Good-bye, Windows Phone

Yes, Microsoft is supporting Linux by way of Android. Do you really think -- with the clock running down on Microsoft's final acquisition of Nokia -- that the Finnish phone company would make such a move without Microsoft's full backing? I don't.

I think Microsoft and Nokia have made a smart move. I'm not the only one.

Hello, MS-Android. Good-bye, Windows Phone | ZDNet

 

[Wenda]

Recently my Android (Gingerbread) smart-phone died. Well, it was still usable but the screen was cracked in two places and the headphone jack was toast. So, not being over-endowed in the money dept, I started researching new phones to get the best 'bang for the buck'.

The Nokia Lumia 520 kept working its way to the top of the list, so, with some trepidation, I purchased one (A$149.00). The value-for-money factor of this phone is simply incredible.

Apart from a couple of annoyances (the 'combined' volume control and NO file manager/explorer), I've been very happy indeed with it.

I'm not an 'App Addict' and the ones I do use have decent counterparts in the Store.

I did NOT like having to have an MS account, and did not want the phone to sync with the PC so had to create a new a/c.

I'd be happy to recommend this phone, and have done so on a couple of occasions when friends were looking for new phones. In fact, usage of my (Android) tablet has dropped by at least half because it's easier to do stuff on the phone.

It would be a shame if they were to kill WP off, IMO.


Wenda.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Thanks guys. This is all very informative. For my Asus Transformer I was actually looking at this MS program. I need it only for Europe, especially France where we do most of our travel.

But since the transformer does not have GPS or GNSS, I will get this device. BT works well on the Transformer. I already use a BT mouse. I prefer to get this in Europe because the standards and regulations are sometimes different.

What do you guys think. Will that work.

Did you read the fine print on the AutoRoute page that it only works with MapQuest and Yahoo Maps?

Kari would know better, but will the Asus and/or AutoRoute app/program loaded be able to read the GPS data? Not quite sure how that all works.

BTW, I revised my previous post. I meant to put my statement on the amount of apps before your quote. It was not aimed particularly at you, but to all in general.

 

[whs]

Did you read the fine print on the AutoRoute page that it only works with MapQuest and Yahoo Maps?

No, I did not see that. Thanks for pointing it out. I have to investigate what that means. I know MapQuest is pretty poor. Yahoo Maps I have never looked at. I wish they would work with the Michelin maps. Those are the best.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Nar, Windows Phone is not going anywhere.

10 amazingly stupid things the 'experts' will try to tell you about Microsoft | Page 9 | ZDNet

Thanks, Shawn.

And Ed comes through again!

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Did you read the fine print on the AutoRoute page that it only works with MapQuest and Yahoo Maps?

No, I did not see that. Thanks for pointing it out. I have to investigate what that means. I know MapQuest is pretty poor. Yahoo Maps I have never looked at. I wish they would work with the Michelin maps. Those are the best.

Your welcome. It seems to me the map is a basic component. AutoRoute uses it, but adds much more to the overall program as seen here:

AutoRoute 2013

 

[whs]

I am a big fan of Ed Bott, but this quote means nothing:

If you think Microsoft is going to turn its back on a growing installed base of 100 million customers, you really need to find a different beat to cover.

They turned their back on over 1 Billion desktop users. So one can expect anything to happen.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

I can only speak for myself > 1 Billion desktop users - me = 999,999,999 desktop users.

 

[Brink]

I am a big fan of Ed Bott, but this quote means nothing:

If you think Microsoft is going to turn its back on a growing installed base of 100 million customers, you really need to find a different beat to cover.

They turned their back on over 1 Billion desktop users. So one can expect anything to happen.

How's that? :huh:

The desktop is still there in Windows 8 just the same as in Windows 7. We now just have a modern UI (touch/mobile) and desktop (PC) mode in Windows 8/8.1.

Windows RT doesn't have a desktop anymore though.

 

[whs]

I am a big fan of Ed Bott, but this quote means nothing:

If you think Microsoft is going to turn its back on a growing installed base of 100 million customers, you really need to find a different beat to cover.

They turned their back on over 1 Billion desktop users. So one can expect anything to happen.

How's that? :huh:

The desktop is still there in Windows 8 just the same as in Windows 7. We now just have a modern UI (touch/mobile) and desktop (PC) mode in Windows 8/8.1.

Windows RT doesn't have a desktop anymore though.

I hear you Shawn. As if 8.1 has become the big love of the Windows users. I look at the sales figures and they tell me it's a dog.

You and I and a few others can deal with it. But what about Tante (aunt) Emma next door that ran 2000 and XP for years. And even the 7 users are not moving. 7 grows faster than 8.1.

 

[Brink]

Yeah, some folks may need a bit more time to adapt and get used to it, but that's going to be the same for anything new. Once they do and give it a fair chance, I think that most would like Windows 8.1.

It's just that most folks using Windows 7 currently don't have any need to switch to Windows 8/8.1 yet. I say that's fine if Windows 7 is serving them well.

 

[EMINENT]

Nokia just announced Here maps for W8.x devices. And, I don't know what mobile smartphone these days doesn't have GPS. Any tab with gps will be good. I know Dell makes some and Lenovo's Thinkpad 8 will be sim capable.

