Windows 7 Phones

[biosc1]

Doesn't seem to be a thread on these yet. They are going to be released this October 11th (http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/confirmed-windows-phone-7-launches-october-11th-in-new-york-cit/) and I'm curious what other people think? I'm holding out hope for something interesting from these phones. After hearing about the issues that Android has with an Exchange Server connection, I'm a little wary about trying out those devices. Of course, knowing Windows Mobile over the years, I'm also wary about these Windows 7 devices.

5q-HtdW03Zs

It looks fun. I'll be waiting for reviews, but I really hope this will be something nice and fancy.

[muddi900]

It has all the features of iphone...from 2008!

-No Copy/Paste.
-No Multitasking
-GSM only

The interface is pretty though. Makes my iphone look like a turd.

[LiquidRain]

I have a friend who's played with beta devices from most phone companies. He basically had this to say:

Nokia N8: Gorgeous hardware, unbelievable camera, very fast, but Symbian OS still feels old despite the updates
Android: Still a bit clunky, and with the death of the Nexus One, very few/no truly unlocked retail + warrantied phones.
Win Phone 7: Gorgeous and very functional, fast moving, but lacks modern features and the screen transitions can't be turned off. (this means waiting 3-5s for those fancy animations to finish before you actually, you know, *see* the weather)

[biosc1]

I think what intrigues me the most about the Windows 7 phones is that it's basically a Zune with phone features like the iPhone is an iPod with phone features.

I like a fancy phone, but for me, email input/organization, etc...is the most important right next to web browsing and speed.

I may still end up with a Samsung Android phone, but I'm going to try and see if I can hold out and still use my crashing/sluggishly slow iPhone for a little longer.

[Sandman]

I've about resigned myself to wait till summer and see what Apple reveals as the next iPhone after iPhone 4, but I'm keeping my eye on WP7 as an option....till then I'm keeping my 3G.

[BabyJesus]

GSM only at first is a huge mistake. What a bunch of dummies MS is sometimes. Lets pick what is conceived as the worst networks ATT and T-Mobile and put our flagship devices on those. Yikes, and I was looking for a phone I could use with the zune software too...

[Smoof]

I'm definitely curious about it. I love my Android, but when it comes time to upgrade next year, if I choose to do so and Sprint has this (I'm guessing this is unlikely), I'll take a look at it. Perhaps even pick it up and try it our for 30 days.

[biosc1]

GSM only at first is a huge mistake. What a bunch of dummies MS is sometimes. Lets pick what is conceived as the worst networks ATT and T-Mobile and put our flagship devices on those. Yikes, and I was looking for a phone I could use with the zune software too...

Well, GSM does have a nicer world-wide appeal, especially to a business traveler. Unfortunately, CDMA is still mostly a US tech. I would love it if our networks changed away from GSM so I could get an Evo or something, but we're out of luck in that regard.

[LiquidRain]

I think you might be a bit confused, biosc. Then again, shit, I'm confused. I think this is the breakdown:

GSM = Rogers/Fido 2G
CDMA = Telus/Bell 2G
HSPA/WCDMA/LTE = Rogers/Telus/Bell 3G and 3G+
AWS = Wind/Mobilicity

We want to move away from CDMA towards the 3G HSPA/LTE techs, which are employed worldwide and definitely not US centric.

[Xerxes]

TMO still works best for me and I'm hoping they get the HD3/HD7. It's like ridiculously huge, but that appealing to me. I'll probably still keep my Nexus though for a while.

[biosc1]

I think you might be a bit confused, biosc. Then again, shit, I'm confused. I think this is the breakdown:

GSM = Rogers/Fido 2G
CDMA = Telus/Bell 2G
HSPA/WCDMA/LTE = Rogers/Telus/Bell 3G and 3G+
AWS = Wind/Mobilicity

We want to move away from CDMA towards the 3G HSPA/LTE techs, which are employed worldwide and definitely not US centric.

Yah, I think you're right. As a Rogers customer, I'm just ticked that we don't get some of the nice CDMA only phones (such as the EVO).

I think I got messed up in regards to why we will not see 4G in Canada soon...it must be another tech that I can't think of right now.

EDIT: I was mixing things up...what I was thinking of was the discussion between LTE and HSPA+

[Xerxes]

Microsoft blew their load today and know one says anything? I can't say they had many secrets due to all of the leaks, but now it's real.

I also want to say I really think they came on to the scene properly with the choices on each carrier.

Question about the multitasking. Do they not even have the pseduo multitasking as Ios4? Basically I want to know can I listen to music while doing something else?

TMO fail for not demanding HSPA+ on the H7 too.

[muddi900]

Fuck me this looks pretty:

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/4/2010/10/imdbbbbb.jpg

Also, multitasking on the iphone sucks, without backgrounder, a jailbreak app.

[Xerxes]

Any multitasking beat none at all.

[biosc1]

Any multitasking beat none at all.

Interesting article

http://fragiledevelopment.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/multitasking-on-windows-phone-7/

[Xerxes]

Didn't answer the question of music in the background but still enlightening. Just found the HD7 doesn't have an expansion slot. I don't use the whole 16GB on mem card now because I haven't gotten my music organized yet. But I could easily go over that in terms of riding music.

[LiquidRain]

Every once in a while I appreciate owning a Nokia. It may be ugly, it may be archaic, but I'm doing shit with it the big boys still can't do.

I guess that MS doesn't want users blaming Windows for perceived poor battery life, when it's the apps themselves that are poorly done.

[tentazor]

Didn't answer the question of music in the background but still enlightening. Just found the HD7 doesn't have an expansion slot. I don't use the whole 16GB on mem card now because I haven't gotten my music organized yet. But I could easily go over that in terms of riding music.

Hello!

I noticed you linked to my article at fragiledevelopment.wordpress.com (http://fragiledevelopment.wordpress.com) and I wanted to chime in to answer some more questions. Regarding music in the background, all the standard hubs (such as music player) are available at ALL times. This means that you can play your own music when browsing, emailing or using apps.

Further, with the users permission, games can use the music on the phone to integrate in the games you play. If for instance you're playing a WP7 version of Halo, the developer could allow you to set a special track that you wanted to use for bossfights or whenever you ride in a vehicle in the game.

I hope this answers some of the questions you had. Personally, I've seen some of the games for WP7 and they are mind-blowing for mobile games. Not to mention the tie-ins to Xbox Live with achievements, avatars and stuff.

[muddi900]

Any multitasking beat none at all.

Yeah its fun when you have to force kill 30 background apps, because it does not tell you which one are in memory. Seriously, iphone was much better without multitasking.

