Stephen Elop: Nokia Is Planning A Lot Of Exciting Things With Verizon

Stephen Elop: Nokia Is Planning A Lot Of Exciting Things With Verizon

December 18, 2012 | By Pradeep

In an interview to CNET, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop discussed about various things from Nokia’s past and the future. He spoke about how the culture changed inside Nokia after he took over as its CEO and why he chose Windows Phone over other OS available out there, etc,. He also acknowledged the frustration among consumers due to limited supply of Lumia 920 and Nokia is already working on to increase the distribution of the device.

When asked about Lumia 920 exclusivity to AT&T in US, he told that the carriers promoting it as a hero product will yield better results and they are planning exciting things for Verizon as well.

Why is the Lumia 920 an exclusive on AT&T? Don’t you want to go after as many customers as possible?

Elop: One of the things we had learned with the first launch was being very narrow would yield better results for us. We take a product and go exclusive with a particular carrier. In a market where subsidy and marketing dollars are heavy, we encourage them to promote it as a hero product, and use the subsidy to drive down the pricing to a competitive point. It also gives you access to in-store resources.

If you get a concentrated effort, you get far more parallel investment and cooperation. As we did the assessment, we came to the conclusion that working with them from the start would yield the best results.

There might be another similar hero exercise with a different operator. In this particular moment, the opportunity with the Lumia 920 presented well with AT&T. And we’re pleased to have just restarted our relationship with Verizon. We are planning a lot of exciting things with Verizon as well.

So does that mean a flagship phone for Verizon is in the works?

Elop: We are planning a lot of exciting things with Verizon as well.

Read the full interview from the source link below.

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Nokia Cancels CES 2013 Plans, To Focus On MWC

Nokia Cancels CES 2013 Plans, To Focus On MWC

December 18, 2012 | By Pradeep

According to WPDang, Nokia has canceled its plans to exhibit at CES. Nokia earlier had plans to be part of the exhibitors scheduled for January 2013, but now have changed their minds.  Instead, Nokia will now focus entirely on the MWC (Mobile World Congress) in the end of February. CES, the largest electronics show in the world lost Microsoft as its prime exhibitor and now Nokia has also joined their partner.

MWC in February will be a perfect time for Nokia to announce new Windows Phone devices for various US and European carriers once their exclusive deals with current network partners comes to an end.

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Samsung ATIV Smart PC 500T – 35 Minute Detailed Video Review

The Samsung ATIV Smart PC 500T has an 11.6-inch display and a dual-core, 1.8GHz Clover Trail chip 

with a 4,080 mAh battery. Sascha takes this Windows 8 hybrid for a spin, the tablet as well as the dock haven’t changed much from the Series 5 Slate even though we’ve got a new operating system with Windows 8. We have a 35 minute video below which details the form factor, software and of course a verdict. The Smart PC is home to a full-sized USB 2.0 port which is a very nice add on for those looking to easily use it in a business scenario.

Here is the detailed video which goes over everything that you need to know if you’re thinking about picking one up. Incidentally, if you’re looking for a link, it is available on Amazon with the keyboard dock for $749.

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Apple Sells Two Million iPhones Over The Weekend In China!

When the iPhone went on sale in the worlds largest smartphone market late last week, everyone had reported about the overall lack of enthusiasm from consumers there. Unlike the iPhone 4S, which was greeted with serpentine queues in front of Apple Stores across China, the iPhone 5 witnessed a comparatively muted launch. In fact, there were reports claiming that there was just one Apple fan outside the Apple Store at Shanghai waiting for his treasured next generation iPhone.

Three days later, we’re hearing an entirely different story. The Wall Street Journal – with confirmationfrom Apple officials say that the iPhone 5 broke the “first weekend sales” record set by its predecessor – the iPhone 4S in China. The iPhone 5 in three days has managed to sell over 2 million units in the country - closely matching the 2.1 million sales that the iPhone 4S saw the last time.

