F U BBC! TVCatchUP brings streaming Freeview TV to Windows Phone 8

F U BBC! TVCatchUP brings streaming Freeview TV to Windows Phone 8

January 28, 2013 | By Surur

The BBC has famously made all kinds of excuses about why they can not support Windows Phone with an iPlayer app, ranging from blaming OS bugs to small market share.

It seems however these issues did not represent an insurmountable obstacle to the developers of TVCatchup, who already have a Windows 8 app, and are looking to expand to Windows Phone.

They showed the app to AAWP, who posted the screen shots above.

The app does not quite allow one to watch TV on demand however, and really only streams Live TV, either over 3G or WIFI.

Together with a built-in program guide that is however better than nothing, and the app features Live tiles allowing one’s favourite channels to be pinned.

Streaming is only allowed by UK residents (a restriction of the law) and the app should hit the store in the next few weeks.

Maybe now that they see it is possible to stream their content on Windows Phone BBC may have a change of heart? We are not holding our breaths however.

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Rowi Twitter Client For Windows Phone Updated With SkyDrive Image Previews And Bug Fixes

Rowi Twitter Client For Windows Phone Updated With SkyDrive Image Previews And Bug Fixes

January 28, 2013 | By Pradeep

Popular twitter client Rowi has been updated to version 3.2.0.0. The app which focussed on the serious twitter user has added support for SkyDrive image previews, and also made it easier to access features such as multiple twitter account support and “tweet as…”

The full change log includes:

• Bug fixes
• Improved network performance
• Live Tile behavior change that clears mentions and direct messages counts when Rowi loads
• Profile followers/following lists are in correct order
• Instructions in settings on how to access multiple accounts
• Support for SkyDrive image previews
• Setting to show user display names instead of Twitter usernames

Download the free version of the app here and paid version here.

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Nokia Lumia traffic overtakes iPhone and Android at major media network in Finland

Nokia Lumia traffic overtakes iPhone and Android at major media network in Finland

January 26, 2013 | By Surur

Despite Windows Phone not having the majority of the web market share in Finland yet (around 20% vs 33% for iOS and 36% for Android, according to Statcounter, for Finland’s biggest media group Sanoma Oyj, Windows Phone and Nokia Lumia are already their biggest users, according to Digitoday.fi.

They report that Lumias passed Android already in the summer and just passed iPhone traffic at the end of the year.

This is especially significant due to mobile traffic now being 35% of their web traffic, versus 10% in 2011.

Part of the reason for the surge in Windows Phone use may be that the Sanoma services app comes pre-installed in Lumias sold in Finland, but of course this is mostly due to great sales of Nokia’s Lumia range in the region.

With Windows Phone staring to gain critical mass in Europe we can expect media services to slowly increase their support for the platform, and who knows, maybe BBC will finally give in and produce an iPlayer app…

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App lets you create PowerPoint slide decks on Windows Phone 8, uses it for Photo Slideshows

App lets you create PowerPoint slide decks on Windows Phone 8, uses it for Photo Slideshows

January 26, 2013 | By Surur

Annoyingly it is not possible to insert pictures into any Office Documents except OneNote, and neither is it possible to start a PowerPoint Slide Deck on Windows Phone 8, despite some limited editing capabilities.

Step forward PIX2PPT, a small app which allows one to select pictures from your Picture Hub and turns it into a PowerPoint slide deck, which can be saved to the Office Hub and also uploaded to SkyDrive, from were it can be shared further.

The app allows one to resize pictures so as to produce a reasonably file size in the end,  add captions and annotations, which can be further edited in the PowerPoint app, and to set the Slide deck to automatically advance.

While the app is primarily designed for sharing albums I can also see it being used to create a quick and dirty side show in an emergency.

The app has a free trial which limits the slide deck to only 5 pictures, costs £1.49 and can be found in the Windows Phone Store here.

