Sony Mobile to launch Windows Phones

Sony Mobile Communications has decided to launch ODM models of Windows Phone 8-based smartphones, while concentrating its R&D efforts on Android and Firefox models, according to industry sources.

Through the cooperation deal, Sony Mobile aims to sell its WP8 phone to telecom operators in the US, while Microsoft aims to tap the Japan market in order to expand the global share of WP8 phones, said the sources.

Sony Mobile and Taiwan-based ODM Compal Communications have nailed down orders for 1-2 models, with an additional 2-3 models still under discussion, noted the sources, adding that order volumes for the initial 1-2 models will reach only tens of thousands of units each.

Global sales of WP8 phones are expected to top 50 million units in 2014, accounting for 4% of total global smartphone sales in the year, the sources estimated.

Nokia will account for 90% of WP8 phone shipments in 2014, and other vendors including Sony Mobile, HTC, Samsung Electronics and Huawei will share the remaining 10%, added the sources.

Source

Nokia Lumia 1020 specs leak onto the internet

The new Windows Phone 8 powered Nokia Lumia 1020 features a 1.5 Ghz dual-core Snapdragon, 41 megapixel 6-lens camera, OIS, 3x zoom, Xenon flash, 2GB of RAM, and a 2000Mah battery.

Full Details Below;

Networks
GSM: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz
WCDMA: 2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz
LTE network bands 1, 3, 7, 20, 8
HSPA+ DL Cat 24, Dual Carrier 42.1 Mbps/UL Cat5.76 Mbps
Here Location and Mapping Service: Free global HERE Maps and HERE Drive+, free HERE transit available in the store

Memory
2GB RAM, 32GB internal user memory, 7GB Skydrive cloud storage

Display
4.5 inch AMOLED WXGA (1280 x 768) 2.5D sculpted glass Gorilla Glass 3, PureMotion HD+ ClearBlack, High Brightness Mode, Sunlight readability, Super sensitive touch for nail and glove usage

Processor
1.5 Ghz dual-core Snapdragon (no word on which snapdragon processor though)

Rear Camera
PureView 41 MP sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Backside-illuminated image sensor, 6 lens optics, High resolution zoom 3x, Autofocus, Xenon Flash, LED for video, 1080p video at 30 fps, Includes Nokia Pro Camera mode and Nokia Smart Camera Mode.

Front Camera
HD 1.2 Megapixel wide angle

Size
130.4 x 71.4 x 10.4 mm

Weight
158 grams

Connectivity
USB 2.0, BT 3.0, NFC with SIM based security, WLAN a/b/g/n, A-GPS and Glonass, 3.5 mm audio connector

Battery
2000 mAh battery, Wireless Charging supported via accessory cover

Audio
IHF speakers, 2 microphones, HD voice compliant, 3.5mm AV connector

Colors
Yellow, White, Black

Operating times
Maximum talk time (3G): 13.3 h
Standby time: 16 Days
Video Playback time: 6.8 hours
Music Playback time: 63 hours

Source

Skype Updated to v2.5 for Windows Phone 8

Microsoft has rolled out an update to its Skype app for Windows Phone 8 users. Microsoft recently added HD video support to Skype 2.4 for Windows Phone 8, and now the company has rolled out several fixes to the app and bumping the version to 2.5.

The only new feature in Skype 2.5 for Windows Phone 8 is the default enabling of Message notifications for Messenger buddies. Other than that, we see a lot of general improvements. Skype no longer crashes on startup for some users who signed in via a Microsoft Account. Contact names in Messages are no longer separated with 20% rather than space.

The Video call button is no longer disabled after accepting incoming contact request. The occasional stretching of full screen local video preview has been resolved. And finally, the update features a fix to the occasional zooming in of incoming 720p video on portrait mode.

It also seems that Skype 2.5 for Windows Phone 8 is no longer considered a preview or beta version, as the "preview" tag has been dropped.

If you already have skype installed, update it via the device update else you might want to download via the link below.
Download Skype 2.5
Enjoy.

Source

Windows Blue Confirmed

Finally, Windows Blue looked to be confirmed by Microsoft as they post a new job opening on the Microsoft Careers Website.

According to the post, The Core Experience team in Windows Sustained Engineering (WinSE) is involved in making improvements to the start screen, application lifecycle, windowing and personalization. Windows Blue will "build on and improve" these OS components.

it stated :- "We’re looking for an excellent, experienced SDET to join the Core Experience team in Windows Sustained Engineering (WinSE). The Core Experience features are the centerpiece of the new Windows UI, representing most of what customers touch and see in the OS, including: the start screen; application lifecycle; windowing; and personalization. Windows Blue promises to build and improve upon these aspects of the OS, enhancing ease of use and the overall user experience on devices and PCs worldwide."

Blue is the codename for the next wave of Windows-related operating system and services updates from Microsoft. There will be a Blue update to Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows Phone 8 and the Windows Services like Hotmail and SkyDrive and more.

On the Windows and Windows Phone fronts, Blue is expected to include new features and even new programming interfaces designed to bring the different flavors of Windows closer together, from an app model/development model perspective.

Windows Blue appears to be a wide-spread update that Windows 8 and Windows Phone will receive, there is no exact date for the upgrade as of yet, but many are speculating something to be released in mid-2013.

Source: zdnet
Via: Winbeta

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Microsoft Combines with Huawei to unveil Windows Phone for Africa

Microsoft and Huawei have announced a new Windows Phone designed just for Africa called the "Huawei 4Afrika," part of a new Microsoft initiative called "4Afrika Initiative."

The phone has been designed specifically as an affordable option for students, small businesses, developers, and first-time smartphone owners, the Huawei 4Afrika with Windows Phone 8 will make its debut later this month in seven countries: Angola, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. The phone is available in blue, red, black, and white colors.

It has a 4-inch 480 x 800 display, dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor, front and rear-facing cameras, 10mm case, and 4GB of internal storage and a whooping 420 hours of standby time thanks to its inbuilt power saving technology.

The phone also comes preloaded with custom apps created by African developers for African consumers and feature a market-specific store within the larger Windows Phone Store for downloading locally-relevant apps and content.

Source
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