[LiquidRain]

Thanks for dropping by and answering the question, tentazor! It's nice to know that MS allows its core apps to multitask like that. *takes off troll hat*

[biosc1]

Another interesting quote regarding games:


Not much was detailed about the Halo for Windows Phone 7 game. Don’t expect it to be a full-fledged Halo 4 or anything that dramatic. According to the guys at IntoMobile, Shawn Hargreaves of Microsoft said that for developers who have used XNA Game Studio, it’s easy to take your skills to Windows Phone 7. Hargreaves went as far to say that 97% of XNA projects currently in development could be transferred to Windows Phone 7.

[Xerxes]

Hello!

I noticed you linked to my article at fragiledevelopment.wordpress.com (http://fragiledevelopment.wordpress.com) and I wanted to chime in to answer some more questions. Regarding music in the background, all the standard hubs (such as music player) are available at ALL times. This means that you can play your own music when browsing, emailing or using apps.

Further, with the users permission, games can use the music on the phone to integrate in the games you play. If for instance you're playing a WP7 version of Halo, the developer could allow you to set a special track that you wanted to use for bossfights or whenever you ride in a vehicle in the game.

I hope this answers some of the questions you had. Personally, I've seen some of the games for WP7 and they are mind-blowing for mobile games. Not to mention the tie-ins to Xbox Live with achievements, avatars and stuff.

Wow.... This guy is the fucking man. I wish all the internet was like this guy. If I had twitter I'd follow this guy or something.

While, I would have like a front facing camera since skype(soon will) and yahoo is everywhere, would have liked to stepped up to TMOs HSPA+, being able to have more than say 14 gigs of music and a few other things. Alas, I don't any of that now. I mean theoretically I COULD use a 32GB micro SDHC card but those are still a little too pricey.

85% sure of a HD7 day one purchase.
Use my nexus for horribly cruel experiments until 3.0 is out.

[Smoof]

Yeah its fun when you have to force kill 30 background apps, because it does not tell you which one are in memory. Seriously, iphone was much better without multitasking.

You shouldn't be using a task killer anyway. Android will kill tasks on its own.

[Voodoo]

You shouldn't be using a task killer anyway. Android will kill tasks on its own.
I believe Muddi has an iPhone.

[biosc1]

It's good to see that Canadian providers are bringing the phone up here pretty soon...instead of having us wait a year for no reason:

Rogers (http://www.rogers.com/web/content/Win7Phone-Features?cm_mmc=Redirects-_-Consumer_Wireless_Eng-_-WindowsPhone7_1012-_-windowsphone)

Telus (http://www.telusmobility.com/en/index.shtml?ref=http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/htc_7_surround/index.shtml)

Bell (http://quantum.bell.ca/?EXT=MOB_off_vanity_quantum_081010_TM_EN)

[muddi900]

You shouldn't be using a task killer anyway. Android will kill tasks on its own.

Yeah, I am on the iphone.

[LiquidRain]

Anandtech has a massive review of WP7 (http://www.anandtech.com/show/3982/windows-phone-7-review). It's fairly positive, but he does note its drawbacks. He goes through everything.

[Xerxes]

I forgot what, but I got turned off by the phone. Makes me want to see what Android 3 brings.

[Voodoo]

I forgot what, but I got turned off by the phone. Makes me want to see what Android 3 brings.
It is funny that this time next year we will be talking about Android 4.0 while there certainly won't be a WP8 by then. ;)

[Xerxes]

It is funny that this time next year we will be talking about Android 4.0 while there certainly won't be a WP8 by then. ;)

The WP Vista might be out though. :p

But honestly, they may have small updates. And they won't be talking about fragmentation. Android is doing good making things apps instead of holding to them tight like when they screwed Cyanogen over. By Android 4, I think it'll be in a whole other league.

Also, everybody with these mobile devices need to look into new batteries. I don't know much about the technology of batteries, but we need something that's retarded enough to let me surf the internet for like 18 hours with my screen on bright. Handheld consoles, phones, tablets, video cameras and so on need something drastic.

[LiquidRain]

Haha, you have no idea how much research is spent on batteries and reducing power usage. We have the tech to keep power usage down, always have, but competition from consumer demand and marketing has forced the manufacturers hands to push the performance envelope at the cost of power, far outstripping battery tech progression. If you want better battery life, get a slower phone. Case in point: the Nokia N8 is equipped with a ~600MHz ARM11 versus most Android and the iPhone 4 being equipped with 1GHz Cortex A8s. The N8 is much more sluggish at rendering web pages (Nokia's shitty software doesn't help) but you can go a number of days before needing to recharge.

Same thing in laptops. More performance, less battery life.

Though there is a good point to make in arguing that we haven't really had any new battery technology since Lithium-polymer batteries started hitting the market about 7-8 years ago.

[Xerxes]

Haha, you have no idea how much research is spent on batteries and reducing power usage. We have the tech to keep power usage down, always have, but competition from consumer demand and marketing has forced the manufacturers hands to push the performance envelope at the cost of power, far outstripping battery tech progression. If you want better battery life, get a slower phone. Case in point: the Nokia N8 is equipped with a ~600MHz ARM11 versus most Android and the iPhone 4 being equipped with 1GHz Cortex A8s. The N8 is much more sluggish at rendering web pages (Nokia's shitty software doesn't help) but you can go a number of days before needing to recharge.

Same thing in laptops. More performance, less battery life.

Though there is a good point to make in arguing that we haven't really had any new battery technology since Lithium-polymer batteries started hitting the market about 7-8 years ago.

Man, I'm talking about them arc reactors. :p

[Voodoo]

The WP Vista might be out though. :p

But honestly, they may have small updates. And they won't be talking about fragmentation. Android is doing good making things apps instead of holding to them tight like when they screwed Cyanogen over. By Android 4, I think it'll be in a whole other league.

Also, everybody with these mobile devices need to look into new batteries. I don't know much about the technology of batteries, but we need something that's retarded enough to let me surf the internet for like 18 hours with my screen on bright. Handheld consoles, phones, tablets, video cameras and so on need something drastic.

Haha - Android Fragmentation - Haha

In my Android programming training, you learn fairly quickly that fragmentation is entirely a choice of the developer. If I want to release my app for a specific device, OS level, device hardware requirement(s), I can do that.

The really big problem with the Android market is the ability of developers the world over getting paid for their apps. But this is getting solved fairly quickly too. :)

[LiquidRain]

Ars Technica posted a review of WP7 (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/reviews/2010/10/windows-phone-7-the-ars-review.ars/) that's even longer than the one Anandtech has.