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Marathon updated for WP8 – now with background tracking

Marathon updated for WP8 – now with background tracking

January 27, 2013 | By Johan.D

The GPS training app Marathon have been updated for Windows Phone 8 and include many of the new capabilities of the OS. The most widely requested feature is the ability to run completely in the background, allowing you to use other apps without interrupting Marathon.

This version also adds:

• The new Nokia Maps, including a 3D mode.
• A new wide Live Tile with information about your latest result.
• The ability to open GPX files and save them on the device or share to marathon-mobile.net, Twitter and Facebook.
• The first and currently only app on the Store that can open KML files and view the route on a map.

Got a Windows Phone 7 device? Don’t worry; the app is still available and packed with features such as:

• Bing Maps.
• Live Tracking – Let your friends follow your progress in almost real time.
• Backup and restore of data through the online service.
• Records speed, distance, calorie consumption, altitude change and much more.
• Export to KML and GPX.
• Achievements (not related to Xbox Live).
• Share on marathon-mobile.net, Twitter and Facebook.

Premium with trial ($1.99):

Free:

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Nokia Lumia 920 getting product placement in hit shows Arrow and House of Lies

Nokia Lumia 920 getting product placement in hit shows Arrow and House of Lies

January 26, 2013 | By Surur

While Windows Phones may still be a relatively rare sight in real life, one certainly would not get the impression from watching TV, where various Windows Phones have been showing up all over the place.

The latest is the Nokia Lumia 920 showing up on the hit show “Arrow” Season 1, Episode 11. The screen shot above is from the show, but clearly the prop man could not resist adding some unnecessary chrome to the Windows Phone interface.

The handset has also been showing up in the last 2 episodes of the House of Lies, both in their red and Black versions.

The high level of product placement is all part of Microsoft’s strategy to give consumers permission to buy a Windows Phone, despite their friends and relatives not owning it, due to familiarity built up by celebrity endorsements and product placements.

Do our readers think this strategy is working? Let us know below.

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Ragdoll Run v1.6 is here!

Ragdoll Run v1.6 is here!

January 26, 2013 | By Dawnbreak

Dawnbreak Studios has released an update to the famous game “Ragdoll Run”! This time the main character from Dawnbreaks game Papa Joe takes up the challenge to race for the worlds best highscore!

WHAT´S NEW? (V 1.6)

• Added new character Papa Joe
• Added Sapphires
• Changed default control to “Tap to jump”

Get the Premium ad-free version which unlocks two extra characters HERE or use the QR!

The free version of Ragdoll Run can be downloaded HERE!

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Samsung ATIV Odyssey now available for free from BestBuy

Samsung ATIV Odyssey now available for free from BestBuy

January 26, 2013 | By Surur

The Samsung ATIV Odyssey is priced the same as the Nokia Lumia 822, but the expectation has always been that it would be the cheaper handset.

It seems BestBuy will be making this a reality, with the US retailer offering the handset for free on two year contract, a $50 discount.  It does come with a hefty $350 Early Termination Fee, but is otherwise available for new contracts, upgrades, or adding a new line to an existing plan.

If you are interested in this attractive deal find the handset at Best Buy Mobile Solutions here.

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Nokia Lumia 920 getting product placement in hit shows Arrow and House of Lies

Nokia Lumia 920 getting product placement in hit shows Arrow and House of Lies

January 26, 2013 | By Surur

While Windows Phones may still be a relatively rare sight in real life, one certainly would not get the impression from watching TV, where various Windows Phones have been showing up all over the place.

The latest is the Nokia Lumia 920 showing up on the hit show “Arrow” Season 1, Episode 11. The screen shot above is from the show, but clearly the prop man could not resist adding some unnecessary chrome to the Windows Phone interface.

The handset has also been showing up in the last 2 episodes of the House of Lies, both in their red and Black versions.

The high level of product placement is all part of Microsoft’s strategy to give consumers permission to buy a Windows Phone, despite their friends and relatives not owning it, due to familiarity built up by celebrity endorsements and product placements.

Do our readers think this strategy is working? Let us know below.