If fact, Surface 2 with LTE for ATT just passed the FCC!

 

[whs]

As far as I can see, the Here Maps are just maps but no navigation program. Is that correct ?

Nokia Here Maps is heading to Windows 8.1 to fill in Bing's mapping gaps | PCWorld

 

[whs]

Yeah, some folks may need a bit more time to adapt and get used to it, but that's going to be the same for anything new. Once they do and give it a fair chance, I think that most would like Windows 8.1.

It's just that most folks using Windows 7 currently don't have any need to switch to Windows 8/8.1 yet. I say that's fine if Windows 7 is serving them well.

Let's hope they will be doing better next time. I agree that 8.1 is a fine system if properly set up. I set our transformer up for the wife and she can easily deal with it. But she uses only very few applications. She herself would probably have struggled to set it up that way.

Conclusion: If you have a geek in the house, it works. If not, abstain.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Recently my Android (Gingerbread) smart-phone died. Well, it was still usable but the screen was cracked in two places and the headphone jack was toast. So, not being over-endowed in the money dept, I started researching new phones to get the best 'bang for the buck'.

Good for you, Wenda! Welcome to the club.

The Nokia Lumia 520 kept working its way to the top of the list, so, with some trepidation, I purchased one (A$149.00). The value-for-money factor of this phone is simply incredible.

I know you are a thrifty shopper and this, quite frankly, surprises me, especially with the prices in Oz. Below is a snip of prices via the USA MS online Store. I whited out the carriers. Comparing them with Androids as I did when shopping for my 1520, they are the better deal.

Apart from a couple of annoyances (the 'combined' volume control and NO file manager/explorer), I've been very happy indeed with it.

Not sure what you mean by the “ 'combined' volume control”. Mine was the same on my Droid X2.

I agree on the “NO file manager/explorer”, but you cable it to your PC, correct? To view in File Explorer? Looking back, how often did you use it on your Android?

I'm not an 'App Addict' and the ones I do use have decent counterparts in the Store.

Like I said > How many apps could we possibly need?

I did NOT like having to have an MS account, and did not want the phone to sync with the PC so had to create a new a/c.

Do you get to use the WP8 Store app when cabling to PC without the MS account? I found synching across devices has greatly simplified my life.

I'd be happy to recommend this phone, and have done so on a couple of occasions when friends were looking for new phones. In fact, usage of my (Android) tablet has dropped by at least half because it's easier to do stuff on the phone.

I’m glad you feel that way. So do I. The 1520 was one of the best purchases I’ve made.

It would be a shame if they were to kill WP off, IMO.

Like the article stated > It isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

As far as I can see, the Here Maps are just maps but no navigation program. Is that correct ?

Nokia Here Maps is heading to Windows 8.1 to fill in Bing's mapping gaps | PCWorld

There's HERE Maps app and then there's HERE Drive+ app. I'm guessing the HERE Drive+ app uses the HERE Maps for navigation. They work in conjunction.

More to come on this. I just got a call I have to answer.....

 

[EMINENT]

WP 8.1 will have file manager in that it'll work like Onedrive if I remember correctly.

 

[whs]

HG, I have no phone right now but the wife keeps nagging me - she wants one for 'emergencies', whatever that is. Would you think this Lumina 521 could do the job.

Where do you get it for $79 and can it be operated with a SIM card without a contract. I am only 6 months in the year in the US and don't want any contracts.

Question is also whether this thing would work in Europe (Germany and France) using their SIM cards. Any advice would be appreciated because I am really a neophyte when it comes to phones.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

HG, I have no phone right now but the wife keeps nagging me - she wants one for 'emergencies', whatever that is. Would you think this Lumina 521 could do the job.

Where do you get it for $79 and can it be operated with a SIM card without a contract. I am only 6 months in the year in the US and don't want any contracts.

Question is also whether this thing would work in Europe (Germany and France) using their SIM cards. Any advice would be appreciated because I am really a neophyte when it comes to phones.

Microsofr Store online: No Contract Windows Phones - Microsoft Store U.S.

I went with an AT&T Lumia 1520 phablet prepay at $40/mo for unlimited text worldwide, 500 minutes talk, and 500 mb data. No contract. They have different plans. I don't see why it wouldn't work in Europe with a different SIM slipped in.

Cokie would know a lot more about this stuff. You may want to PM him.

Again, may I suggest the 1520. It would solve your navigation problem and she could play games at the same time. It'll still talk to you giving directions. This way the wife would do less talking.

 

[EMINENT]

One thing, the 520/521 are the exact same. 521 is TMO and 520 is ATT. That chart is incorrect. They both have LTE. Whether that LTE band is supported by the international carrier is a different story. A 520/521 is a perfect phone for a starter. It has a decent camera. GSM compatibility with global bands and can be had for $50-60 on sale. I think MS was running a special if you purchased a 520 at full price of $99, you'd get one yr. of Xbox Music free. Essentially cutting the service to half price as it's normally $9.99/mo.

It's the best selling WP right now. It's also reported to be upgradable to WP8.1 also.:thumb:

 

[HippsieGypsie]

WP 8.1 will have file manager in that it'll work like Onedrive if I remember correctly.

Didn't see that yet. Thanks for that info. :thumb: