Microsoft Releases ‘Switch to Windows Phone’ Android App

One of the ongoing criticisms of Windows Phone 8 or specifically, the Windows Phone Store, is that it lacks apps. Aside from the gaping gap where many feel Instagram should reside, the platform is still without basic necessities like banking apps, and considering more and more mobile device owners use their gadgets to move money between accounts and whatnot, Windows Phone simply doesn’t cut the mustard for some.

Microsoft cannot pull these missing apps out of thin air, but at least, with the Switch to Windows Phone app, it can present its platform as a welcoming, accommodating, and (aside from the gaps) very capable one.

Having used Windows Phone 8 quite a bit over the past few months via the Lumia 820, I have been impressed with how it runs, the intuitive interface, and seamless customization. But as a daily runner, it’s not viable until the aforementioned issue is addressed, and as beautiful as it may be, its shortcomings make it feel like a promising work in progress at times.

But hey, those are just my opinions, and if you’re somewhat enticed by the whole Windows Phone 8 vibe, the Switch to Windows Phone app will certainly be of assistance. It provides an apps search engine which, powered by Quixey, looks to source alternatives for Windows Phone to the ones you currently use on Android. If the corresponding version of the app is available already (i.e. Facebook), then it selects that, but if not, it will instead index something similar.

The Switch to Windows Phone app is highly recommended to those users who are willing to make the jump to Windows Phone 8, otherwise you can take it for a spin, it’s free, anyways.

The App is available on the Google Play Store 

Go check it Out if you are planning to switch from Android to Windows Phone

Twitter Launches Twitter Music

Twitter has launched a service that lets people find music they like and tweet songs from iTunes, Spotify and Rdio. The app is available for download from Apple's online store and online via Web.

The service uses information from Twitter chatter to detect popular tracks as well as new artists. Users who follow musicians can see other artists those musicians follow and can listen to 30-second clips of songs by them.

While users can tweet what they're listening to and add a few characters of comment, they have to go back to the regular Twitter app for normal Twitter functions. However, the people you're following and who's following you are integrated across both apps.

The service is only available in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

You can download Twitter #music from the App Store today, or enjoy the web version, here music.twitter.com

A Prototype of Microsoft Smartwatch

A source familiar with the development of Microsoft’s Xbox has spoken with The Verge this week, noting that development of a smartwatch is indeed in the works right now. Sources note that a wrist-worn device has been in development by Microsoft for just over a year, and that this machine wont just be a companion for the gaming console.

Stacking up the tips and suggestions made throughout this month thus far, you’ll find this smartwatch to be working with a 1.5-inch touchscreen display, the possibility of gesture/motion control, and a re-use of the same connectors used for the Microsoft Surface tablets. With these connectors you’ll be able to pick your watch face up, place it down in a special tray, and let it charge all night long.


This connectivity might not make it past the prototype stage and, based on what we understand thus far, the entire watch might stay a prototype into the future as well. Have a peek at the timeline below to see additional clues, bits, and pieces leading to the final product sooner than later.

Source: slashgear

Google's Motorolla Unit Reported On Working On A New Superphone

Google’s Motorola Mobility unit is reportedly working on a new superphone dubbed the “Motorola X.” It might be delayed until August, but Google’s Eric Schmidt said the company has plenty of other compelling products to wow consumers.

Motorola Mobility has a new set of products, which are phenomenal”, Schmidt said during Mobile conference on Tuesday. “Very, very impressive.” What exactly can consumers expect? Schmidt said we can “think of it has phones plus,” which suggests that we’re looking at either multiple products, such as phones, tablets and maybe a smartwatch, or a phone that adds features no other smartphone has offered before.

Google and Motorola will likely unveil the new set of products during the Google I/O developer conference next month.

Source: AllThingsD 

Google Glass Specs Announced

Google has finally published the full technical specifications of Glass, alongside Mirror API for apps, and MyGlass companion app for Android on the Google Play Store.

According to the official specs, Google Glass features a 640 x 360 display which is equivalent to that of a 25-inch high definition screen from around eight feet away. It sports a 5 megapixel camera which can record videos in 720p HD. It also houses 16GB of flash storage, which is synced with Google cloud storage, although only 12GB of useable memory will be available on board for actual use.

Interestingly enough, the battery life on Glass will last you “one full day of typical use” but doing things such as recording videos and Google Hangouts will drain it faster. It supports connectivity via 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interface, and will be compatible to work with any Bluetooth capable phone.

List of the full specs are listed below;

Fit

• Adjustable nosepads and durable frame fits any face.
• Extra nosepads in two sizes.

Display

High resolution display is the equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away.

Camera

• Photos – 5 MP
• Videos – 720p

Audio

• Bone Conduction Transducer

Connectivity

• Wifi – 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth

Storage

• 12 GB of usable memory, synced with Google cloud storage. 16 GB Flash total.

Battery

One full day of typical use. Some features, like Hangouts and video recording, are more battery intensive.

Charger

• Included Micro USB cable and charger.

While there are thousands of Micro USB chargers out there, Glass is designed and tested with the included charger in mind. Use it and preserve long and prosperous Glass use.

Compatibility

• Any Bluetooth-capable phone.
• The MyGlass companion app requires Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher. MyGlass enables GPS and SMS messaging.

Also available today on the Play Store is the MyGlass companion app for Android which requires devices running Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich and above. This app basically allows you to manage and configure your futuristic Glass frames right from your Android phone. Google also cheekily reminds us that the app does nothing if you don’t have a Glass unit. MyGlass companion app for Android can be downloaded now from Play Store.

What do you think about it? Are you getting the Glass? Let me know your mind below.

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