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Wells Fargo working on a Windows Phone app

Wells Fargo working on a Windows Phone app

January 25, 2013 | By Surur

Banking applications are very important, so even one by small banks matter.  Wells Fargo is however no small name, and we are happy to report that they company is not only considering, but already working on a Windows Phone app.

WPDaily reports Wells Fargo Customer Service sent the above email in which they confirm they are "already working on this application and plan to make it available in the future".

We do not know when the app will become available but presumably the bank, which already has apps for the iPhone, Android, Blackberry and the Palm Pre will not keep Windows Phone waiting for too much longer.

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Request for Windows Phone Bluetooth HID support gets good traction on user voice

Request for Windows Phone Bluetooth HID support gets good traction on user voice

January 25, 2013 | By Surur

We saw some great expansion of Bluetooth functionality in Windows Phone 8, but 3rd parties cant solve all problems, and after Bluetooth File transfer, the next big battle is over Bluetooth Human Interface Device support, which would allow Windows Phones to use external Bluetooth keyboards and game controllers.

While I think the poster on Microsoft’s Suggestion site is being a bit overdramatic in referring to “Windows Phone loses usability, market visibility and relevance”, support for standards such as Bluetooth HID will allow Windows Phones to access a large number of accessories designed for other operating systems, allowing Windows Phone user to piggyback on the accessory ecosystem for other larger operating systems, similar to the way we can use Bluetooth Stereos designed for iPhones and Android handsets.

For that reason I think Bluetooth HID support is a great idea. If you agree let us know below, and vote at the User Voice site here.

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Nokia’s exclusive Cinemagraph and PhotoBeamer apps updated

Nokia’s exclusive Cinemagraph and PhotoBeamer apps updated

January 25, 2013 | By Surur

Nokia has updated two of their exclusive apps.

Nokia’s Cinemagraph app has been updated.  The app, which produces animated gifs is now easier to use, supports a wider range of Lumia phones and can now create both portrait and landscape cinemagraphs.

Nokia also updated their PhotoBeamer app, which allows users to show their Lumia photos on any screen with a web browser.

Unfortunately this software did not come with a changelog, but it seems the app is also now easier to use with a better workflow and better picture quality.

Cinemagraph can be found here and Photobeamer here.

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Digitimes: Microsoft To Release WP8 Reference Design In Mid-2013

Digitimes: Microsoft To Release WP8 Reference Design In Mid-2013

January 25, 2013 | By Pradeep

According to Digitimes, Microsoft reportedly is planning to create a Windows Phone 8 reference design in cooperation with chipset vendors including Qualcomm. Microsoft is planning to attract more smartphone OEMs in China with this new reference design. These new smartphone OEMs will release Windows Phone 8 devices for the entry-level and midrange smartphone segments in China and other emerging markets.

Microsoft is expected to release the WP8 reference design in mid-2013, with smartphone models built on the reference design to hit the market in the second half of the year, the sources indicated.

Digitimes also revealed that Qualcomm and MediaTek are expected to join with Microsoft for development of the reference design.

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Nokia Lumia 620 only £199 on PAYG on Three UK

Nokia Lumia 620 only £199 on PAYG on Three UK

January 25, 2013 | By Surur

Three UK’s Pay as You Go prices for the Nokia Lumia 620 has been revealed.

Coolsmartphone has grabbed a picture of the most recent Argos circular, showing that the Windows Phone 8 dual-core smartphone will run at £199 on PAYG with a £10 top-up on Three UK.

That makes it £50 more than the Nokia Lumia 610 handset it replaces, which is sure to affect sales, but still relatively affordable for the specs, and of course the price will likely drift down in time.

Argos has the handset  listed as coming soon on their official website but it should become available shortly, with the circular noting a 4th February release date.

See Three giving an overview of the handset after the break.

Continue reading →

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Microsoft: Windows Phone Related Revenue Increased $546 Million

Microsoft: Windows Phone Related Revenue Increased $546 Million

January 25, 2013 | By Pradeep

Microsoft announced its quarterly financial reports yesterday. It posted a record revenue and an impressive profit despite slow industry momentum around PCs. They also revealed some numbers around Windows Phone revenue for the first time. The following was mentioned in their statement,

Windows Phone revenue increased $546 million, including patent licensing revenue and increased sales of Windows Phone licenses.

