Windows Phone 8: Some important details revealed by Joe Belfiore

Microsoft certainly has major plans for the future of Windows Phone, the site pocketnow colleagues have revealed some features of the next major update called Windows Phone 8 (Apollo)

The revelation,  coming directly from Joe Belfiore in a video for the partners at Nokia. The following features are revealed:

Hardware: Windows Phone 8 will be compatible with multicore processors, four different screen resolutions (without specifying which ones) and support for microSD removable memory card. There is also the support NFC technology.

Developer: Phone Windows 8 will allow developers to use most of the code of the app for Windows 8 (Desktop) and vice versa (so the rumor that the two systems will use the same kernel seem to be confirmed). Microsoft also plans an advanced version of ActiveSync as a substitute for the Zune client.

Skype for Windows Phone is just around the corner

One of the most anticipated Windows Phone applications, certainly is Skype.Being part of Microsoft’s own division, Skype is yet to release a Windows Phone app

Now from wp7lab comes the news that the official Skype application for Windows Phone coming soon in the marketplace in private beta. The site wp7lab colleagues write that he had received information that the release of the beta version will arrive within the next few weeks, not everyone will be able to download the application, Microsoft will forwardinvitations to perform testing of Skype.  

“Skype for Windows Phone is just around the corner and we’ve teamed up with the Skype folks to help with beta testing. If you are receiving this newsletter directly, look for an invitation in the coming weeks and be on the inside track for what is sure to be one of the hottest new apps on the Marketplace!”

If this is true, on the one hand we have the news that the development of Skype is not finished yet, other than with the release of the beta is expected to have a final version by the first half of 2012.

Source wp7Lab

Share Your Android Adware Story And Win A Windows Phone !

Symantec last week identified 13 new malicious applications on the Android Market, saying the combined download figures—reportedly up to 5 million—make it "the highest distribution of any malware identified so far this year.


That's why Microsoft's Ben Rudolph is looking to ease the pain of 20 affected users by giving them free Windows phones. How to win free Windows Phone?That's very easy, just share your storie via Twitter today, and hope that your  "Droidrage" will be cured with a new free Windows Phone.


Nice work Ben!!!


Source BenThePCGuy

Windows Phone 'Tango' could support over three times as many languages

New rumors out of a developer event in India pegs Tango at some 120 languages, well over three times as many as Mango's total count and likely enough to blanket the majority of the globe in.Windows Phone hardware.


At the same event, speakers apparently also suggested that Windows Phone would be gaining support for C++ code in a future release, lower-level programming likely designed to appease game developers who need to eke peak performance out of the hardware. Android offers the NDK (Native Development Kit) for exactly this reason, so it wouldn't be a big surprise to see Microsoft do the same.


With Windows Phone Tango Microsoft and particularly Nokia are planning to push phones running the OS into numerous markets not presently served, and with such a wide language coverage that means ever wider distribution and hopefully associated sales numbers.


Source TheVerge

Nokia receives $ 250 million from Microsoft for the move to Windows Phone!

A few days after the official on the agreement "Nokia + Microsoft", many voices spoke of several billions of dollars into the coffers of the incoming Nokia by Microsoft . The immense amount of money was needed to help in the choice of Windows Phone Nokia, perhaps removing any agreement with Google for Android, and development of the same platform.

Today, months later, the quarterly results of Q4 of 2011 , these payments have finally made ​​official in the first quarter in which the Lumia 800 entered the market, Nokia has received from Microsoft $ 250 million (180 million euros).

Now if it was not specified in the next few quarters may be additional payments, but it is more than likely that Microsoft will contin

ue to support Nokia. Recall, however, that the Finnish giant is forced to turn to pay the licenses for each Windows Phone product, a figure equal to about $ 27.

Via

Windows Phone 7 Marketplace reaches 60,000 apps

Windows Phone 7 Marketplace reaches 60,000 apps.Just 25 days after reaching 50,000 apps, the Marketplace has claimed another 10,000 apps, with over a third of the entire store released in the past 90 days.

These figures come from AAWP, which also claims that over 15,000 different publishers have been pushing out apps. There has been a definite acceleration in how quickly the store is growing, as the previous jump from 40K to 50K took around 40 days.

This means without any further increase Marketplace will hit the psychologically important 100,000 mark at the end of April 2012. Likely if the rate of increase continues however it will be significantly earlier, possible in the middle of March 2012.

Source AAWP

Microsoft shows the integration between Windows Phone and Surface (video)

No doubt, Microsoft is working hard to design Windows Phone. So, while integration with the Xbox Live service is actually quite consolidated, the integration with the new surface begins to take its first steps

.For those who had never heard of Surface , we remind you that this is a new system designed by Microsoft, which began as a combination of software and hardware that allows one or more users to manipulate digital content through the use of natural movements.

Video to follow

Source

The 2nd #Lumia800 SW update is rolling out over the next 2 weeks

Networks are multiplying in the last hours of the reports relating to the 'arrival of the software of the Nokia 800 Lumia, version 7.10.8107, which introduces several new features. 

To confirm the testimony of several users who are receiving at this time also joined Nokia UK with a tweet clarifying that the update process will continue in the next two weeks .According to the information in the changelog, the latest release of the software have been introduced, among other things, the following changes:

• Fixed a bug that caused the disappearance of the virtual keyboard when typing
• Fixed an issue with syncing Google Account
• Introduced the ability to disable the sending of anonymous information relating to the access point and the cell-phone
• Revocation of digital certificates from DigiCert Sdn Bhd to resolve a security issue
• Fixed a problem with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
• Fixed a problem with voicemailIt will be interesting to examine whether the update will bring further improvements in battery performance. 

The update can be installed via a PC using the Zune software. The actual availability may vary depending on the various geographical areas.

Source

Rumor: Improved versions of the Nokia Lumia 900 will allegedly include 12 megapixel camera and coming to other carriers in Q3

This information comes from a source at a rival wireless carrier and not from the Microsoft marketing documentation I've referenced repeatedly. I have not confirmed this with other sources.

According to this source, AT&T has a 45-day exclusive hold on the Lumia 900. After that time, other carriers can negotiate with Nokia for a version of the handset that will work on their networks. The source speculates that T-Mobile (and probably Verizon, possibly Sprint) will be getting some version of the 900 after it's been released on AT&T, most likely in the third quarter of 2012.These improved versions of the 900 will allegedly include an improved, 12 megapixel camera, the source revealed.

Via WinSupersite

Microsoft: Skype for Windows phones is coming

Undoubtedly one of the most certifying programs for the Windows platform is Skype phone. Despite the agreement, Microsoft / Skype is now officially for some time, the popular software for video calls and IP calls late in coming. They come now new details about the launch of the app that will land on Mango and confirmations come from Microsoft itself from the recently concluded CES 2012. As stated this during an 'interview by Rick Osterloh (Skype's VP of products): "Microsoft's Skype division is working on a Windows Phone That product will be coming out soon" !

Initially, the program director of Windows phones, Joe Belfiore, had promised that Skype would arrive by the end of 2011. Shown at MIX 2011 Skype will soon be a separate application to be then integrated by the end of the year, the new version of Windows Phone Apollo. The statement coming soon leads us to think that Skype, most likely, will be officially unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in February 2012 in order to assist in bringing you everything in detail.

Via

Microsoft challenges users at CES 2012: $ 100 for those who will be able to beat the speed of Windows Phone

Ben Rudolph, senior manager at Microsoft, on the site windowsteamblog has published an article where he invites all those who think they have a smartphone faster than Windows Phone at CES 2012 to take part in a challenge against a subscriber's terminal.


Ben Rudolph knows the power of Windows Phone and its immediate accessibility and ease of use. In this regard, Ben Rudolph challenge anyone thinking of having a smartphone faster, in terms of performance of daily tasks that we perform to our device, Windows Phone. As written in his article, is willing to bet $ 100, money that will of his own pocket.


Do you think your phone is up to the challenge? "Ben Rudolph will stand at CES Microsoft today and tomorrow to challenge all who are present. Videos will be posted on the page of the challenges Microsoft Facebook .


