Windows Phone

During Nokia’s Lumia tablet and smartphone event in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Instagram CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom revealed the app most Windows Phone users have been eagerly waiting for is finally coming. When? An exact date wasn’t given; all we know is Instagram will arrive in the “coming weeks,” so it’s safe to say Continue Reading →

Recent rumors suggest that Microsoft may be planning to kill off the back button in Windows Phone 8.1. While the requirement for a hardware back button will likely be dropped, sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans have revealed to The Verge that the software maker will replace it with an onscreen version if it goes ahead Continue Reading →

Microsoft announced its third update for the Windows Phone 8 mobile operating system on Monday, adding support for a more powerful processor and larger handsets with 1080p displays. The platform will now support “jumbo-sized” Start screens and show up to six Live Tiles on each row, rather than the four that’s currently available. Microsoft also Continue Reading →

While Windows Phone 8 GDR3 is right around the corner—and, yes, I’ll be writing more about this important update soon—I recently received some information about Windows Phone 8.1 that may be of interest. Due in 2014, Windows Phone 8.1, codenamed “Blue,” will address some issues with the current release of the OS and will include Continue Reading →

Microsoft is serious about gaining mobile market share. The company has reportedly been talking to HTC about adding its Windows operating system to HTC’s Android-based smartphones at little or no added cost. It makes sense for Microsoft to talk to HTC, as it is the first company to make both Windows and Android phones. But Continue Reading →

Microsoft is talking to HTC about adding its Windows operating system to HTC’s Android-based smartphones at little or no cost, people with knowledge of the matter said, evidence of the software maker’s struggle to gain ground in the mobile market. erry Myerson, head of Microsoft’s operating systems unit, asked HTC last month to load Windows Continue Reading →

If you want to get rid of your iPhone for another smartphone, Microsoft has a deal for you. The company recently launched a buyback program that offers up to $350 back when you trade up from an old device and buy a new Windows Phone or Surface tablet. The program lets you trade in iPads, Continue Reading →

Microsoft is planning to combine its Windows Phone Store and Windows Store into a single app store. Sources familiar with the company’s plans have revealed to The Verge that Terry Myerson, head of the operating systems group, confirmed the move in an internal company meeting today attended by thousands of Microsoft employees. We’re told that Continue Reading →

Just a week ago, Microsoft launched a limited-time trade-in promotion, allowing users to get a minimum $200 gift card for trading in an iPad at one of Microsoft’s brick-and-mortar stores. This week, Microsoft has upped the ante on trade-ins involving its competitors’ devices. Users can trade in a variety of phones, tablets and PCs, including Continue Reading →

Microsoft announced on Wednesday that its Windows Phone 8 operating system has received a key government security certification from the US, which would help boost its standing among US and Canadian government customers. Getting the FIPS 140-2 certificate means the government has authorized the cryptographic algorithms used by Windows Phone 8 to protect sensitive data Continue Reading →