release:

Nokia Lumia 510 brings Windows Phone to lower price points

Bright 4-inch display and signature Lumia experiences in Nokia's new entry-level Windows Phone
Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced the Nokia Lumia 510, a smart and modern entry-level smartphone. Featuring a bright, 4-inch display, the Nokia Lumia 510 makes the unique benefits of Lumia and Windows Phone even more affordable.
"With the Nokia Lumia 510 we continue to meet our commitment to bring Windows Phone to new, lower price points," said Jo Harlow, executive vice president of Nokia Smart Devices. "People who use Windows Phone quickly realize how much more intuitive it is than other smartphone platforms, and Nokia Lumia is the best embodiment of the Windows Phone experience. With the Nokia Lumia 510 we're looking forward to welcoming more people into the Windows Phone experience."
Following on from the success of the Nokia Lumia 610, this latest addition to the Nokia Lumia range comes in five vivid colors for a fun and personal way to enjoy Windows Phone.
Windows Phone is different to other smartphone platforms thanks to Live Tiles, making it easy to see incoming messages and updates; People Hub, which brings together contacts and updates from across social networks into one location, and access to Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer 9 on the mobile.
Unique Lumia experiences also make the Nokia Lumia 510 unlike any other entry-level Windows Phone. Downloading the Camera Extras app provides exclusive digital lens functionality to go with the five megapixel camera and built-in autofocus. Nokia Maps, Nokia Drive and Nokia Transport also offer the most comprehensive smartphone location and navigation experience available.
The Nokia Lumia 510 will be available in red, yellow, cyan, white and black. Nokia estimates the retail price for the Nokia Lumia 510 to be around USD 199, excluding taxes and subsidies. Sales are planned to begin in November 2012, starting with India and China, and followed closely by other Asia-Pacific countries and South America.
Product specifications:

	Nokia Lumia 510
Operating System	Windows Phone 7.5
Display	4-inch WVGA 800x480 TFT Capacitive Touch Screen
Battery	1300 mAh
Processor	Snapdragon(TM) S1
Main camera	5MP Autofocus
Memory	256MB RAM 4GB mass memory (no memory card slot) 7GB free SkyDrive storage

Cowlick! and glƏƏk! now support TwitLonger. Weather Smiles gets Moon icons.

Weather Smiles.

Weather Smiles is one of my favorite weather apps. It was designed to optimize the use of the live tiles to display the weather for to locations on one side of the tiles and 5-days forecast on the other. Weather has received an update and here's the change log:

- Added light theme, app will now work correctly with light theme.
- Added Remove option for hometown city.
- Updated live tile to show only one city if you only use one city.
- Added Moon icons when night time for partly cloudy and clear conditions.
- Fixed bug for "Error updating tile.".

Cowlick!

Described by its publisher, Liquid Daffodil, as the second best Twitter client, Cowlick! is a fun and simple to use app. In fact the first best Twitter client according to Liquid Daffodil is another app of their own called glƏƏk!. Cowlick! is just a "toned down" version of glƏƏk! Cowlick has been updated with the following features:

Added more coolness, like "Reverse Cowlick!" (Dark) Themes and TwitLonger!

glƏƏk!

Liquid Daffodil also posted an update for glƏƏk!. The best Twitter client I've used on Windows Phone. The update adds support for TwitLonger therefore bringing the ability to post longer messages to Twitter.

Sneak peek of Skype for Windows 8 to be released this Friday.

Microsoft is holding a major event this Friday with the release of Windows 8 operating System for PCs and tablets. Along with the launch, Skype is also working on getting Skype for Windows 8 ready. The new version will be released on Friday and has been redesigned to fit with Windows 8 new modern UI. Skype for Windows 8 will therefore integrate with the people hub and will therefore let you login with a Microsoft account. While the video below does show that Skype for Windows 8 is indeed fast and beautiful, it is still not built into the OS as I have thought it would be after the acquisition of the company by Microsoft a couple of months ago. 

Check out the video of the sneak peek of Skype for Windows 8:



Source: Skype blog

Bill Gates talks about Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and his Surface RT.

I think this is the first time we hear and see Bill Gates talk about Microsoft's new Operating System which is to be launched this Friday.  Of course he's excited about Windows 8 and we learn in the video that he is using...Surface RT. Now that is a surprise for me. I would expect the iconic chairman of Microsoft to use the full version of Windows 8, don't you? A marketing manoeuvre to give RT a boost? 

Check out the short 5 minutes video of the Q&A with Steve Clayton, a Microsoft Employee.

Reinstaller for Windows Phone updated.

Reinstaller is the first app you will install on your Windows phone after a hard reset. This app lets you reinstall all or some of your apps from one screen on the phone and avoid having to go back and forth to do so. Very useful, Reinstaller is an app that you will need after to acquire a new phone as well.

Reinstaller received a minor update that brings it more in line with the new windowsphone.com design and doesn't show categories anymore.

Download link: http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=b9d1115b-2c0d-4e5d-afc6-fa6dcd84dda4

Posted on the go.

Microsoft releases Windows 8 ads as countdown to launch begins.

11 days before the launch of Microsoft new operating system during a launch event in New York. Windows 8 will feature on a slew of tablets and PCs and will compete with Apple's iPad, the undisputed leader in the tablet market. Microsoft has started showing ads to generate the buzz around its new colorful OS. Most of the software giant partners are hoping to make a dent into Apple's leadership as attempts with Google's Android has failed. 

Check out the ad:

Nokia Lumia 920 black - Phone House Mobile

The Nokia Lumia 920 in black will be available at €649,90 on PhoneHouse.fr in France. It is seemingly available on pre-order in the link: http://m.phonehouse.fr/telephones/nokia/lumia-920-noir/42-NOLUMIA920BLACK

Weather Smiles for Windows Phone updated.

Weather Smiles, the weather app that lets you display 2 locations in one tile on your home screen has been updated with some nice features as listed below:

• Updated app interface with framed border with accent color on locations
• Can now tap location name to rename it.
• App can now run with location disabled, including background task.
• When location is disabled, an option in search is enabled to set to current location.
• Updated smilie system to consider very hot and cold temperatures.
• added contact button.
• Minor High/Low temperature tweek.

 Download in Windows Phone Store.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

WP team announces monthly Windows Phone contest.

In a post on the Windows Phone blog, David Chen announced the launch of a monthly photo contest for Windows Phone devices. Each month, a picture will be selected and featured on the blog and related Facebook page, twitter and Pinterest with credit to the photographer. 

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.

I expect to see a lot of 16MP HTC Titan II getting featured with this contest.

Learn more @ Windows phone blog. 

Check out the full rules.

Check out Nasa - Be a Martian app

Want to help the science community analyze Martian data? Then this app is for you especially now that Curiosity is roving the red planet. Get the latest data from the rover with this beautifully designed app for Windows Phone.

http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=00eb41c4-97e3-df11-a844-00237de2db9e

"NASA Be A Martian" is one of thousands of great apps for Windows Phone.  See more at WindowsPhone.com!

Sent from my Quietly Brilliant Windows Phone.

Check out Mp3Tube

Thus is a cool app that lets you easily convert YouTube videos into mp3 and also set them as ringtones. There's a free version and the paid one is just $0.99.

Mp3Tube is one of the many apps for Windows Phone that really works.

http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=d9a659b5-56d9-49a8-bd65-11fb59f22a20

"Mp3Tube" is one of thousands of great apps for Windows Phone.  See more at WindowsPhone.com!

Sent from my Quietly Brilliant Windows Phone.

Gameloft brings your dream cars to Windows Phone.

The popular developer Gameloft yesterday published the even more popular Asphalt 5 racing game to Marketplace. For $2.99, Windows Phone users will finally be able to virtually drive the amazing cars listed below:

Audi R8, Audi TT-RS, Audi Q7, Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV, Lamborghini Reventón, Ferrari 599 XX, Ferrari California, Ferrari F430 16M, Ferrari FXX Evolution, Nissan 370Z, Nissan GT-R R35, Bugatti Veyron 16.4, BMW X6M, Caterham CSR Superlight, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, Ducati 1198, Ducati Monster 1100s, Ford GT, Ford Shelby GT500, Gumpert Apollo, Kawasaki Z750, Kawasaki ZX6-R, Lotus 2-Eleven, Lotus Evora, Mercedes E Class, Mercedes ML 63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz S65 Black Series, MINI Cooper S, RUF 3400 K, RUF Dakara, RUF Rt 12


A free trial is also available for download.


The game also features 12 beautiful locations around the world to make the tires of these dream cars screech at your leisure and without risk of injuries or losing your driving license.


Download link: Asphalt 5

Box for Windows Phone released.

Box has just released a version of it's online storage app for Windows Phone. Already available on other mobile platforms, Box lets you save your files in the cloud and share them through several devices to your friends, colleagues and partners. They will then be able to comment these docs and you track the updates. Obviously, all this can be done on the go, provided you have a data connection on your device.


Now with Box for Windows Phone, you can:

• Send an important file from an elevator

• Perfect that preso on the plane

• Comment on a coworker’s document from a taxi

• View updates to your files instantly

• Proof a PowerPoint right before the big meeting

Download your free copy of Box for Windows Phone on Marketplace.

Showoff Windows Phone 8 Start screen on your WP7.5 phone.

While current Windows Phones won't get the full upgrade to Windows Phone 8, Microsoft will instead offer a minor upgrade to Windows Phone 7.8 This upgrade will bring the new Start screen to current devices and is being sold by Microsoft as one of the main features of Windows Phone 8. Until the release of the new OS, you can experience with the new Start screen on your Windows Phone. Yes there is a free app for that called W Phone 8.


Basically, it provides a good simulation of the new Start screen with some working functions. So you'll be to re-size the tiles, search for install apps from Marketplace, post a message to Facebook, make phone calls and change the theme colors. Overall it's quite a nice app to just showoff.


Download link: W Phone 8 

Windows 8 is coming on October 26.

Just in case your're wondering, that's October 26 2012. So mark your calendar. Steven Sinofsky announced during Microsoft annual sales meeting that Windows 8 will be released on that date in the form of upgrade and full version on a new PC starting October 26.


If you've been living on Mars or deep into the Amazonian virgin forest and been out of touch with what's going on, Windows 8 is Microsoft new flagship OS being released 3 years after Windows 7. The new OS will run on PCs, tablets and, kind of, on Windows Phones.


Source: Windows blog

Microsoft unveils Office 2013.

The new Office 2013 includes numerous improvements that will positively impact your productivity. But if I were to resume that extensive list, I'd say that Office 2013 is about touch and sharing. Barely a month ago, Microsoft announced Windows 8, its Surface tablets and Windows Phone 8. All of them powered by the new Windows 8 Metro interface. It's only natural that the Office suite of applications follows the metro trend and that is exactly what Microsoft did with Office 2013. A touch friendly interface for Word, Outlook, Excel, Onenote and Powerpoint. The new interface will also work perfectly with the good old mouse and keyboard.

There will be two versions of the software available. There's the Office 2013 for desktop as we know it and Office 365. The latter lets you use Office 2013 on any machine and access your files anywhere provided you have an internet connection. By default your files will be saved to the cloud and Microsoft will be selling Skydrive storage along with it.


Three editions of Office 365 will be available:



Office 365 Home Premium — designed for families and consumers. This service also includes an additional 20 GB of SkyDrive storage and 60 minutes of Skype world minutes per month.


Office 365 Small Business Premium — designed for small businesses. This service also includes business-grade email, shared calendars, website tools and HD webconferencing.


Office 365 ProPlus — designed for enterprise customers who want advanced business capabilities and the flexibility to deploy and manage in the cloud.



Skype integration will also be included in the final release of the product sometime next year. No definite date was announced during yesterday's webcast.


Office Home and Student 2013 RT will be included in Windows RT. Therefore, ARM based devices will have Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. A strong selling point for Windows RT.


For more info about Office 2013, check out Microsoft Press release.


Customer preview available here.

Official Olympics Games app for Windows phone released.

The Olympics Organization committee has posted the official app for the games to Marketplace. The app will let you follow the games wherever you are with its schedule and news live. You can even set your country or any other country you like as your favorite to receive fresh news about your countrymen performances. Of course there are more features to it and the app is beautiful with its metro interface. 

Check it out on Marketplace:

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/4824a32b-1702-4880-8f8a-45db3c3bf1e7

"London 2012" is one of thousands of great apps for Windows Phone.  See more at WindowsPhone.com!

Sent from my Windows Phone

Press release: SPB TV 3.0 comes to Windows Phone.

June 28th, 2012 – MobiWorld Media (SPB TV trademark), the leading provider of technology solutions for mobile and OTT TV, announces the release of SPB TV 3.0, the latest version of the popular mobile TV application for Windows Phone platform. The updated version provides social accounts integration, enriched VoD player functionality and convenient Channel Store; the app is redesigned in the laconic and fine Metro style for the most comfortable and enjoyable user experience.

According to the SPB TV Survey that the company held earlier, more and more people highly value social features of the mobile applications. With SPB TV 3.0 Windows Phone users can stay connected with their friends in Facebook, Twitter, Windows Live and LinkedIn informing them about amusing shows and sharing comments upon the TV content quickly and easily.  

The Channel Store, convenient and well-organized way of content
representation, is now available to WP users. Here one can easily find the desired channel or just browse for interesting content. SPB TV 3.0 also provides advanced video on demand playing options: now the user can rewind, forward, pause and play the clip using handy on-screen buttons.

SPB TV 3.0 for WP has a new original design following all main principles of Windows Phone interface style called Metro. The Metro style highlights simplicity, content and typography emphasis, and purity.

“New SPB TV application fully uses Metro style design principles and very naturally fits the Windows Phone environment. The app provides great usability and comfort to Windows Phone users, who now can enjoy over 150
channels in multiple languages through the accustomed Windows Phone interface,” said Mik Chernomordikov, Evangelism Unit Lead, Microsoft Russia.  

SPB TV 3.0 inherits all the best features of the previous versions: picture-in-picture mode, quick channel previews and easily accessible TV guide. The amount of channels available in SPB TV is constantly growing and has already reached 150 items. All the channels are subscription free. Just like other SPB TV mobile solutions, SPB TV 3.0 ensures smooth and uninterrupted video playback in any network, including Wi-Fi, 3G and Edge, due to adaptive streaming technologies support.  

SPB TV 3.0 is available for all smartphones running Windows Phone 7.5. It can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Marketplace.
http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=83e3b3ed-d9b0-45d1-9f27-c9bc0df24dd1

Mauritius makes it to the list of Windows Phone 8 release countries.

With the upcoming release of Windows Phone 8, Microsoft is opening up marketplace to 180 countries, including Mauritius. What that means, is Mauritians will simply be able to buy apps and games from Marketplace for their brand new Windows Phone 8. Local developers will also be able to signup to App Hub and start publish their apps right now. So no need to wait for the Windows Phone 8 release to start coding. Besides Mauritius, the other Indian Ocean countries to appear on the release list are Madagascar, Seychelles and Maldives.

While this is great news, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft will get developers, resellers and, most importantly, customers excited about Windows Phone 8. Windows Phone is relatively unknown in Mauritius where the smartphone market is dominated by Android made by Samsung. The island has seen the release of first generation of Windows Phone (HTC Mozart and Samsung Omnia 7) two years ago. These two devices are still available at an exorbitant price and have gathered much dust on the shelves ever since. No second generation Windows Phone managed to reach our shores. On the other hand , Android has been living happily here, basking under the sun and selling like hot cakes. Will the release of Windows Phone 8 reverse the trend? Let's wait and see. For that to happen resellers and Microsoft will have to get their act together.

Check out the list after the break

Ben Rudolph shows off new Windows Phone 7.8 Start screen.

Remember Ben? He's the guy who gives away Windows Phones or vouchers if you manage to beat a Windows Phone with your Android or iPhone. He's been doing that a lot recently and that contributed to making Windows Phone a little bit more popular. With last week announcements of Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7.8, Ben, aka Ben the PC Guy, has posted a short video showing the new Start screen that Microsoft will push out to the most current Windows Phone 7.5 devices soon.

For this video, Ben Rudolph uses a Nokia Lumia 900 - what else?. The new Start screen will let users have more control on home screen customization with the ability to re-size the tiles to small, medium and large. The thing that bothers me with Ben Rudolph's post is the constant reference to Nokia Lumia as if that's the only recent Windows Phone 7.5 released.



Source: Windows Phone blog

Facebook app updated.

Version 2.5 of the Facebook app for Windows Phone is now available in Marketplace. The free update include such features like threaded messaging, better tagging, wall cleanup, hot links and the ability to "Like" comments. The Wall cleanup is quite interesting as it lets you delete posts and comments from your hold. A tap and hold will do that.







Download Facebook 2.5


Source: Windows Phone Blog

Whatsapp 2.0 lets you set profile picture within the app.

There's a minor update for Whatsapp on Marketplace. Version 2.0 lets you set your profile picture from within the app itself. This feature can be considered as the main new functionality in this new release. Otherwise it's the usual mysterious bug fixes.
As a FYI, Whatsapp is a messaging app that lets you send text, picture and video messages. The app is free for the first year and costs $0.99 after that. I call it the app that wants to kill SMS. However, unlike SMS, Whatsapp requires a data connection. Whatsapp is also available for iOS, Android, and Blackberry.
Download Whatsapp on Marketplace if you do not have it already or check Marketplace notification on your Windows Phone to update.

Friend Tracker for Windows Phone

Friend Tracker is a simple app that let's you keep track of your friends no matter which social network you use. At least it works with Facebook and Windows Live. It may work with other services as well but I cannot confirm for now.

Friend Tracker is free to download on Marketplace.

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/1672c093-8e9f-4d13-980b-77a3ce2cffa5

Via: http://wmpoweruser.com

Viber beta for Windows Phone now available.

Viber is another app that lets you make phone calls, send/receive messages over the web free of charge. Of course, you have to incur data charges. Finally, Viber has released a beta version for the Windows Phone platform. However, it does not let you currently make phone calls, only messaging and photo messages are supported right now. Maybe the Viber team are trying to come around the Skype limitation whereby the latter cannot receive calls when running in the background. But this is more about how the Windows Phone OS works.


Viber is already available on iOS and Android. The Windows Phone version can be downloaded in MarketPlace.


Source: Viber