The following rules apply:

• No operation is initiated, it will be decided at the time the operations to be carried out jointly
• Same network connection for a fair challenge
• For participants "losers" there will be surprises
• Windows phone users are not allowed :)

Microsoft exec admits Windows Phone was response to Apple's iPhone

The head of the software design of Microsoft Windows Phone has admitted that the company has decided to focus hard on redesigning its mobile operating system entirely in response to the success of Apple's iPhone and the "sea change" that has brought to market.

Joe Belfiore, one of the first engineers who joined the team of Microsoft Windows Phone when he created him, has exposed some remarks in an interview to open The New York Times :

"Apple has introduced a sea change in the market and the industry in terms of the kinds of things that are able to offer the customer, which fascinated him. We wanted to respond with something that could be competitive at the same level, but that was not quite the same. "

Joe Belfiore , then continued:

"Once the iPhone has exploded on the market, Microsoft knew that the directors of its software, as it was, could never compete against Apple's new product."

In December 2008, Microsoft gathered his engineers to decide the fate of its Windows Mobile software, now rather dated. After seven hours of meetings, Myerson and his team decided to completely renovate the mobile operating system from scratch, from the roots.  

After years of work and effort (not too many actually saw the debut in September 2010), Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, was still undecided after giving a glance at the very first version of the new Windows Phone, but the team development, according to Myerson, was able to make changes suggested by him to make it up to its main competitors.

Lumia Nokia 900 will benefit from a massive advertising campaign

The importance of the partnership between Nokia and Microsoft was clear when the first rumors began to spread. Now, after the experience acquired with the 800 and Lumia, more recently, with the Lumia 710, the Finnish company is ready to engage in "big brother" Lumia 900.

According to BetaNews , the Finnish company's new terminal will have the support of a huge advertising campaign: according to recent estimates, there are rumors of a figure close to 100 million dollars!We do not know the proportions, but this sum will be invested by the three leading companies, namely Microsoft, Nokia and the carrier AT & T American telephone latter also play a key role in promoting the new smartphone. In fact, it is sure that the Lumia 900 receive the so-called "hero status": becoming more widely supported by the terminal provider, that will seek to promote it in all its advertising, in every distribution channel and in each of its stores. In doing so, the new Windows Phone Nokia will be the first to enjoy similar treatment in the United States.

We do not know if this massive marketing campaign will also invest in Europe but we are almost sure that something "amazing" will happen in the Old Continent.

Casual Game Maker Arkadium Signs Multi-Year Partnership With Microsoft Studios

New York City-based game developer Arkadium has found itself quite the teammate, partnering with Microsoft Studio to develop multi-platform games and expand its staff.

Arkadium President Jessica Rovello would not disclose the names of the games or platforms that would be involved in what she called a “strategic partnership” with Microsoft. But she said the games would all be “casual games” geared toward adults. This category includes games like solitaire, mahjongg and crossword puzzles, and is Arkadium's specialty. She also said the Microsoft partnership will include a combination of repurposed and new games.

"To support the new partnership, Arkadium will create a new division and plans to hire 15 to 20 employees in its offices in New York, Ukraine and Toronto. The Toronto office opened last summer and caters exclusively to mobile games. Some of Arkadium’s current 130 employees will also be shifted to the division that will deal with the partnership. Ms. Rovello expects the team will grow to about 30 "

Arkadium will continue to develop games for other platforms but the games developed for Microsoft will remain as exclusive titles.


Via WMPoweruser

Awesome competition from Microsoft Canada

Microsoft Canada have just started a promotion entitled "The Developer Movement" where they are handing out cool toys to dev's just for publishing high-quality apps to the Windows Phone Marketplace

The promotion is called The Developer Movement and runs from the 16th December to the 20th May.

Here are the rewards:

PUBLISH 1 QUALITY APP        
Select a reward below: 

• A Kinect™ Sensor for Xbox 360® 

• 10,000 Microsoft Points 

• Monster® Beats™ Headphones 

• A 1TB External HD 

PUBLISH 2 QUALITY APPS      
Select a reward below:     

• A Windows® Phone 7     

• A $500 Gift Voucher     

• 35,000 Microsoft Points     

• An Xbox 360® with     

• Kinect Bundle 

PUBLISH 3 QUALITY APPS      
Your apps will be considered by our judges for publicity across:     

• The Xbox Newsletter     

• The Xbox Live Dashboard     

• MSDN Website     

• MSDN Flash Newsletter     

• Canadian Developer Blog

Source: The Developer Movement  Via: WPCentral

Windows Azure / Windows Phone contest in France - four most popular publications will win a Windows Phone or Xbox 360

Nazer Aminou Student Developer from France,just tip us that in France Microsoft is organizing a contest on Windows Azure / Windows Phone.