They have just mentioned that Windows Phone revenue grew $546 million that includes patent licensing revenue, sales of Windows Phone licenses to Nokia, HTC, Samsung, etc,. I think the revenue of $546 million(approx) in a single quarter is really good. Based on the previous numbers from Google regarding Android revenue, I guess the current Android revenue will be below Microsoft’s Windows Phone related revenue for sure.

What do you think?

Source: Microsoft

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SurfCube 3D Browser Updated To v4.5 With Windows Phone 8 Support

SurfCube 3D Browser Updated To v4.5 With Windows Phone 8 Support

January 24, 2013 | By Pradeep

If you remember our old Windows Phone days, you will remember this 3rd party browser called SurfCube 3D.  It’s a feature-rich web browser with unique 3D UI. This app got updated to v4.5 with support for Windows Phone 8 devices and more.

V4.5 Change log:

- Optimized for WP8
- Support for HD phones
- Fast App Resume
- Added loading progress indicator
- Temporarily disabled Bing due to it launching the built-in Bing app instead
- Context menu is working again

Download the free version here and paid version here.

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Nokia To Include Cinemagraph And Smartshoot Apps With Windows Phone 7.8

Nokia To Include Cinemagraph And Smartshoot Apps With Windows Phone 7.8

January 24, 2013 | By Pradeep

Even though new Live Tiles are the only official feature for Windows Phone 7.8 from Microsoft, OEMs like Nokia are including many apps/services for Windows Phone 7.8 devices. As announced earlier, Nokia has released the following apps for Windows Phone 7.8 devices,

• Ringtone Maker
• Contacts Transfer
• Bluetooth Transfer
• Nokia Counters
• Photobeamer
• Angry Birds Roost

Adding to the above list, Nokia will release Cinemagraph and Smartshoot apps for Windows Phone 7.8 devices as well. We reported this information back in November 2012 and now Nokia has officially confirmed the same via marketing slides.

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Deal For Nokia Lumia 920 At AT&T: Free Wireless Charging Plate Or Buy One Get One Free

Deal For Nokia Lumia 920 At AT&T: Free Wireless Charging Plate Or Buy One Get One Free

January 24, 2013 | By Pradeep

AT&T is now running a limited time offer for Nokia Lumia 920. When you buy this device on 2 year contract for $49, you can either get a free wireless charging plate or you can buy a second Nokia Lumia 920 on 2 years contract for free.

FREE Wireless Charging Plate  OR buy one get one FREE

Buy a new Nokia Lumia 920 and get a FREE wireless charging plate.
OR
Buy a new Nokia Lumia 920 and get a second Nokia Lumia 920 for FREE.

Offers cannot be combined online. Discount will automatically appear in your shopping cart. No coupons, no codes, no rebate forms – just instant savings!

Offers end Feb. 21, 2013. 2-year wireless agreement with voice & data plans or Mobile Share plan required on each. Other charges and restrictions apply.

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Huawei Releasing Ascend W1 In Russia Next Month To Compete With Lumia 620

Huawei Releasing Ascend W1 In Russia Next Month To Compete With Lumia 620

January 24, 2013 | By Pradeep

According to Mail.ru, Huawei is planning to release its Ascend W1 Windows Phone 8 device in Russia next month. Ascend W1 will compete with Nokia Lumia 620 for low end Windows Phone market. The device will be on sale for 11,990 rubles($396 USD) which is exactly priced same as Lumia 620 in Russia.

The Ascend W1 has a 10.5mm slim body and a bright 4-inch IPS LCD 480 x 800 touchscreen with OGS Technology and is powered by the  Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 MSM8230 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and Adreno 305 GPU. It features a low reflective IPS LCD display with full lamination technology, providing great visibility under any lighting condition. It also has a 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash, and includes 4GB on-board memory, expandable to 32GB with a micro SD card.