Apple CEO Tim Cook in a statement confirmed the news and asserted that China is amongst Apple’s most important markets  and that “customers there cannot wait to get their hands on Apple products”.

(Yeah right. That explains the two month delay in bringing your products there!  )

All said, if the sales figures are true, this is indeed good news for Apple which according to many has been under pressure from its competitors. Samsung for example has time and again managed to flood the market with capable iPhone alternatives and have the sales numbers to back up their claim that the iPhone no longer occupies the coveted pedestal it once used to. Apple’s recent iOS 6 Maps fiasco didn’t help its cause any bit either.

Anyway, what has left us wondering is the fact that where did all these two million iPhone fly off the shelves from if there weren’t any people buying them off shelves? Pre-orders, maybe?

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LG, Not Google, Is To Blame For No New Nexus 4 Handsets

We have made a mistake, readers. All this time we have been shouting, ranting and railing against Google for no

t putting fresh devices up on the Play Store and not delivering the handsets we actually managed to order, but really, it’s all LG’s fault. That’s the story told by a Google exec, at least.

According to The Guardian, Google’s managing director of Ireland and UK has taken to Google+ to apologise to everyone for the lack of new Nexus 4 units. He wastes no time throwing LG at the mercy of the internet.

Here’s his apology (emphasis our own):

Dear all

I know that what you are going through is unacceptable and we are all working through the nights and weekends to resolve this issue. Supplies from the manufacturer are scarce and erratic, and our communication has been flawed. I can offer an unreserved apology for our service and communication failures in this process.

For those that originally received a 3-5 days shipping estimate, your orders are now in process for fulfillment. You can expect an email notification early this week which will include tracking information. Although you will be initially charged in full, you will receive a credit for the shipping charge soon after.

For others that received pre-Christmas shipping estimates, we anticipate processing your orders for fulfillment this week.

I realise that the people who ordered the Nexus 4 so early are among our most committed and loyal users and we are doing all we can to put things right.

Sorry again.

Dan

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Google Maps for iOS downloaded 10 million times in 48 hours

Rob Schorman 

45 minutes ago 5 Comments

• 

You've been living under a rock if you've missed all the media attention surrounding Apple Maps, the company's mobile answer to Google Maps. Plagued by missing places, wrong directions and more 'bugs', Apple's mapping service isn't that popular. It seems Google's app however has become quite popular in a very short amount of time: it's already the top free app in the App Store since it was launched about a week ago. 

Jeff Huber, senior vice president of Commerce & Local at Google, announced on Google+ that Google Maps for iOS has been downloaded 10 million times within the first two days of availability:

We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world. Congratulations to the Maps Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last 7+ years.

Google Maps has been the standard application on Apple's mobile devices since the launch of the first iPhone back in 2007, but Apple replaced the app to be less dependent on Google as it has become it's main rival in the mobile area. The new Google Maps brings back popular features as Street View and transit directions that Apple hasn't implemented in their Maps app yet.

In case you haven't downloaded Google Maps yet, which is also available for iOS 5.1, you can download it on the App Store.

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Doodle Run now on Marketplace!

Doodle Run now on Marketplace!

December 18, 2012 | By Flai

Doodle Run has now been released for Windows Phones and supports both Windows Phone 7 as well as Windows Phone 8.

Doodle Run is fun action packed game where you have to jump and roll through endless path of obstacles. Master your skills and battle your way to the top of the global leaderboards!

You can download Doodle Run for free via this link or via the QR Code.

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HTC 8S Now Available In India From Flipkart And Saholic

HTC 8S Now Available In India From Flipkart And Saholic

December 18, 2012 | By Pradeep

HTC’s mid-range Windows Phone 8 device HTC 8S is now available in India from online retailers such as Flipkart and Saholic. HTC 8S comes with the following specs,

• 4 inches screen with 480X800 resolution
• Qualcomm® S4 1 GHz, Dual-core Processor
• 512MB RAM, 4 GB storage with Expansion SD card slot support
• 5 megapixel camera with auto focus LED flash, F2.8 aperture, 35mm lens with 720p video recording
• Beats Audio™ built in

The device is available only in Atlantic Blue color for now and it is priced starting from Rs.19, 359 (approx. $360).