Participants must use a raytracer hosted on Windows Azure to generate a scene and post it on a web site before December 30, 2011.On January 3rd 2012 the four most popular publications will win a Windows Phone or Xbox 360.

                                                              

This is Nazer's scene for the contest

More info about the contest and the rest of the scenes can be found here

Thank Nazer for the tip 

Nokia Lumia 710 Gets Launched in South Korea

Microsoft and Nokia are working together to bring the Windows Phone operating system to more markets around the world, so as to offer more people the possibility to get a taste of it. 

Earlier this week, the two announced one new step in this direction, consisting of the launch of Nokia's Lumia 710 smartphone on the market in South Korea. 

The new mobile phone is expected to hit shelves in the country on December 26th on the airwaves of wireless carrier KT. 

Microsoft and Nokia were in talks to jointly bid on RIM

Wall Street Journal today reported that Microsoft and Nokia were going to make a joint bid on BlackBerry makers RIM.


According to WSJ, Nokia and Microsoft were both flirting with RIM. Now this time last year, Nokia were in discussions with all three already but for a different sort of partnership. We all know what happened there. This time, Nokia and MS were supposedly going to make a joint bid for RIM says ‘people familiar with the matter’. 


RIM’s stock is diving down everyday and its currently worth $7 billion which is less than their net assets worth $15 billion and Investors and analyst have clamored for bold action—including calls for a management shake-up or a sale of the company.


Source: WSJ

Microsoft Research released Face Swap App for Windows Phones

Microsoft Research released a fun little app called Face swap that will swap people’s face using a photo taken with others 

Face Swap provides a simple, quick and fun way to swap people’s face using a photo taken with others. All you need to do is take a photo/select the one you want, and then shake your device once. Let Face Swap show you the magic!Shake to create and unbelievable, people’s face swapped on the photo! Use Face Swap and you will find out how cool it is! Photos can then be saved to your photo library or shared directly on Facebook, Twitter or Sina Weibo.

Main Features：
· Multiple faces detection enabled
· Shake to create a new photo with people’s face swapped!
· Save or share your creation though Facebook, Twitter or Sina Weibo

Download this app from the Marketplace


Via:WMPoweruser

Nokia Preparing for “Operation Rolling Thunder” at CES This Year

CES, the Consumer Electronics Show which kicks off on Jan 1oth in Vegas can’t get here soon enough, especially for Nokia who plans to have a huge presence there, as a hit CES expo is surely the best way to worm your way into the US market. According to a Nokia US spokesman Chris Weber:

“We will be launching a portfolio of devices in the U.S. across a range of price points, user experience and operators” Weber said in an interview. The rollouts are referred to internally as “Operation Rolling Thunder” .

Whatever delicious goodies Nokia have in store for us leaves me wondering what other devices do they have up their sleeves that we haven’t even dreamt about, Weber also said:

“We’ll have a very large presence and it’ll be clear that Nokia is back in a quite strong way in the U.S.”

Putting the two statements together we should be able to expect at least 3 or more devices? A flagship device at the higher pricing spectrum (900/Champagne??), a Lower priced phone which is obviously the 710 (set to be released after the first day of CES/ Jan 11th). But if you read between the lines you get the feeling that there’s a carrier exclusive device out there, probably something for Verizon/ AT&T to run along with their true 4G/LTE (Maybe the 719???).

The one part that intrigued me was the “range of user experiences”, the way I chose to interpret this was that there will also be some Symbian devices (to cater to whatever Nokia fans want) and the ‘experience’ is a High-End camera phone/N8 Successor, which should (and probably is) a separate phone than the flagship device; as stuffing a flagship device with a expensive camera that not everyone would appreciate would just raise the price unnecessarily. Less then a month to go, C’mon time speed up already!

Via: MyMokiaBlog