Window 8 Phone musings - any opinions greatly appreciated!

glennc

New Member
Member
Messages
241
Hello to all,
For various reasons I have not purchased a smartphone until now and only to run Windows. I am currently running W 7.5 on a Samsung Flash. As this is my first smartphone I don't know the concept well and have some questions.
It appears as if I am stuck with IE. I am unable to install, at least to the best of my knowledge AV/Firewall/Malware and anti-tracking software. Thus this is a limited feature for me. I won't be writing letters or spreadsheets so the MSoffice is not required. Since I leave the GPS turned off unless specifically needed, this is a feature I like for the occasional map and maybe the Scout.
I was hoping that with the release of Windows 8, that it being a all platform OS, that programs like Firefox, TBird, AV's and such would be usable on the phone. Is this naive speculation? Personally don't like my phone and address books unprotected. I would like to connect to non-home networks but first don't know how and 2nd it doesn't seem prudent.
So is anywhere near reality care if my phone is upgradeable to Windows 8 and the hope of some future protection as on my home computer. I am currently using W8 RP on my secondary box.
Please all opinions, speculations, explanations and such solicited!
Glenn
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Traditionally, most phone browser are susceptible to malware attacks, except with android, but that's with no regulation in the app store. Also, malware isn't really coded as of late for ARM or SoC systems quite often. Basically, chances are slim for malware attacks. And I believe the mobile IE9 has security features built in.

As for Windows Phone 8, it's a big change. If you have security concerns, IE 10 will feature SmartScreen as the desktop browser does and has the same security features to protect against malware as the desktop browser. I'm personally hoping for IE 10 for Windows Phone 7.8 since that will outdo all the mobile browsers that are currently out there and in development. Third party browsers may actually come to Windows Phone 8, since Windows 8 and Phone 8 has the same core so that means an app built for Windows 8 will be ridiculously easy to port over to Windows Phone. I have the Nokia Lumia 900 running Windows Phone 7.5 and we'll both should be getting the 7.8 update that will provide the user experience of WP 8's new Start Screen and possibly some other features that aren't hardware dependent like built in Skyping and the Wallet Hub. Honestly, if you need NFC support or if you're a serious mobile gamer, there isn't a huge need for Windows Phone 8 devices. Some people are losing their crap because they can't get Windows Phone 8 in entirety just because they don't have a dual core processor and whatnot. I personally don't get it since android 4 can't ever be installed on an android 2 phone EVER since google will never support that or take time to do that. Microsoft is actually still supporting their existing customer more than google and more than apple.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Traditionally, most phone browser are susceptible to malware attacks, except with android, but that's with no regulation in the app store. Also, malware isn't really coded as of late for ARM or SoC systems quite often. Basically, chances are slim for malware attacks. And I believe the mobile IE9 has security features built in.

As for Windows Phone 8, it's a big change. If you have security concerns, IE 10 will feature SmartScreen as the desktop browser does and has the same security features to protect against malware as the desktop browser. I'm personally hoping for IE 10 for Windows Phone 7.8 since that will outdo all the mobile browsers that are currently out there and in development. Third party browsers may actually come to Windows Phone 8, since Windows 8 and Phone 8 has the same core so that means an app built for Windows 8 will be ridiculously easy to port over to Windows Phone. I have the Nokia Lumia 900 running Windows Phone 7.5 and we'll both should be getting the 7.8 update that will provide the user experience of WP 8's new Start Screen and possibly some other features that aren't hardware dependent like built in Skyping and the Wallet Hub. Honestly, if you need NFC support or if you're a serious mobile gamer, there isn't a huge need for Windows Phone 8 devices. Some people are losing their crap because they can't get Windows Phone 8 in entirety just because they don't have a dual core processor and whatnot. I personally don't get it since android 4 can't ever be installed on an android 2 phone EVER since google will never support that or take time to do that. Microsoft is actually still supporting their existing customer more than google and more than apple.