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DevTracker is now also available for Windows Phone

DevTracker is now also available for Windows Phone

December 18, 2012 | By valequenta

A while back we have announced DevTracker on Windows 8 for developers  to track their apps on Windows  and Windows Phone platforms.

DevTracker is now available for Windows Phone platform with similar functionality and feature set with it’s Windows 8 version:

•Search and follow apps in Windows Phone Store and Windows Store

•See when new reviews are available.

•See reviews and ratings from more than 60 countries in a single view.

•Translate review titles and comments.

•Trial version to follow 1 app for free.

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Microsoft suggests Gmail users switch to Outlook.com for their Exchange ActiveSync fix

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Microsoft suggests Gmail users switch to Outlook.com for their Exchange ActiveSync fix

December 17, 2012 | By Surur

In a blog post Microsoft professed surprise at Google’s move to drop Exchange ActiveSync support, but noted that this was an excellent opportunity to move to a better service, Outlook.com.

Calling POP and IMAP protocols so ancient it was invented before mobile phones, they noted that ActiveSync was only 10 years old and designed for Mobile from the start, meaning better battery life with Direct Push email and conservation of bandwidth.

Microsoft offered the following migration steps:

• Sign up for a new Outlook.com account. If you already have a Hotmail address or other Microsoft account, you can upgrade to Outlook.com without changing your email address. Just sign in to Hotmail, click Options, and then click Upgrade to Outlook.com.
• Tell Gmail to forward your mail to Outlook.com as it arrives. You can also keep a copy in your Gmail inbox if you want to.
• Link your Gmail contacts to Outlook. (Optional)
• To learn more about setting up Outlook.com on your mobile device, see the simple instructionshere.

Have any of our readers made the switch yet? Let us know your experience below.

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Consumer Reports scores the HTC 8X and Nokia Lumia 920 “excellent” for ease of use

Consumer Reports scores the HTC 8X and Nokia Lumia 920 “excellent” for ease of use

December 17, 2012 | By Surur

Consumer Reports have weighed in on the HTC 8x and Nokia Lumia 920, scoring both devices 76, just one point below the 77 of the iPhone 5, HTC One X+ and Samsung Galaxy Note II, and two below the Samsung Galaxy S III which scored 78 points.  The highest score on Consumer Report’s ranking is the LG Optimus G which scored 79.

The HTC Windows Phone 8X, had “Excellent” scores in ease of use, messaging, web browsing, display quality, and portability, and “Very Good” scores in phoning, battery life, camera image quality, and camera video quality while the 920 scored Excellent for ease of use, messaging, web browsing, display quality, and camera image quality. The handset scored “Very Good” for phoning and battery life but voice quality, camera video quality, and portability were only rated “Good”, with the device being dinged for its “heft.”

WinSuperSite notes the scores were an improvement over Windows Phone 7.5 handsets, the best, the Nokia Lumia 900, which scored 71.

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Quick tip: How to sync your old Zune playlists to your Windows Phone 8 handset

Quick tip: How to sync your old Zune playlists to your Windows Phone 8 handset

December 17, 2012 | By Surur

It turns out the best tool for synching music to your Windows Phone 8 handset is Windows Media Player, which can at least auto-generate playlists.

What about those playlists you worked hard on over the last two yours with your Windows Phone 7.5 handset however, which is not compatible?

It turns out simply renaming the extension from .ZPL to .WPL will make them compatible with Windows Media Player, allowing the app to sync the playlist to your Windows Phone 8 phone.

To find the Zune playlists, search for .ZPL,  (they are usually under C:\Users\XXXXX\Music\Playlists, where XXXXX is your account name on your PC), rename the extension to .WPL, launch Windows Media Player, connect your phone and drag the newly detected playlist to your sync tab (above).

The Windows Phone 8 Sync app and Xbox Music both are still very poor replacements for the Zune apps, but hopefully this tip will help ease the pain somewhat.

