Sunday 29 June 2014

Microsoft's smartwatch coming this October, will work on cross-platforms

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We have been reporting and covering rumors of Microsoft's smartwatch from many months. We saw many patent filling that indicated that Microsoft is working on wearable tech. Today a rumor is making the rounds that Microsoft's smartwatch will come this October with eleven sensors, open APIs and more.
WSJ reported that Microsoft has requested 1.5-inch displays from component makers as per an executive at a component supplier. Another report claimed that Microsoft’s smartwatch prototypes which are now being part of Surface team is making variety of removable wrist bands in blue, red, yellow, black, white, and grey colors for smartwatches. Also these prototypes were reported to be made of Oxynitride Aluminum, an expensive “translucent aluminum” that is said to be three times harder than glass.
Today, Tom’s Hardware reported some new information about Microsoft’s Smartwatch (they claim it to be smart band).

  • The device is cross-platform compatible.
  • The display of the device will be on the inside of the wrist as opposed to the outside.
  • Slim band design that is said to resemble a thinner, flatter version of the Nike Fuelband.
  • Includes 11 sensors.
  • Includes chips from TI and Atmel.
  • Launch in October.
  • Will launch with open APIs and has a slick UI.

The folks at Tom's Hardware are also reporting that the cross-platform compatibility means you'll be able to buy this device and use it with Windows Phone, iOS or Android. Which would actually be a really good move for Microsoft and one that would help differentiate against competitors. Consumers would be more likely to be a smartwatch if it didn't lock them into one ecosystem.

Anyways, some interesting stuff to think about this weekend. Do you already have a smartwatch or fitness tracker?

Source: Tom's Hardware
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Saturday 28 June 2014

@evleaks: Microsoft To License Nokia Brand For Phones

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@evleaks reports that Microsoft is attempting to license the Nokia brand, presumably for smartphones, so handsets can be called Nokia by Microsoft.
Apparently the Lumia brand, which Microsoft already owns, will also replace the Surface brand.
Microsoft can already use the Nokia brand for feature phones, ASHA handsets and Nokia X for 10 years, but was meant to drop the Nokia brand for smartphones within 18 months of the purchase of Nokia’s handset division, which closed in April.
The deal seems a pretty good move, with much of the success of Windows Phone happening where the Nokia brand is strong, but much of the future success of Windows Phone will depend on how well the handsets of the new swath of OEMs such as Micromax sell.
The move to dump the Surface brand seems less clearly beneficial, with Microsoft already having invested hundreds of millions in it, and Nokia not being particularly well know for their tablets.
While the "Nokia by Microsoft" branding makes sense insofar as continuing the tradition of the iconic brand, a move to rename the Surface line seems far-fetched.
Would you like to see the Surface tablets rebranded as Lumias? What are your thoughts on the "Nokia by Microsoft" branding? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Source: evleaks (@evleaks)
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Cortana's latest update will let you predict Football results

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A great news coming straight from Microsoft where Group Program Manager for Cortana on Windows Phone, Marcus Ash, has announced a new service update for Cortana on Windows Phone.
Funnily, given the lack of popularity of football/soccer in USA, the update would have been more useful for the rest of the world who are actually interested in World Cup 2014.
Microsoft recently started using Bing's search engine as a way to predict results on reality TV shows based on messages from social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. It added predictions for the World Cup earlier this month. Microsoft stated how Bing makes its prognostications:
For the tournament, our models evaluate the strength of each team through a variety of factors such as previous win/loss/tie record in qualification matches and other international competitions and margin of victory in these contests, adjusted for location since home field advantage is a known bias. Further adjustments are made related to other factors which give one team advantages over another, such as home field (for Brazil) or proximity (South American teams), playing surface (hybrid grass), game-time weather conditions, and other such factors. In addition, data obtained from prediction markets allows us to tune the win/lose/tie probabilities due to the 'wisdom of the crowds' phenomenon captured by the people wagering on the outcomes.

What do you think of this new addition to Cortana and are you looking forward to using it as part of your own World Cup 2014 activities?
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Official 4shared app comes to the Windows Phone Store

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It is always great for us and all the Windows Phone Community when a organisation or a company releases their official app on the store. Today we are looking at the official app for 4shared.com.
The file sharing app lets you access up to 30 million files uploaded by others and also securely share content. The app has more than 50 million downloads on Android.

Features:

  • Keep all your data with you and access it everywhere
  • Manage your account from your phone as easy as from your computer: upload, view, move, copy or delete your 4shared documents.
  • Search music, videos or any other files within the massive 4shared database and save things you fancy to your account to access even offline.
  • Stream any media files online. No need to download. 
  • Copy a link and send it via email, sms or share it in your social networks. 
The app is in open beta and may therefore be buggy, but the New IT Limited team are eager for your feedback.
Source: Nawzil (@nawzil8)
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Xolo debuts Windows Phone market with the lightest smartphone

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As rumored earlier, LAVA is up with their first Windows Phone. The smartphone was launched today and the main attraction is its weight. The smartphone weights 100g and becomes the lightest smartphone available till date. Pre-orders have begun for a launch in the second week of July.
The weight of the WIN Q900s is certainly the big selling point for this phone. At 100g, this makes it the lightest Windows Phone product to be released, at least so far. Even with its small weight, the WIN Q900s has a decent sized 4.7 inch display with a 1280x720 resolution.
Inside there is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor with a clock speed of 1.2 GHz, along with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, with a microSD card slot for expansion. It also has an 8 megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a front facing 2 megapixel camera. It also supports two SIM cards.
Snapdeal.com was the only place anyone could have pre-ordered the Xolo WIN Q900s, for the price of Rs. 9999 (about $166). However, it appears that Snapdeal has already sold out of its units just a few hours after its pre-order page went live. When the phone comes up for sale again, the price will be going up to Rs 11,999.
What do you think of Lava entering the Windows Phone race with its new Xolo WIN Q900s device that has its light weight as its biggest bullet point feature?
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Friday 27 June 2014

ProShot set to receive a huge update

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ProShot is a well-received Windows Phone photography app that delivers a DSLR range of controls to your camera. ProShot allows you to control settings such as ISO, White Balance, Shutter Speed, Focus and more. You can shoot in full-auto or take the reins and shoot manual, tweaking the camera's settings to suit your tastes.

Proshot is due to receive a major update over the next few days that will bring a completely redesigned user interface, front facing camera support and more to the Windows Phone app. There is also a noticeable boost in ProShot's performance that increases the burst rate and gives capturing images a little more pep.

We've been tinkering with the updated version over the past few days and it adds to the appeal of what was already a fantastic Windows Phone photography app. If you like the current version of ProShot, you'll really enjoy version 5.0.

App Renovation


With the version 5.0 update, ProShot's viewfinder receives a major overhaul in appearance. At first glance, the changes may appear subtle but as you dig into the app you will begin to see the design changes. Menus at the top of the screen and sides have been reduced in size and some are now hidden. The design changes gives the app a cleaner appearance and opens up more of the viewfinder (the old viewfinder is the first image, the updated image is the second).



Where you could choose you camera mode from options that ran across the top of the viewfinder, you now have hidden dials in the upper and lower right corners of the viewfinder (in landscape mode). Tap the button and pin wheel dials appear to control shutter speed and camera modes (Auto, Program, Manual and Custom).


Speaking of shutter speeds, the update increases the maximum burst to 8 frames per second with an image buffer that can now handle 30 images. The developer reports that ProShot is now 25% faster than Nokia Camera with regards to burst rates. I'm not sure as to the 25% but the updated version of ProShot had considerably more zip to it.


The side menu continues to pull up your camera settings, flash options and image settings. Camera settings cover display options such as grid lines, on-screen level, histogram and options to tap the screen to focus or tap to focus + take the picture.


Flash options are your customary on/off/auto/focus light only and image settings includes resolution, aspect ratio, creative filters and adjustments for contrast, saturation and sharpness. The updated version has seven filters that includes:


  • Black and White
  • Vintage
  • Moment
  • Pop
  • Lavender
  • HDR Lite
  • Sin City

While the updated version lacks a photo editor feature where you can apply these filters after the fact, you still have the filter editor where you can create your own effects filters. It is our understanding that the developer is working on a new editor that will make its way to ProShot in the future. Until then, you can import images from ProShot to other Windows Phone photo editors such as Fhotoroom, Instagram, etc.
Wrapping up the new layout, you have your exposure compensation wheel at the bottom of the viewfinder and three controls rests adjacent to the side menu to toggle between preset modes (auto, night, etc.), a shutter button and a toggle button to shift between the front and rear facing cameras.


Front camera controls are scaled back slightly. It appears the front facing camera lacks the shutter and camera mode controls. You have control over exposure compensation, the creative filters and the contrast/saturation/sharpness controls. And no, I didn't break the camera!


Additional features to version 5.0 of ProShot include:


  • Added front-facing camera support
  • Add Image Manager - view, manage, batch export, and delete your original and hi-res photos (internal ProShot images only. Camera roll management coming in a future update)
  • Added file size and color / luma histograms to EXIF viewer
  • Improved shadow recovery algorithm, built-in filters
  • Optimized to run on 512 MB devices
  • Can now zoom 50% more into images in the preview roll
  • New field guide quick-reference (found in the About panel)


Overall Thoughts


All totaled the update brings over 100 tweaks, fixes, and improvements to ProShot. It's still a daunting task to choose just one photography app as the best. There are so many quality options in the Windows Phone Store as well as the native camera app and Nokia Camera.
ProShot considers itself the fastest shooting experience on Windows Phone - new dynamic buffer system allows for uninterrupted shooting at the maximum speed possible. The update does give the app a boost in speed and noticeably improves the overall performance of the app.
ProShot ranked amongst the best options available before the version 5.0 update and remains firmly rooted after the update. If you are looking for DSLR like control for your Windows Phone camera, you'd be foolish not to try ProShot.
Barring any unforeseen problems, look for the version 5.0 update for ProShot to be available in the next day or so. As an added bonus, in celebration of the update, Proshot's price will be slashed in half to $.99 until July 1, 2014 ( a steal of a deal).

Via: WPCentral
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Tutorial: This work-around will let you get Nokia Cyan on your Lumia 925 now

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Nokia has been rolling their latest firmware on Lumia 925 in Finland but it is currently available for only a few users. If you are not among the users who didn't received update, then don't feel unlucky as we have a nice clean trick to get it on Lumia 925.
If you are the very impatient type, you can install the Nokia Cyan update, which not only includes the latest version of WP8.1, but also a number of other enhancements and the firmware needed to take advantage of them, to your Nokia Lumia 925 right now, even if you are not in Finland.
Vietnamese site Techrum.vn reports that merely installing a Finnish or Argentinian ROM and checking for updates will deliver the newest version of WP8.1 to you.

To install the update:

1. Download & flash the latest ROM RM-892 or RM-893 (Finland and Argentina) for the Lumia 925. Product Code:
RM-892
059S4J7 RM-892 VAR FI CV BLACK
059S6R9 RM-892 VAR FI CV GREY
059S6R8 RM-892 VAR FI CV WHITE


RM-893
059T7W8 RM-893 VAR LTA AR CV SKD
059T7R9 RM-893 VAR LTA AR CLARO SL SKD


2. Use the above codes to get the firmware from MrCrab.net.
3. Next install the ROM using Nokia Care Suite. You can get the download and instructions Here.
4. After flashing, check for updates using Phone Update in settings and download Nokia Cyan.
Flashing your phone will delete your personal settings, so be sure to back up as much as possible first.
Are any of our readers going to give this a try? Let us know below.
Source: Techrum.vn; Via: WMPowerUser

P.S- We will not be responsible for any damage or data loss. Do it at your own RISK.
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Official Windows App Mania app lands on the Windows Phone Store

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Guess what? It is Friday and the weekend is about to kick off. We are ready to make your weekend more techie with our own app. After many requests from our readers and one month of hard work, our app has successfully made through Windows Phone Certification and is now live on the store.
Our app is just a simple one as it is a initial release. For now it just delivers the RSS feeds of our blog straight on your Windows Phone. The app will keep you updated with all the happenings in the Windows world without even opening our site. We will try our best to deliver you more features in the app.
For now without wasting much of the time, we strongly recommend you to download the app on your device. The app is completely compatible with all the Windows Phone 8 or 8.1 devices.
Give our app a spin and let me know what features you want in the next release. My contact details are in the about me section of the app (Access about section by swiping rightwards from the main window). I will be very happy to listen your thoughts. Download the app for now and keep checking it for updates as Jashan (Our Website Designer) and I are working hard to give you the best experience possible. Al last don't forget to rate and review it also.

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Thursday 26 June 2014

Microsoft adds Windows Phone 8.1 to the platform update history page

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Windows Phone 8.1 is just around the corner as the community waits for its release, unless you reside in Finland where update magic is well under way with the the Lumia Cyan firmware already rolling out. Microsoft has recently added the major platform update to the history page on the Windows Phone website, sitting on top of the three Windows Phone 8 updates.

This move doesn't mean much apart from Microsoft now publicly lists this upgrade as a "past update" for the platform, leading us to believe the wait is almost over for everyone. As always, consumers will have to wait for the update to pass through both manufacturers and mobile operators. Who's excited for Windows Phone 8.1 rolling out or have you all been enjoying the new functionality by using the Developer Preview?

Via: WPCentral
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Good news for Nexus 5/7 Owners - Android L Developer Preview

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In a surprise move by Google, the company revealed its plans for the next version of Android. It’s currently called L Developer Preview, and it includes more than 5,000 new APIs. “We wanted to take a radical new approach to design,” Google’s Android head Sundar Pichai said.

One aspect of Android L, material design, focuses on depth and “digital material” to expand and reform intelligently, the company said.”As part of the L Preview, we’ll now allow developers to specify an elevation value,” Google said, noting that the framework will add virtual light sources and real-time shadows.

Apps can be developed to work easily across all screens, “from your watch, to your laptop, to your television,” Google said. The new APIs include rich, animated touch feedback. Also, all animations on screen will change in a way that “makes sense,” and developers can create animations between apps and activities. In Gmail, for example, there’s a new typography, new animations, and a seamless experience across different screen sizes. With Polymer and the L Preview, developers can also create apps for the Web.

Google also has a new set of style guidelines for best practices and consistent looking apps, The rules will have a home at google.com/design.

Some other tweaks include a brand new phone dialer, which has a ripple touch effect when you touch each tab. The dialer button has a different elevation that makes it look like it’s floating above the user interface. The ripple touch effect animations also appear as you tap each number to dial.

Notifications are changed, too. Notifications are enhanced with new, rich features, and there are new “heads-up notifications,” that let you peek at a notification as you’re doing something, like gaming, and then swipe it away really quick. It also has smart features for authentication. So, if you have an Android Wear smartwatch and it’s nearby, it won’t lock the device.

There’s a new keyboard UI, a do-not-disturb mode, and more. Images of the early developer preview will be available for developers who own a Nexus 5 and/or Nexus 7 tomorrow.
Google only showed a sneak peek at Android L, and you can see some of the features down below.

As in the title i have written that its a good news for nexus5/7 owners because in few hours the preview will be available for nexus 5/7 owners.So Gearup for the change.
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Wednesday 25 June 2014

Microsoft does it again!! Nokia X OS V 2.0 not coming to Nokia X, X+ and XL.

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Nokia X2 is here and comes packed with a new version of Nokia X OS termed as “Nokia X software platform 2.0″. The new version has many useful enhancements like “Multitasking view”, enhanced pull-down bar, new Camera UI and some not so much required additions like extra Windows Phone like app drawer.
But the Windows Phone 7Windows Phone 8 update saga has repeated itself with the announcement that Nokia X OS v 2.0 is not coming to devices launched barely weeks back, like Nokia XL and Nokia X+, forget about Nokia X.

Because of the necessary hardware upgrades, the Nokia X software platform 2.0 won’t be available on Nokia X, Nokia X+ or Nokia XL. However, more updates will be coming to further improve the experience of those devices in the coming months.
 
The consolation of more updates may not be enough for many and Microsoft is sure going to face lots of flak from existing users. May be Microsoft’s executives still have some brilliant ideas about how to sell Nokia XL to buyers!!
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Microsoft Ends Motion Monitor Beta App For Lumia 1520 And Lumia Icon Devices

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Back in December last year, Nokia released a new beta app for Lumia 1520 devices called Nokia Motion Monitor via Nokia Beta Labs. As the name suggests, this app tracked your physical activity based on your motion and steps. This app runs in background continuously consuming very little power and you can have updates on your lock screen, glance screen as well as on a live tile. Microsoft today announced that they are ending the beta as the final product is already made available to users via SensorCore SDK.
As a beta, this app previewed some of the capabilities of Lumia SensorCore technology and helped us to fine-tune the SensorCore SDK, now available for app developers.
With SensorCore technology, any app (not just Motion Monitor beta) can access pedometer and activity data that supported devices are able to collect.  Bing Health & Fitness is one of the first examples.
Lumia 1520 and Lumia Icon devices will get support for Lumia SensorCore technology through the Lumia Cyan software update and other latest Lumia WP8.1 devices like Lumia 930, Lumia 630, etc, will support it out of the box.
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Tuesday 24 June 2014

Nokia X2 Dual SIM Smartphone with Android announced

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Nokia has announced another addition to their X series of Android devices. It has a 4.3-inch WVGA screen, powered by a 1.2 dual-core Snapdragon 200 processor and runs on Nokia X software platform 2.0 based on Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean). It has a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, 720p HD video recording and a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera.
It has Dual SIM support with dual standby similar to Nokia X, packs 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage with expansion slot. As expected it has home and back buttons for multitasking support. Check the first hands-on of the device by Nokia below.


Check the specs of the device below.

  • 4.3-inch (800 x 480 pixels) ClearBlack LCD display with Scratch resistant glass
  • 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor with Adreno 302
  • Nokia X software platform 2.0 based on AOSP Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)
  • Dual SIM
  • 5MP rear camera with LED flash
  • 0.3MP (VGA) front-facing camera
  • 3.5mm audio jack, FM Radio
  • 1GB RAM, 4GB of Internal storage, expandable memory up to 32GB with microSD
  • 3G HSPA+, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n,Bluetooth, GPS
  • 1800 mAh battery
The Nokia X2 Dual SIM  comes in glossy green, orange,  black, glossy yellow, white and matt dark grey and is priced at 99 Euros (Rs. 8090 approx) before tax and subsidies. It is immediately available in select countries.
Find the promo video of the same below.


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Monday 23 June 2014

Samsung's bringing HDR, Smooth and Slow video to their Windows Phone 8.1 app

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 Windows Phone 8.1 is around the corner for general release and with it, Samsung is bringing a new camera app. It's not secret that Windows Phone 8.1 unlocks a few advanced features in the camera, including slow motion recording and video editing. Samsung evidently is not letting Nokia get all the glory as their new Camera app is sitting on the Store, ready to be downloaded.

The ATIV Camera app from Samsung looks to be full featured, including such options as Auto, Beauty Face, Best Photo, Best Face, Rich Tone (HDR), Eraser, and Night Shot. For video recording there are Smooth motion, Slow motion and capturing still images from recorded video.

Perhaps the one downside for ATIV owners who will certainly want this app is the inability to use it at this time. The app is Windows Phone 8.1 only, and it will leverage forthcoming firmware that Samsung is expected to push out in the coming weeks. So for now, you'll just have to sit on the sides and wait for the Windows Phone 8.1 update and new firmware, but at least you can take solace in knowing Samsung still has a few tricks left.

The Samsung ATIV S, ATIV SE, ATIV S Neo are expected to receive Windows Phone 8.1 officially, though Samsung has been quiet on their plans thus far. We reported earlier that ATIVE SE owners may want to hold off on using the Preview for Developers due to some ongoing stability issues in not having new firmware.

via: wpcentral
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Saturday 21 June 2014

Review: Hands-On with the Nokia Lumia 630

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Nokia Lumia 630 is the first device to hit the stores with Windows Phone 8.1 out of the box. The device was announced by Nokia with its high end brother Lumia 930. While the Lumia 930 still awaits to go in the hands of customers in various regions, we got a Lumia 630 from Nokia Store for review purpose. Believe me or not but I had many request from my colleagues and many of my readers here too. So I decided to get a Lumia 630 for review. Firstly before detailing each section of the device, below is a brief look at the pros and cons of the device.

   PROS:                                                       CONS:

1. Packaged in the attractive                           1. No Front Facing Camera.
    Lumia style body.                                       2. No LED Flash.   
2. Surprisingly nice battery life                       3. 512 MB RAM is a problem.
    for a dual SIM smartphone.                       4. No headset or USB cable
3. Aggressively Priced.                                        included in the retail
4. Impressive Specs.                                            package. 