Many thanks as well as a hello Coke Robot,
Being so new to the smartphone experience and getting one has opened a bunch of unanswered questions. Thanks for clarifying
some of the issues. So I have W8 on a computer where IMHO it doesn't show it's metro well and a phone that won't accept is. Looks like I got it turned around. Are there phones that are declared and available as Windows 8 upgradeable?
Maybe you might inform me on a few other issues....... If I turn off the GPS on my phone, I have been told by one salesman that the phone will still transmit it's location via satellite to ATT as required by law and made reputedly only available to Law Enforcement agencies. They also said that if I get outside of cellular range that the text, calls and email would all be transmitted to the satellite and still keep running normally. Another of the same company stated that if turned off, the GPS will not transmit at all, but the cellular towers would be used by ATT and reputedly law enforcement agencies to track the phone's location and that if outside of cellular tower range, no voice, mail or text would be available even with the phone's GPS locator turned on as this can not be used to transmit data only location information. The techs via phone support were equally unsure of either of the above being true or not.
Secondly I have been told that a non-smartphone which can access the internet at reduced rates, uses cellular towers to be used in the map applications and such. It can not (Pantech Link) geotag a photo as it has or does not have GPS and/or the technology to access it and add it to photos taken with it's phone, even if it does have a GPS.
So I am continually confused about my situation. I have been told that Android has gone public domain and as such is not tied to Google and it's primary source of revenue. The different versions from the phone manufacturer's have different amounts of control over the system as well as features.
Also that Blackberry phones are routed through Blackberry routers prior to getting to the net and that this adds all the security and privacy to the net via proxy.
So basically I want the security/protection as on my computer or at least the sense of security. Read about programs that can take a picture on say Facebook and with a click I.D. and display the location of the photo and it can and is being used by now people to track and locate people/children and there whereabouts and surroundings. Places they visit and friend's all without the user knowing it. I require a bit more security than the good wishes and recommendation of conflicting salesmen.
Since I have the ability to return my phone and get a phone that is Windows 8 ready if such exists, it seems that it would be the better way to go for intrinsic security and possible eventual software security, true?
Thanks again for the response and for any other insight you wish to share!!!!!!
Glenn
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Traditionally, most phone browser are susceptible to malware attacks, except with android, but that's with no regulation in the app store. Also, malware isn't really coded as of late for ARM or SoC systems quite often. Basically, chances are slim for malware attacks. And I believe the mobile IE9 has security features built in.

As for Windows Phone 8, it's a big change. If you have security concerns, IE 10 will feature SmartScreen as the desktop browser does and has the same security features to protect against malware as the desktop browser. I'm personally hoping for IE 10 for Windows Phone 7.8 since that will outdo all the mobile browsers that are currently out there and in development. Third party browsers may actually come to Windows Phone 8, since Windows 8 and Phone 8 has the same core so that means an app built for Windows 8 will be ridiculously easy to port over to Windows Phone. I have the Nokia Lumia 900 running Windows Phone 7.5 and we'll both should be getting the 7.8 update that will provide the user experience of WP 8's new Start Screen and possibly some other features that aren't hardware dependent like built in Skyping and the Wallet Hub. Honestly, if you need NFC support or if you're a serious mobile gamer, there isn't a huge need for Windows Phone 8 devices. Some people are losing their crap because they can't get Windows Phone 8 in entirety just because they don't have a dual core processor and whatnot. I personally don't get it since android 4 can't ever be installed on an android 2 phone EVER since google will never support that or take time to do that. Microsoft is actually still supporting their existing customer more than google and more than apple.