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5 inch HTC Windows Phone 8 handset cancelled

5 inch HTC Windows Phone 8 handset cancelled

December 17, 2012 | By Surur

Bloomberg reports that HTC has scrapped plans for a large-screened Windows Phone 8 handset due to the OS not supporting 1080P screen resolution,

Characterising the move as  blow to Microsoft, as only Android will be supporting the emerging form factor, they note that  HTC concluded that a larger-screen Windows Phone 8 phone wouldn’t be competitive against Android devices from HTC, Samsung and others.

HTC has just released the HTC Butterfly with full HD resolution and a 5 inch screen. The handset was initially released in Japan, then on Verizon, and will not be rolling out widely worldwide.

HTC was said to have a 4.7 inch’ed handset, the HTC Zenith, on its Windows Phone 8 roadmap, and it is not clear if the Zenith is the cancelled device in question.

Cheryl Chang, a Taipei-based spokeswoman for Microsoft and HTC both declined to comment on the rumour.

I am personally of the opinion that such a large screen should have an OS optimised for the form factor, rather than simply scaling up the existing phone UI to a larger size and resolution, suggesting Windows RT would be a much better operating system for such large handsets.

Do our readers agree that this is no big loss, but that Microsoft needs to make sure Windows RT support for sub-7 inch “phablets” with phone support comes rapidly? Let us know below.

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Navigation Shortcuts for WP8 updated with improved searching

Navigation Shortcuts for WP8 updated with improved searching

December 17, 2012 | By EShy

Navigation Shortcuts makes it easy to start navigating to your destination quickly.

You can pin tiles for destinations with pictures or icons to the start screen to quickly launch your default navigation software (any navigation app that supports Microsoft’s DriveTo protocol will work, this includes Nokia Drive)

The app really shines with the voice commands it adds to your phone. You can start navigation by simply holding down the start button and saying Navigate, Home (or any other destination name).

Version 1.2 improves the search capabilities when adding destinations (using Nokia’s Here Places API)

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Be aware–your pictures can share your exact location

Be aware–your pictures can share your exact location

December 17, 2012 | By Surur

Your own view	Public view

Here is a little warning raised by Jaxbot over at SocietyofCode.com. Windows Phone, like most phones these days, embed the location your pictures are taken in their EXIF data.  This is not by default, but some people may have forgotten that they said yes to this.

Secondly, when sharing via SkyDrive (even to twitter, which is of course public) users may be falsely re-assured by the absence of the map widget that their location data is not publicly visible. It is not, via the SkyDrive user interface, but can easily be retrieved by downloading the picture and looking at the EXIF data.

Of course this news is obvious to expert users, but as John McAfee, who’s location in Guatemala was outed by the EXIF data in the iPhone picture used by a reporter, discovered, it is still pretty easy to slip up. 

If you do not want your pictures to tell your location story, it would be wise to turn of location services under settings > Applications > Photos and Camera >Include location info in pictures I take.

Of course if you are not in fact a cloaked hacker, a fugitive from the police or being stalked by your ex, including your location data can be very useful when it comes to putting your pictures on a map, so automatically turning it off and losing the data is probably not the best idea.

Is leaking your location data something our readers ever worry about? Let us know below.

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Nokia gets design patent for phone with big camera hump–Pureview 3 coming?

Nokia gets design patent for phone with big camera hump–Pureview 3 coming?

December 16, 2012 | By Surur

Nokia has been granted a design patent for a smartphone with a somewhat prominent camera hump, which suggests a Lumia with a “proper” Pureview sensor with tens of megapixels may be on the way.

The design was granted on 11th December 2012, but was submitted all the way back in October 14th 2011. On the other hand Nokia worked for 5 years on the 8080 Pureview, demonstrating the long incubation period between the conception and release of a handset.

NokiaPoweruser, who noticed the device, notes that it may have expandable memory, based on what appears to be a removable panel on the back of the device.