[wsuhoey]

Microsoft taking direct route on Windows Phone updates (http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-20022445-75.html?tag=mncol)


Good news for those who were worried about getting bottlenecked roll-outs of system software updates on Windows Phone 7 devices: Microsoft, and not the carriers or the device manufacturers, will be in charge of that duty.
...
In an e-mail exchange with ZDnet, Microsoft reiterated that it will "push Windows Phone 7 software updates to end users," while adding that "all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates." These are two very big things that bode well for early adopters of the handset...

[LiquidRain]

That's not entirely true (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2010/11/windows-phone-7-updates-can-carriers-block-them.ars), says Ars Technica.

Read the marketing speak. MS will "push Windows Phone 7 software to end users." Software. Not updates. Users. Not phones.

... "all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates." Ah. Eligible. That's a nice, positive sounding conditional word. Who gets to decide what devices are eligible?

This is why I read Ars Technica.

[wsuhoey]

LiquidRain, did you even look at the screenshot of the Windows Phone 7 update screen in the CNet article? It clearly shows the word "updates" used (to rebutal on your point on "Software. Not Updates."). The updates are installed via USB on computer (not over the air, as stated from Ars). The screenshot confirms this with the (cut-off) statement ..."which you can install ... [while you're] at your computer."


Microsoft, and not the carriers or the device manufacturers, will be in charge of that duty.


The CNet article also linked a ZDNet article (http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/microsoft-is-in-the-drivers-seat-for-windows-phone-updates/2592) which states:


Microsoft will push Windows Phone 7 software updates to end users and all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates.
No equivocation, no qualifiers. And because of Microsoft's strict control over the hardware standard we're unlikely to see oddball hardware configurations that don’t qualify for OS upgrades.

Since all Windows Phone 7 devices must meet the minimum hardware requirements (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/reviews/2010/10/windows-phone-7-the-ars-review.ars/), what "eligiblity" conditional are you worried about?

The Ars article says this same thing.


So if a software update is released for this hardware specification, for these first generation Windows Phone 7 devices, the software update will work for all of them.


I'm not seeing marketing speak there, I'm seeing technical speak.

[LiquidRain]

I'm just 100% sceptical of anything, especially when talking about carriers.

[MagGnome]

I'll have to do some research into these devices. My crappy Motorola phone is at death's door, and I qualify for an upgrade next month if I so choose. Part of me is starting to want the iPhone, but I don't want to switch to AT&T. I actually like T-Mobile. I don't understand why they are bashed so often, as I've had few problems compared to my friends on AT&T. I suppose it varies by region.

Android is an option, but the games seem to really be lacking. Win7Mobile is interesting, but I have many misgivings about WindowsMobile in general.

I'm even considering just getting a cheap, no thrills phone and buying an iPod Touch.

[J Arcane]

Mag: Wait until next year.

Apple's contract with AT&T is up at the end of the year, and T-Mobile has been dropping hints they might get a T-Mob iPhone.

[RandoM51]

The Windows 7 phones are failing just as hard as the Kin did.

[burger]

The Windows 7 phones are failing just as hard as the Kin did.

Highly unlikely given Kin was on the market for like 2 months. Microsoft has undoubtedly learned a ton since then.

It might ultimately fail but in no way will it fail as hard as the kin did.

[J Arcane]

I made the prediction elsewhere, but I'll state it again here: Windows 7 Phone will be the next WebOS.

[MagGnome]

That would be pretty cool! I'm still thinking about getting an Android phone as well, but I'm not sure.

Any idea of when the T-Mobile iPhone would hit?

[LiquidRain]

Then there's the leaked-today listing of the T-Mobile Google Nexus S...

[biosc1]

I made the prediction elsewhere, but I'll state it again here: Windows 7 Phone will be the next WebOS.

I thought WebOS 2.0 was the next WebOS...

I'm honestly at a loss for which phone to get...my iPhone 3G really needs to be replaced.

I'm torn between a Samsung Galaxy S or a Windows Phone 7 (if only for the nice Exchange integration).

Then I see the Nexus S shown above and I go...maybe I'll wait just a little longer.

[J Arcane]

That would be pretty cool!

It wasn't meant as a compliment. WebOS was exactly a rousing success, and the design, like WinMo7, favored flash over functionality to a crippling degree.

I'm still thinking about getting an Android phone as well, but I'm not sure.

Android's good. I'm worried about it's future though. There's two competing trends going right now in Android-land, and it really depends on who wins.

On the one hand, you've got the major phone makers and carriers abusing Android's lack of standards enforcement to introduce shit like proprietary carrier-only app stores and the ever present menace of 3rd party UIs.

On the other you've got the burgeoning tablet market, which pretty much dependent on Android's openness and some people say may become the next IBM PC, but at the same time, Google's policies cut them off from the Google apps, most importantly Market, forcing a good many of them to rely on poor-quality independent markets like SlideME.

It's kind of a mess, honestly, and I'm concerned where the whole thing is heading.

Any idea of when the T-Mobile iPhone would hit?

I would love to see it by Christmas, I think the contract's up by then, but I think we're more likely to see it the beginning of next year.

[MagGnome]

Then there's the leaked-today listing of the T-Mobile Google Nexus S...

Linky? Don't tease us like that. :p

[MagGnome]

It wasn't meant as a compliment. WebOS was exactly a rousing success, and the design, like WinMo7, favored flash over functionality to a crippling degree.

I should have used a quote. My "cool!" comment was in reference to T-Mobile getting the iPhone.

[J Arcane]

I should have used a quote. My "cool!" comment was in reference to T-Mobile getting the iPhone.
Ahh. Yeah. It could be. At least the thing will be out of AT&T's grasp, and the iPad and such will probably follow if that's the case.

Android does keep on growing, the advantage of being on more than one device, but it's also been up against a competitor that's only on one carrier.

With some direct competition, hopefully Android will stop just being "that thing people use when their carrier doesn't have iPhone", and they'll have to step things up over at Google HQ in terms of straightening out the market.

[MagGnome]

I really hope that Google steps things up with Android, as I think there is a LOT of untapped potential there. As you said, hopefully the iPhone coming to other carriers will push Google and other Android partners to pick up the pace.

An important question I just thought of regarding Windows Mobile 7 - would I be able to use third party e-mail and browser apps? Would I be forced to use MS' e-mail and Internet Explorer, or are there Gmail and Firefox apps available? I realize that I will be able to use Gmail regardless, but I'd rather have a phone that supports programs and services I already use extensively, which is one of the big pluses for Android.

That's really my problem - each of the three platforms (iPhone, Android, WinMo7) have features that appeal to me, while also lacking something that I like about one or both of the others. I wish there was a magical platform that had everything I wanted. That would make my decision a lot easier.