Many thanks as well as a hello Coke Robot,
Being so new to the smartphone experience and getting one has opened a bunch of unanswered questions. Thanks for clarifying
some of the issues. So I have W8 on a computer where IMHO it doesn't show it's metro well and a phone that won't accept is. Looks like I got it turned around. Are there phones that are declared and available as Windows 8 upgradeable?
Maybe you might inform me on a few other issues....... If I turn off the GPS on my phone, I have been told by one salesman that the phone will still transmit it's location via satellite to ATT as required by law and made reputedly only available to Law Enforcement agencies. They also said that if I get outside of cellular range that the text, calls and email would all be transmitted to the satellite and still keep running normally. Another of the same company stated that if turned off, the GPS will not transmit at all, but the cellular towers would be used by ATT and reputedly law enforcement agencies to track the phone's location and that if outside of cellular tower range, no voice, mail or text would be available even with the phone's GPS locator turned on as this can not be used to transmit data only location information. The techs via phone support were equally unsure of either of the above being true or not.
Secondly I have been told that a non-smartphone which can access the internet at reduced rates, uses cellular towers to be used in the map applications and such. It can not (Pantech Link) geotag a photo as it has or does not have GPS and/or the technology to access it and add it to photos taken with it's phone, even if it does have a GPS.
So I am continually confused about my situation. I have been told that Android has gone public domain and as such is not tied to Google and it's primary source of revenue. The different versions from the phone manufacturer's have different amounts of control over the system as well as features.
Also that Blackberry phones are routed through Blackberry routers prior to getting to the net and that this adds all the security and privacy to the net via proxy.
So basically I want the security/protection as on my computer or at least the sense of security. Read about programs that can take a picture on say Facebook and with a click I.D. and display the location of the photo and it can and is being used by now people to track and locate people/children and there whereabouts and surroundings. Places they visit and friend's all without the user knowing it. I require a bit more security than the good wishes and recommendation of conflicting salesmen.
Since I have the ability to return my phone and get a phone that is Windows 8 ready if such exists, it seems that it would be the better way to go for intrinsic security and possible eventual software security, true?
Thanks again for the response and for any other insight you wish to share!!!!!!
Glenn
And a good evening to you!:)
There are reportedly four manufacturers that will be delivering Windows Phone 8 handsets, but the Windows Phone 7 will remain a Windows Phone 7, but updated to have the new Start Screen. That is the only thing that has been detailed by Microsoft so far, which could mean other software features could also be coming too.

As for the GPS, it is required by law to have I believe ANY phone report its GPS location. Now, that information would only be used if you're a wanted terrorist and the law is coming after you, which I hope you aren't! :geek: I know that up to iOS 4, the iphone would secretly report its location and info was used to "improve" cell reception and I think some android phones do that too. There was this fiasco a while back about some piece of software that iOS had and android had that did that. Windows Phone never had that. You can turn off the location service within Windows Phone, but that just prevents third party apps and Bing search to send location data.

On facebook, you can actually change the location of where you're at in the Desktop browser version, not so sure if it's so easy with the mobile app as I don't have one installed, my Windows Phone already does that. :p But doing that, the site sees your IP address and geo locates you based off that, pretty much every website does that. While on facebook though, you can simply change your location so people can see that you're in New York out of nowhere.

If you really want to, you could possible wiggle out of the Windows Phone 7 device you have right now and wait until the release of 8. It really depends on though on your usage, if you encounter malware often on your phone, it would be wise to wait for 8. But if you don't, there doesn't seem to be an immediate need as malware and security issues as far as I know have never arisen in the Windows Phone 7 platform, it's pretty solid. I can't say for sure that there WILL be security type software for WP 8, as that's territory that NO piece of malware can hit. Smartphones use ARM processors versus the Intel or AMD processor, meaning that all the viruses and malware that's been trying to attack Windows since forever can never work on an ARM processor. So far, there isn't a huge amount of hackable data from smartphones I guess to do that since if there was, there would be swarms.

I know that Kaspersky does have security software for mobile phones, but that's limited to android and Windows Mobile, the elder of Windows Phone. I would assume by Windows 8's release, they would build the anti-virus suite for the Windows PC and develop it for Windows Phones. But as I've said, security on mobile phones is pretty solid. Malware isn't very mobilized for smartphones. The exception to that I would say is android as that has more malware than the rest.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
windows-phone-8-start-screen-redesigned-0.jpg
OH! By the way, this the new Start Screen that Windows Phone 8 will have and 7.8 as well. Very nifty!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Back
Top