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GSMA Introduces The NFC Experience For Mobile World Congress, iPhones need not apply

GSMA Introduces The NFC Experience For Mobile World Congress, iPhones need not apply

January 24, 2013 | By Surur

The GSMA have announced the NFC Experience at Mobile World Congress, an interactive experience through which exhibitors, vendors, and attendees use mobile Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to exchange information and conduct transactions.

“We’re excited to launch the NFC Experience for Mobile World Congress, as it provides attendees to the event the opportunity to experience first-hand the power of NFC technology both throughout the Mobile World Congress venue, as well as in the city of Barcelona,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “We hope that all attendees will take advantage of the many benefits of NFC, from venue access to retail transactions to transport, among others.”

As part of the new NFC Experience at Mobile World Congress, the GSMA will showcase an integrated range of mobile NFC services. Attendees with NFC-enabled handsets will be able to take advantage of NFC technology at locations throughout the Fira Gran Via and in the city. NFC touch points will be abundant throughout Congress, rewarding those who ‘tap’ with instant access to information such as downloads on the conference sessions and keynotes, as well as information on restaurants and tourist attractions around Barcelona itself.

The NFC Experience features:

• NFC Centre – A dedicated zone in the heart of Congress Square will be one of the key locations to visit and see NFC-enabled handsets and their capabilities as well as gaining information on the NFC ecosystem, NFC smart posters, NFC partner pods and a dedicated NFC support function;
•  NFC Interactive Zones – More than a dozen NFC Interactive Zones will be located along the walkways, entrances and exhibition halls of Fira Gran Via. Comprising a series of linked smart posters, attendees can use their NFC-enabled handsets to access exhibitor directories, venue information, nearby conveniences and many other useful services offered during Mobile World Congress;
• Barcelona City NFC Locations – Strategic NFC touch points will be available at the airport, key hotels, selected restaurants and central tourist locations and attendees can take a taxi and pay for goods in select shops with NFC; and
• Virtual NFC Badge – During registration, attendees with NFC-enabled handsets (Android 4 and above or Windows Phone 8 operating system) can opt into the NFC Experience and get full show entry with it and their physical badge, but without the need to repeatedly present a physical photo ID to gain access to the venue.

An NFC-heavy Mobile World Congress will likely miff new iPhone 5 owners, especially after Apple famously called the technology “a solution to a problem that does not exist.”

Mobile World Congress will take place 25-28 February at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.

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Nokia Q4 Financial Results: More Info On Nokia Lumia Windows Phone Devices

Nokia Q4 Financial Results: More Info On Nokia Lumia Windows Phone Devices

January 24, 2013 | By Pradeep

Nokia today reported its Q4 financial results and as expected they posted about half a billion of profit. Nokia sold over 4.4 million Lumia smartphones in Smart Devices category. North America was one of the reason behind higher Lumia sales where in Q4 2012 the numbers grew over 40% over the same quarter last year.

Average Selling price of smart device also increased due to sales of  newly launched Lumia devices which had a higher ASP. The ASP of Lumia devices in the fourth quarter 2012 was EUR 192, compared to EUR160 in the third quarter 2012. The increase in Lumia ASPs was primarily due to a positive mix shift towards sales of newly launched Lumia devices which had a higher ASP.

Nokia also confirmed that during the Q4 2012 their Smart Devices volumes were affected by supply constraints as they ramped up their production capacity, particularly related to the Lumia 920, which have continued into the first quarter 2013.

Regarding quarterly platform support payment of USD 250 million from Microsoft,

Over the life of the agreement the total amount of the platform support payments is expected to slightly exceed the total amount of the minimum software royalty commitment payments. To date the amount of platform support payments received by Nokia has exceeded the amount of minimum royalty commitment payments to Microsoft. Thus for the remainder of the life of the agreement the total amount of the minimum software royalty commitment payments are expected to exceed the total amount of the platform support payments. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the platform support payments and annual minimum software royalty commitment payments continue for a corresponding period of time.

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