[LiquidRain]

Linky? Don't tease us like that. :p
Oh, I figured you'd just go to Engadget yourself, sorry. Tons of stories all over the place today:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/11/is-this-the-nexus-s/
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/11/google-nexus-s-is-the-samsung-gt-i9020/
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/11/this-is-the-nexus-s/

[J Arcane]

If you're a Google lover, it's hard to argue with Android. Having a Google account is like a requirement for Android anyway.

[MagGnome]

Oh, I figured you'd just go to Engadget yourself, sorry. Tons of stories all over the place today:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/11/is-this-the-nexus-s/
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/11/google-nexus-s-is-the-samsung-gt-i9020/
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/11/this-is-the-nexus-s/

Oh, sorry! I'm not really one to check those sites on a regular basis. I follow links from COG to articles on Engadget and other sites, but I don't just visit those sites myself...if that makes sense.


If you're a Google lover, it's hard to argue with Android. Having a Google account is like a requirement for Android anyway.

Yeah, that's why I'm tempted to go that route. If only Android had the game library that iOS does, the decision would be rather easy.

[Voodoo]

Yeah, that's why I'm tempted to go that route. If only Android had the game library that iOS does, the decision would be rather easy.

It is inevitable that Android will have a larger game library than iOS.

[MagGnome]

How is it inevitable? iOS is lightyears ahead of Android at this point.

I hear about iPhone and iPod Touch games all the time, but I never, ever hear about Android games.

[J Arcane]

How is it inevitable? iOS is lightyears ahead of Android at this point.

I hear about iPhone and iPod Touch games all the time, but I never, ever hear about Android games.
Android has the bigger market share now, and keeps growing.

Hell, Android finally topped RIM even.

[Voodoo]

How is it inevitable? iOS is lightyears ahead of Android at this point.

I hear about iPhone and iPod Touch games all the time, but I never, ever hear about Android games.
Ahead by light-years for now. iOS is at Warp 2 while Android is at Warp 9, perhaps even using transwarp. The overtake is inevitable. Plus, more and more countries get the ability to get payment-- the real Android reason games are currently fewer. Angry Birds is an excellent example.

[MagGnome]

I hope you guys are right! I'm awfully tempted to get an Android phone.

[Voodoo]

I hope you guys are right! I'm awfully tempted to get an Android phone.
I do not want to imagine in the future only iOS has the great games. I'm very positive about a future where iOS and Android gamers can play MP together. Then again, I am quite aware my hopeful attitude is rare. In the end, you are paying for the phone, so your choice. Best I can do is suggest what will most likely happen. I was right about PC Gaming after-all when many around me sang songs of doom. So, track record has been good. :)

[MagGnome]

Hey, you weren't the only one defending PC gaming! I was right there with you, remember? :p

[Stmfuller]

You shut your whore mouths about webOS, I love my pre...I just wish there was more development for it :(
That being said, I'll probably end up with an android phone sometime next year. That's all big red seems to push anymore.

[MagGnome]

I'm slowly reading through that article on Anandtech (what does that "word" even mean?). I just finished reading about the options for your phone that you can access online, including remotely finding the phone on a map, having it ring, locking the phone and displaying a "Please return to XXX" message, and even erasing the entire phone. Those are all awesome features, and other OS makers need to follow suit. Those would be invaluable if your phone was lost or stolen.

Does anyone know if Android and iOS have something similar?

[rein]

I'm slowly reading through that article on Anandtech (what does that "word" even mean?). I've often wondered what the An in Anandtech stands for. Actinon? Nah, that's probably not it.

I just finished reading about the options for your phone that you can access online, including remotely finding the phone on a map, having it ring, locking the phone and displaying a "Please return to XXX" message, and even erasing the entire phone. Those are all awesome features, and other OS makers need to follow suit. Those would be invaluable if your phone was lost or stolen.

Does anyone know if Android and iOS have something similar?Unless someone finds a way to hack it and can start randomly wiping phones. That would be bad.

[muddi900]

I'm slowly reading through that article on Anandtech (what does that "word" even mean?).

Anand is the name of the gentlemen who owns and operates the site.

[rein]

Anand is the name of the gentlemen who owns and operates the site.I feel really dumb now. I always thought it was ?? and Tech. :o

[MagGnome]

Unless someone finds a way to hack it and can start randomly wiping phones. That would be bad.

That's true, but I think the benefits of the features outweigh such a risk.


Anand is the name of the gentlemen who owns and operates the site.

What sort of background does that name come from? I don't think I've heard it before. Thanks for the heads up, by the way.


I feel really dumb now. I always thought it was ?? and Tech. :o

That's what I always thought as well. I figured it was some geek term that had escaped me.

[muddi900]

What sort of background does that name come from? I don't think I've heard it before. Thanks for the heads up, by the way.


He's Indian.

[burger]

I like their newest ad...my girlfriend has said this to me many times

EHlN21ebeak

[Wilkz07]

looking at getting the LG Quantum one. not sure i'd need a data plan as i can acess wifi at work and mainly want it for talk and xbox live games.

[MagGnome]

He's Indian.

Ah, that makes sense.

Reading that preview/review on Anandtech, it sounds like WinPho 7 (sounds almost like a Vietnamese restaurant, haha) has some really nice features in it. I'll probably still go Android, but Windows Phone 7 went from being something I would never even look at to a strong contender when I finally choose a smartphone.

Edit - I saw that commercial when I went to Paranormal Activity 2. I think it's very well done, and it actually rings true. Obviously the events in the commercial are exaggerated, but I've stopped going out to eat with a few of my friends because they spend a majority of there time on the phone - texting, checking Facebook, etc.

[MagGnome]

May I just say that the HTC Surround is awesome? The write up on Anandtech makes it sound like a wonderful little device, and the extended speaker and kickstand are such a great idea that I can't believe it isn't used more often! Turning the phone into a little stereo is genius!

Zune Pass is also a huge plus for Windows Phone. $14.99 a month for unlimited streaming (along with 10 permanent track downloads a month) is a pretty good deal.

[J Arcane]

Don't count on being able to use that SD Card in your Win7Phone: http://www.tomsguide.com/us/microSD-ATT-Windows-Phone-7-Focus-WP7-certified,news-8819.html

Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 OS will make permanent changes to an inserted microSD card, possibly preventing it from being read, written to, or formatted for use on another device.
...
Microsoft's own WP7 support docs also point out that the microSD card slot isn't meant for consumers to insert whatever they buy, but is intended to be used by the OEM that built the device and the wireless carrier that sells it.

...

However reports indicate that consumers are buying microSD cards anyway and are experiencing severe problems with the Samsung Focus, reducing performance to a crawl.

...

Samsung also added in its Focus documentation that any card inserted into the device "will no longer be readable or writable on any other devices such as computers, cameras, printers, and so on." Engadget backs up Samsung's documentation, reporting that a microSD card was "fried" after moving it in and back out of the Samsung phone.