Are our readers still looking forward to a 20 or 40 megapixel Nokia Pureview Windows Phone, or is the Nokia Lumia 920 enough? Let us know below.

Update: The handset appears to be a Symbian Anna model, the Nokia 801T. Thanks to our commenters for the info.

Via NokiaPoweruser.com

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Windows Phone 7.8 update now being pushed out to the Nokia Lumia 800

Windows Phone 7.8 update now being pushed out to the Nokia Lumia 800

December 16, 2012 | By Surur

WP7.nl reports that their Nokia Lumia 800 has just received the official Windows Phone 7.8 update via the Zune desktop software.

The update was served via 4 individual updates,  first a Nokia Update for Windows Phone, the from 7.10.8773 to 7.10.8779.8, then 7.10.8783, and finally to  7.10.8858.136.

Thereafter users will notice the new boot screens and the option to resize their live tiles immediately.

WP7.nl suggests if you are salivating for the update to connect your phone to Zune and try your luck!

Have any of our other readers received the prompt? Let us know below.

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Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 coming to India first week of January 2013

Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 coming to India first week of January 2013

December 16, 2012 | By Surur

The much anticipated Nokia Lumia 920 was expected to arrive in India some time in Mid-December, but unfortunately clearly did not make that schedule.

Now Nokia support has told reader Rishabh that the device will still be arriving soon, in about 3 weeks in the first week of January.

I am not sure how big Christmas buying is in India, but at least the smartphone and its companion, the Lumia 820, will be making it for the January sales 

Update: Anuj also asked Nokia about the Nokia Lumia 620, and was told it will be arriving in the last week of January 2013.

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Nokia promises Lumia 920 update “this month”

Nokia promises Lumia 920 update “this month”

December 16, 2012 | By Surur

Nokia Lumia 920 owners who are getting increasingly anxious about the Windows Phone 8 update which has already been pushed out to the HTC 8X will be reassured to read that Nokia US has said on twitter this update will still be coming this year, presumably in the next week given that Christmas will be here soon.

The update brings several new features, including keeping WIFI alive and introducing SMS drafts and the ability to reject phone calls with a text message.

Users of the HTC 8X are also reporting that Bluetooth is much more reliable after the update.

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A history app On This Day… updated

A history app On This Day… updated

December 16, 2012 | By camradal

The highest-rated history app in the marketplace has been updated. With this update, the experience is even better – we added:

• new animations and transitions to take advantage of the new hardware on Windows Phone 8
• email sharing (as requested by many of our users)
• small live tile improvements on Windows Phone 8
• ability to pin the live tile from the app
• and, of course, the are additional ‘under-the-hood’ improvements to improve performance and reliability

As always, you will be able to view historical events for any day in the year, with associated wiki article, and have a live tile that updates with historic tidbits that happened on that day.

Grab this free app from the marketplace (it’s supported by ads). We also have an ad-free app available.

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Photo Shader Updated for Windows Phone 8!

Photo Shader Updated for Windows Phone 8!

December 16, 2012 | By Ryken100

The pixel-shader inspired photo editing app, Photo Shader, has been updated with support for Windows Phone 8!

The update brings a redesigned interface, built to be much faster and more intuitive, now with support for pinch to zoom and landscape editing. Support for all three Windows Phone resolutions is also included. Rich Media support has been added, allowing you to edit a previously saved photo and change its effects from the Photos hub!

As always, there are over 40 stackable effects and adjustments in Photo Shader, with new effects being added in each and every (very frequent) update. Each effect can be undone, and drawn/erased at your leisure. The app takes advantage of Windows Phone 8’s dual-core CPUs, leading to a much faster experience.

For those of you on older devices, the WP7 version will continue to be supported for as long as feasibly possible. Both the WP7 and WP8 versions are being developed concurrently, sharing the mostly same code, and will be updated simultaneously with WP7 getting all of the effects and most of the features of the WP8 version.

Running for 99c with a free trial for one of the better photo editing apps in the Windows Phone Store, Photo Shader is a steal. Grab it here!

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