Thanks to miah for the tweet.

[biosc1]

Dang, that's unfortunate. I had pretty much sold myself on that Samsung due to the ability to use the MicroSD card.

[MagGnome]

That's a really ridiculous thing to do on MS' part.

[biosc1]

Okay, I grabbed a Windows Phone 7 yesterday. The Samsung Focus through Rogers.

Initial impressions: I really like it. It's pretty slick and something you need to actually use before you can make an informed opinion on it. Some things are really nice (great e-mail support) and some are a little weird (the app list may appear to get out of control and I would like the option to group email accounts together).

It's really fast and you can get XBox Live achievements! Game and app selection isn't great yet, but the store seems to be growing exponentially. I'll be happy once the Kindle app gets released in the next couple of weeks.

The camera is great (then again, I'm upgrading from an iPhone 3G) and the integration with the Zune Marketplace (and wireless syncing!) sure beats iTunes in my mind.

The phone is very light....which is a pro and con because the back plate is plastic and not metal, so I worry about dropping the phone.

I still have a lot to explore with this phone, so I'll post some updates as I find new pros and cons :)


As for the MicroSD card issue...it's really a non-issue for this phone. This phone comes with 16GB internal memory (same as my iPhone) and I can add a microSD card at anytime quite easily by popping off the back cover. They do say that I should get a Samsung approved card, but the list of approved cards is pretty large and not just some rare unique cards.

[MagGnome]

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the phone. I was pretty tempted to go with a Windows 7 phone, mainly for the slick interface, Netflix streaming, and Zune pass. I'm really happy with my Android phone, but Windows 7 was quite tempting.

[biosc1]

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the phone. I was pretty tempted to go with a Windows 7 phone, mainly for the slick interface, Netflix streaming, and Zune pass. I'm really happy with my Android phone, but Windows 7 was quite tempting.

I was pretty much tied between choosing between the W7 Phone and Samsung's Android phone. Physically, they were pretty similar. The main deciding factor for me was the W7 Phone's Exchange server support (which is vital for me) and just the "different" experience. Whether I keep the phone for the full 3-year contract is up in the air. I'm almost tempted to get the Android phone and just swap the SIM on the weekends ;)

[MagGnome]

Android's integrated Gmail and Google support in general was one of the primary deciding factors for me, so I definitely understand wanting a Windows phone if you use Exchange.

As for having two phones, that's ridiculous. :p Just get an Android tablet instead.

[biosc1]

Actually, I toyed with the Samsung Galaxy Tab and it was pretty slick.

That really is a great idea. My wife picked up the iPhone 4, I grabbed the WP7, so adding an Android tablet would let me access all 3 operating systems :)

[MagGnome]

Then you could say that you are platform agnostic. :)

[biosc1]

Ha...So, apparently, the Zune marketplace does not sell music in Canada...

What the Hell? I guess I will have to find other means to find new music ;)

[MagGnome]

Seriously? Why even sell the phones in Canada if one of the biggest selling points (IMHO) isn't available?

[muddi900]

I think you overestimate the popularity of Zune. Its awesome, but nobody cares about it.

[MagGnome]

It was one of the big selling points to me, at any rate. Having a nice built in music store like that with the Zune pass is a big plus for WinMo7.

[Xerxes]

Did anyone end up getting one of these?

[biosc1]

Did anyone end up getting one of these?

I did...I enjoy it. I was just looking for something completely different and it delivered. I'm a pretty big Windows fan and use an Exchange server with work so that was a big selling feature for me.

I was kind of bored with the iPhone.

[Xerxes]

I did...I enjoy it. I was just looking for something completely different and it delivered. I'm a pretty big Windows fan and use an Exchange server with work so that was a big selling feature for me.

I was kind of bored with the iPhone.

Which phone did you end up with? At present I think my only option is the HD7.

[biosc1]

Samsung Focus. Pretty good phone. Took a bit to get used to it after coming from the iPhone, but I really like the touch buttons over the physical buttons on some of other W7 phones (ie..the LG)

[x Returner x]

I picked up the Focus as well. Hated my iPhone and I'm loving every thing about this phone and W7P

[Serapth]

The platform just became a whoooooollllllleeeeeeee lot more viable with todays announcement from Nokia. Seems like a silly thing to announce without a product to bring to market, but....

[bapenguin]

I picked up the Focus as well. Hated my iPhone and I'm loving every thing about this phone and W7P

You happen to get an SD card working in it? I'm tempted to pick up a Focus as well but would really like more storage and the SD card horror stories are scaring me away.

And yeah...todays announcement is pretty huge.

[MagGnome]

Well what's the announcement? :p

[burger]

Well what's the announcement? :p

Nokia and MS have joined forces

[MagGnome]

Really? That's interesting.

[biosc1]

grumble grumble...stupid phone.

My one and only complaint with my W7 Samsung Focus so far is build quality. Plastic back, plastic frame, plastic phone.

I drop the phone...it's what I do. Every time you drop this phone, though, the back pops off. When I say drop, I really mean the phone slips out of my coat pocket while I am trying my shoes, so it's a 1-2 foot drop max. On top of that, today the volume rocker button got jammed...ended up just pushing it in really hard. Also, this is hard to explain, but the headphone jack twisted a little and pushed the front screen out a bit...shutting off the phone until I could push it back in its spot with a screwdriver.

Having said all that...this phone is not only bigger than an iPhone, but it is half the weight of an iPhone. My wife's iPhone feels like a brick compared to this phone (which is both good and bad).

I don't blame W7 Phones...I blame Samsung.

[J Arcane]

I take it Nokia finally realized MeeGo iant going anywhere then?

[burger]

I take it Nokia finally realized MeeGo iant going anywhere then?

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop....

Elop clarified that MeeGo will ship this year but "not as part of another broad smarpthone platform strategy, but as an opportunity to learn." Something that sounds very similar to position Nokia took with its so-called "experimental" Maemo-based N900 last year. After the first (and apparently, only) MeeGo device ships this year, the MeeGo team will then "change their focus into an exploration of future platforms, future devices, future user experiences." Trying to determine the "next disruption" in smartphones.

Responding to "hope for a broad MeeGo-based ecosystem," Elop said that Nokia simply wasn't moving fast enough to effectively win and compete against Apple and Google. Windows Phone makes it a "three-horse race," something that Elop says is pleasing to the carriers he's been speaking with.

[boratika]

Every time you drop this phone, though, the back pops off.

That's kind of a good thing. That's kinetic energy being imparted to the back is energy not being used to, for example, smash up your screen.

[burger]

That's kind of a good thing. That's kinetic energy being imparted to the back is energy not being used to, for example, smash up your screen.

Epic rationalization!!!

There are other ways for the energy to be deflected and dissipated without the phone falling apart.

[biosc1]

It was an known issue of the phone before I bought it. Many mentioned the plastic backing felt cheap. The benefit truly is the weight.

[biosc1]

Finally got the March update that was released for the WP7 phone. Amazing how much faster it feels now. Games load up quite a bit quicker as well as my email accounts and web browser.

Cut and paste is now available and I think I like it better than the iPhone's implementation. It just feels quicker...then again, I had an iPhone 3G, so that may have been my problem with it.

Now, just need to wait for October for IE9 to become available on this phone, but it is looking good with HTML5 performance supposedly spanking the competition (according to the videos I've seen, at least).

[Xerxes]

I'm seriously considering a HD7 next month. In the name of development, in the reality of fun time with a new phone.

[biosc1]

I really enjoy mine. Has some pretty solid games and all the apps that I have for my W7 phone are better than the same apps on the iPhone. (ie. Kindle, CBC Hockey, IMDB, Netflix, etc).

It's strange now, when I use my wife's iPhone, I feel lost. Took a bit to get used to the layout/gestures on the W7 phone, but now I can't go back.

[Xerxes]

I really enjoy mine. Has some pretty solid games and all the apps that I have for my W7 phone are better than the same apps on the iPhone. (ie. Kindle, CBC Hockey, IMDB, Netflix, etc).

It's strange now, when I use my wife's iPhone, I feel lost. Took a bit to get used to the layout/gestures on the W7 phone, but now I can't go back.

Did they ever fix the issue with the camera constantly going back to default settings?

[biosc1]

Did they ever fix the issue with the camera constantly going back to default settings?

Not yet, no. Supposedly the Fall update that brings IE9 will solve that.

[Xerxes]

Not yet, no. Supposedly the Fall update that brings IE9 will solve that.

Things just keep getting better. I might wait another month. Still learning C#. :D

[biosc1]

Their dev-kit is pretty nice. A little easier for me to tinker with than the Apple one.

[Xerxes]

Their dev-kit is pretty nice. A little easier for me to tinker with than the Apple one.

I've actually tinkered with it in VS 2010. Just found out the school had a free Pro version for staff. Beats learning on Visual C# Express.

[Serapth]

I've actually tinkered with it in VS 2010. Just found out the school had a free Pro version for staff. Beats learning on Visual C# Express.

In many ways, it doesn't. Vs has literally thousands of features you don't need to learn.

[Xerxes]

In many ways, it doesn't. Vs has literally thousands of features you don't need to learn.

Like Homer said about church. I don't have to, but I get to. I'm using the Head First C# book (although I have several others) and hopefully it doesn't steer me wrong.

Funny thing is I just want to make another production app, Email/Tasks/Calendar. I haven't seen my way down before so I'm still holding out hope. Friend of mines told me it sounded like a bitch to make but doable. Might be out of range for a while.

[Serapth]

Like Homer said about church. I don't have to, but I get to. I'm using the Head First C# book (although I have several others) and hopefully it doesn't steer me wrong.

Funny thing is I just want to make another production app, Email/Tasks/Calendar. I haven't seen my way down before so I'm still holding out hope. Friend of mines told me it sounded like a bitch to make but doable. Might be out of range for a while.

Aim big, fail large!


I actually disagree with that completely, but nothing helps you learn better than having a defined end result.

My biggest gotcha with Silverlight/WP7 is XAML. I really just don't like it, but then I was raised on much different. I just happen to think the native way ( OWL/MFC/WIN32/WinForms/etc... ) was superior to the web way ( HTML ), which basically XAML emulated.

But when it comes to multi resolution phones, it is pretty handy I will admit.

[Xerxes]

Well I'm aiming at being able to put a simple calender/tasks list/email client program together. I'd like to think from the crap I learned in VB so long ago, something simple shouldn't be to hard. Then we'll have to work on layering it with the links and filters other shenanigans. In my head I can see what this app looks like and how it behaves. I just need to know how to put it together. I could try to get some help making it, but it's my shot at passive income.

That way I don't see it as too big. I wish I would of focused on learning long ago. I've done hello world on so many languages and platforms. But that's so small.

It's funny you mention Silverlight. Well studying a little side research made me think, "ah, should look into that afterwards." But realistically I probably shouldn't be rushing into it.

Serapth, you're a programmer. Why does WP7 have trouble attracting developers? I seen that in some articles headline on my rss feed but couldn't find the article when I had time for it.

[Serapth]

Well I'm aiming at being able to put a simple calender/tasks list/email client program together. I'd like to think from the crap I learned in VB so long ago, something simple shouldn't be to hard. Then we'll have to work on layering it with the links and filters other shenanigans. In my head I can see what this app looks like and how it behaves. I just need to know how to put it together. I could try to get some help making it, but it's my shot at passive income.

That way I don't see it as too big. I wish I would of focused on learning long ago. I've done hello world on so many languages and platforms. But that's so small.

It's funny you mention Silverlight. Well studying a little side research made me think, "ah, should look into that afterwards." But realistically I probably shouldn't be rushing into it.

Serapth, you're a programmer. Why does WP7 have trouble attracting developers? I seen that in some articles headline on my rss feed but couldn't find the article when I had time for it.

I mention Silverlight because, well basically, thats what WP7 is targeting. Its the compact framework + XAML which essentially is what silverlight is.

As to why WP7 is failing to attract developers, there are a couple reasons... and I should really make this a blog post (http://www.gamefromscratch.com) which I may at some point... but really there are a couple reasons.

1- the biggest reason, the install base is shit. Why target WP7 when iOS devices represent 10-50x the market, depending what numbers you factor.
2- no native code. This was a mindfuck decision from Microsoft, but that you have to work in their sandbox is just silly. With iOS and now Android, you can natively develop for the device in C/C++. In my opinion working in either of these languages these days is akin to pulling out your toe nails one at a time, but reality is thats what the vast majority of major tools are written in/for. This means porting engines in C/C++ to these devices isn't an overwhelming task. This means Unity, Unreal, Doom/Quake/whatever its called/Ogre/etc... and various tools like Havok can all be ported to work on these devices with minimal effort. Plus native code, written well is faster. The lack of native code support from day one really was to WP7's detriment.
3- see 1, as its mostly about install base. It's the same reason WebOS and Blackberry tablet ( QNX ) both have fuck all for support too. Why put the work in when returns are so poor.


Personally I would love to develop for Windows Phone 7... MS gets development tools in a way no others do, and the learning curve is soooo much smaller, and unlike Android/Google, its not fucking amateur hour when it comes to developer documentation/support/back and foreword compatibility etc... [although MS has gotten worse in this regard lately] But truth is, the small install base really does make it an unlikely prospect. Also, the lack of native code makes it so there isn't a Unity option for WP7, so thats a dead end.



In the end though, the Nokia deal could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Easily making the install base bump they are currently lacking. Once that happens, its a very interesting market.

Myself as a developer, I would soooooo rather use Microsofts tool chain than XCode or Eclipse/Java. Monotouch is a very nice option for C# developers on iOS devices, but Apples arbitrary abuse of EULA's is disconcerting... and frankly the integration still isnt as nice, especially when it comes to GUI tasks. That and it costs 400 bucks.

Oh and for the record, Unity is built around Monotouch.

[Xerxes]

See, I understand the install base factor. However, I would think that plus the absence of much competition would give you ground to standout.

My friend was telling me about Mono but I told him will have to save that for another day. That actually started me thinking on maybe I should look into HTML5/JavaScript/CS5 for app making.

I've got my hands on about 30 books covering Java, Programmings, C#, Silverlight, HTML5/JavaScript/CS5. I'm just trying to stick with this one thing.

[Serapth]

See, I understand the install base factor. However, I would think that plus the absence of much competition would give you ground to standout.

My friend was telling me about Mono but I told him will have to save that for another day. That actually started me thinking on maybe I should look into HTML5/JavaScript/CS5 for app making.

I've got my hands on about 30 books covering Java, Programmings, C#, Silverlight, HTML5/JavaScript/CS5. I'm just trying to stick with this one thing.

That is key... in the land of computer science there are too many shiny objects to distract you!

Sounds like you have a prior foundation in programming. In that case, C# is a very good choice, and frankly WP7, with the tools and emulators available, is probably as good as anywhere to begin. You can create full feature mobile apps in many less steps than a destop or even web based app.

Mono is something to regard in the future, but basically its just a subset of C#/CLR/.netFramework to target non supported devices. In most cases, if you know C#, you know Mono, although the tools are nowhere near as intuitive ( but getting better ).

HTML5/CSS frankly is a moving target, and Javascript while popular is a bit of a hack of a language. It works and thus it thrives, but I wouldn't learn with it. HTML5 hasn't been nailed down, and CSS frankly, is the work of the devil. Plus there is this weird trend the past several years of trying to make HTML the language of choice for everything, which is fucking retarded. Writing a game in HTML is about as smart as screwing a screw with a hammer. You can probably do it, but why?

Plus with each iteration, and trust me, I have been in this world WAYYYYY too long, each HTML version and CSS ( especially CSS, fuck CSS, fuck it in the ear! ), is getting more complex and less compliant, so you spend more and more and more time working across platform, which was the entire idea behind the languages in the first place.



Again, CSS is a hateful thing, designed by hateful beings to inspire weak willed programmers to commit suicide.

[biosc1]

Big shiny update to be revealed next week. This site has a good summary of everything:

http://www.liveside.net/2011/05/17/what-to-expect-from-the-windows-phone-7-5-vip-event-next-week/

First, the confirmed features Microsoft itself announced:
Third-party Multi-tasking
Twitter integration in People Hub
Office 365 and SkyDrive support in Office Hub
Internet Explorer 9 Mobile
Improved application discovery
Custom ringtones support
Over-the-air Podcasts Download
Better marketplace navigation
Bing Search "Extras"
Multiple Live Tiles per app
Revamped Games Hub
Expanded language support
Configurable background services
Pinnable email folders and conversation view
Microsoft Lync Mobile app
1500+ New APIs (Motion Sensor, Gyro, Sockets, Database and more)
Private and Beta Marketplace and Parental Controls
Exchange Server email search, enhanced security and information rights management, and support for hidden WiFi networks

Next, the leaked features, which may not actually exist:
Bing Vision and Bing Audio
Turn-by-turn Navigation
SMS Dictation
Built-in Messenger and Facebook Chat in Messaging and People Hub
Automatic Games Sync via Xbox LIVE
Group Messaging
Artist Art on Lock Screen
Smart DJ Mix support
Camera shutter sound toggle
Built-in Facebook check-in and video upload support
Visual Voicemail

[Xerxes]

Now if only MS gave me a 360 for buying one. :)

I tried a launcher that looks wp7. I like it. If I didn't build a computer, I'd have by now

Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk

[muddi900]

Custom ringtones support


Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...


:(

[Xerxes]

Can you even do that with iPhones? Everyone runs around with the same default tune.

Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk

[J Arcane]

Can you even do that with iPhones? Everyone runs around with the same default tune.

Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Yes, you can. (http://www.demogeek.com/2009/07/31/how-to-add-custom-ringtones-to-your-iphone/)

[Xerxes]

Yes, you can. (http://www.demogeek.com/2009/07/31/how-to-add-custom-ringtones-to-your-iphone/)

So they all keep that same ringtone on purpose. Ugh

[J Arcane]

So they all keep that same ringtone on purpose. Ugh
In fairness, it's a pretty convoluted technique, so I don't blame anyone for not bothering with it. I didn't bother with it after my first Android phone either.

[Xerxes]

In fairness, it's a pretty convoluted technique, so I don't blame anyone for not bothering with it. I didn't bother with it after my first Android phone either.

There was a app I think, something like Ringoid that made it simple.

[J Arcane]

There was a app I think, something like Ringoid that made it simple.
The file explorer I used had a long-click option to "add as ringtone" but the OS only seemed to recognize the addition about half the time, if you were lucky. I just learned to like the default.

[biosc1]

Ringtone with my iPhone involved editing something in Audacity down to 30 seconds, then formating as an .mpr file (or something) and then copying over.

I was pretty disappointed it wasn't included on my W7 phone, but it does have like 30 different ringtones to choose from.

I'm really hoping it allows for custom text-tones as well. I recall the iPhone was a little flaky in that regard because you had to overwrite an existing tone.

[Xerxes]

In truth, I guess I should have expected as much. They are trying to walk a hybrid line of phones, but still mostly trying to handle things like Apple. Just moving slower. Although as they are finally catching up with other current phone OSs, I guess they are moving pretty fast.

[LiquidRain]

I've never used anything Android except Cyanogenmod; but I don't think it's too convulted to pop MP3, WMA, WAV, or Vorbis files into a folder called media/notifications on my Android's SD card and then use a normal pop-up list to select a tone. O_o Is stock Android or its retarded Samsung/HTC/Motorola modifications that convoluted?

(damn am I glad I have a hackable phone)

[Serapth]

I've never used anything Android except Cyanogenmod; but I don't think it's too convulted to pop MP3, WMA, WAV, or Vorbis files into a folder called media/notifications on my Android's SD card and then use a normal pop-up list to select a tone. O_o Is stock Android or its retarded Samsung/HTC/Motorola modifications that convoluted?

(damn am I glad I have a hackable phone)

For the record, I believe every single android phones default behavior is to mount the SD card as a drive letter when attached to a PC. This has been the case with the 4 i've tried thus far anyways.

That said, to be honest for the average user, that process is extremely non-intuitive.

[muddi900]

You know you can set any compatible video as a 'ringtone' in some nokia phones. Smartphones have become dumber in the past few years.

[LiquidRain]

Nokia is the king of adding useless neat features like that wrapped in totally unfriendly UIs though. (speaking as a former heavy Nokia fan who had and then sold his N8)

(and by golly I still miss that phone, I wish an Android phone would come close to its build quality and hardware features)

[biosc1]

Have you seen this?

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1558/11x02119978bv620x503.jpg

[Xerxes]

I think that's an old mock up of what we might be in store for.

[wsuhoey]

I just bought my first smartphone - a Samsung Focus.
I'm still pretty excited about having it and am still loading up on apps and such.
I did a lot of research on existing Windows Phones and in pretty much all cases, the Samsung Focus came out on top.

Any particular app suggestions? Assume that I have none of them (even though I probably do). What are your favorites? How about this:

List your top 10 favorite Windows Phone 7 apps. GO!

[muddi900]

Nokia is the king of adding useless neat features like that wrapped in totally unfriendly UIs though. (speaking as a former heavy Nokia fan who had and then sold his N8)

(and by golly I still miss that phone, I wish an Android phone would come close to its build quality and hardware features)

See using custom ringtones should not be announced at a press event, but added silently to avoid shame. I was using custom ringtones on my Nokia 3310 10 YEARS AGO! I mean Apple shipped a phone that did not forward text messages...when that even became acceptable!

http://www.cameraphonesplaza.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/nokia-3310.jpg

[Xerxes]

See using custom ringtones should not be announced at a press event, but added silently to avoid shame. I was using custom ringtones on my Nokia 3310 10 YEARS AGO! I mean Apple shipped a phone that did not forward text messages...when that even became acceptable!

http://www.cameraphonesplaza.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/nokia-3310.jpg
Now, that you mention it's kind of funny. I think it's mainly the catching up that's making them bring attention to stuff like that. Mango should bring them all the way up to speed I think.

[biosc1]

I just bought my first smartphone - a Samsung Focus.
I'm still pretty excited about having it and am still loading up on apps and such.
I did a lot of research on existing Windows Phones and in pretty much all cases, the Samsung Focus came out on top.

Any particular app suggestions? Assume that I have none of them (even though I probably do). What are your favorites? How about this:

List your top 10 favorite Windows Phone 7 apps. GO!

Enjoy your Focus, I have the same one. It'll really grow on you to the point that you'll find using the interface on an iPhone/Android to be annoying. It's nothing against those interfaces, it's just that this one is so much different, but you really get used to it.

The apps I use the most:


Amazon Kindle
Board Express Pro
IMDb
LindyReader
Netflix
NextGen Reader
OpenTable
Slacker
The Globe and Mail
TWiT
TuneIn Radio
Weather (The Weather Channel)


Games (some ideas). They all have trials.


Flowerz
Fruit Ninja
I Dig It
Flight Control / Harbour Master
Logic Games
Solitaire (surprisingly addictive)
The Harvest
Zombies!!!
NinjaBoy (free)
Unite (free)

[n3rdXcore]

I have a Samsung Focus too. The apps I like:

Adobe Reader
ESPN ScoreCenter
OneBusAway
WikiPanda
YouTube

[muddi900]

Are there any decent games on it?

[wsuhoey]

I've been searching for an app that will contain recipes. I see apps that connect to online database of recipes, which isn't exactly what I'm looking for. I want to be able to enter in my own recipes with ingredients and instructions. Any ideas?

[J Arcane]

Mark Bittman's book is available in app form, but his recipes have been hit and miss for me.

[wsuhoey]

Looks like BigOven can kind of do what I want.

[J Arcane]

I also use the Epicurious app, which is similar to BigOven. I have Mario Batali's app as well, which has some good recipes, but painfully few of them.

There are also apps from Ruhlman, for Ratio and one for making bread I think it was. Not really recipe books per se, so much as tools for making recipes.

[MalReynolds]

According to third party reports, Microsoft makes more on Android operating system phones sold then its very own Windows Phone 7 platform. It is believed that certain manufacturers must pay MS royalties of anywhere between $5 and $12.50 depending on the Android phone sold. The royalties are due to the settlement of a patent dispute.

insane.. MS is making money off Android

[BabyJesus]

Just got a HTC Trophy, like it so far. Wish they would allow me to block out facebook contacts, but otherwise very slick. Miss a few things from android, but hopefully MS can get off their ass and get moving on Mango.

I had a thunderbolt, and while nice overall and fast as hell network when I was in 4g its a buggy mess. Stupid things like earpiece volume blowing your eardrum out because it was reset to max volume every call, random times when the battery would just have some app(not listed in battery stats) would drain the battery 20-30% an hour... I just decided I wanted a stable phone with some games to play and some nice social integration.

[biosc1]

Great (maybe) new app for the W7 phone called Touch Studio (http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/windows_phone_7_app_week_touchstudio).

It's something MS released that will allow you to write scripts for your phone. It lets you have some pretty good access to your device. Haven't investigated it too deeply, but I expect some neat scripts to be coming soon.

[biosc1]

Not the most inspiring of videos:

0Mdv6-AdVfo

More here: http://www.1800pocketpc.com/2011/06/07/windowsphone-xbox-live-games-e3-2011.html

[wsuhoey]

Looks like no one posted this, so I will:

Mango is RTM (http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2011/07/26/windows-phone-mango-released-to-manufacturing.aspx) as of 07/26/2011.

[biosc1]

Looks like no one posted this, so I will:

Mango is RTM (http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2011/07/26/windows-phone-mango-released-to-manufacturing.aspx) as of 07/26/2011.

I know...looks great. I cannot wait. Supposed to hit early September.

[Xerxes]

Necro...

So what's the word on Window Phone 8

[biosc1]

Necro...

So what's the word on Window Phone 8

From what I've heard, it's it's a 720p display, dual-core Snapdragon chip (ie. HTC One X equivalent), and 12MP camera...so far...

[Xerxes]

I meant the OS. It would be cool if Samsung made a Window Phone 8 phablet like the Galaxy Note.

[biosc1]

I would imagine the metro interface will stay the same except the main rumour in that regard is the removal of its reliance on Zune software. It'll have a more direct connection to Windows 8.