                               

     OUR RATING: 8/10

The Nokia Lumia 630 is the first Windows Phone 8.1 based device and also the first Dual-SIM smartphone powered by the Windows Phone platform. It also comes in single SIM version which is priced at Rs 10,500 while the Dual SIM Lumia 630 carries a price tag of Rs 11,500.

Here we take a closer look at the Nokia Lumia 630 Dual SIM model.

Design & Physical view:

In terms of design, it follows the same legendary solid design found on Nokia Lumia series. The Lumia 630 is numerically the true successor of the Lumia 620 but it differs so much in terms of physical design. However, from the side view, one can easily see the rectangular mono-block design approach taken. The back cover has a flat edge - almost like a smaller rectangular phone standing behind the Lumia 630.
The most important change one can notice is the absence of camera key. The Lumia 630 has only 2 solid buttons, one for volume controls and the other is the power button. On the rear, the Lumia 630 has a 5 megapixel camera in the top center, equidistant from top and both sides. In the right corner is the loud speaker. A standard audio port rests on the top of the phone while the micro USB 2.0 port is at the bottom. The front glass is protected by third generation Gorilla Glass to protect scratches and falls. Underneath, we have a two micro SIM slots, along with a microSD card slot. The 630 supports cards up to 128GB. Only SIM 2 is hot-swappable while the others aren’t. Lumia 630 feels really comfortable on the palms and can be easily operated with single hand. The Lumia 630 package includes the phone, battery, the charger and the quick start guide. Indeed, the Lumia 630 does NOT pack pair of earphones and micro USB data cable in the bundle.

Software:

Nokia Lumia 630 comes pre-loaded with Windows Phone 8.1 with the Cyan firmware update from Nokia. For the end users, the Windows Phone 8.1 offers several new features than the older version that makes the Windows Phone devices interesting and almost at par with other Android devices. We have discussed the features of Windows Phone 8.1 so we will focus here on the exclusive features in Lumia 630. The features exclusive to Lumia 630 are:
  • SensorCore
  • Miracast Support
  • Dual SIM
  • Latest Lumia Cyan firmware from Nokia
  • Imaging Enhancements
Do note that all of these features will come to all the Lumia devices after Lumia Cyan release but many features like SensorCore and Miracast may not support older Lumia devices. The Lumia 630 also happens to be first Windows Phone platform based Nokia device. Lumia 630 makes a debut with a new Smart Dual SIM feature. Forward your calls between two SIM cards just so that you do not miss out on any important calls. The Smart Dual SIM also offers a toggle switch to be selected before making a call or put a call on hold to talk/make call from other SIM. Do note that the Smart Dual SIM feature has also been promoted as Lumia Dual SIM.
The Home Screen shows two separate coloured ties for each SIM - Dialer and SMS. Users can always merge the Phone and Messages tiles to see notifications on a single tile with numerical representation. Interesting bit is that from the Mobile+SIM settings in the Settings app, the user can always define the SIM card to be used for data connection. Not only that, User can also assign name to each SIM card instead of viewing the Operator names on it.
Microsoft and Nokia added an experimental like feature dubbed SensorCore which basically consists of a software layer that collects data from the sensors on the device. The data is basically collected to aid the new Health and Fitness oriented breed of applications set in store to arrive in Windows Phone store.
Only thing missing in the Lumia Cyan is the Cortana, Microsoft's own personal digital assistant. As of now, Microsoft has no plans of making it available for the Indian consumers. Several other improvements like battery Saver mode are worthy and much deserving for those who have been bearing Windows Phone platform since the Windows 7.5 update.
We believe the Lumia Cyan or Windows Phone 8.1 is not a complete update but a stop-gap solution to let you enjoy the most basic and competitively intrinsic features.

Hardware:

Putting Lumia 630 in straight comparison with Lumia 620, we can find many changes in the physical appearance of the device. The Lumia 630 has a 4.5-inch IPS LCD touchscreen display with 480x854 pixel resolution. This display has been constructed using the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to protect against normal wear-tear. For the display, Nokia has placed its ClearBlack technology to make it least reflective.
Though the physical size of the display has been bumped, something seems really off with the color production of the display. The display of Lumia 630 offers 218 pixels per inch compared to the 246 pixels per inch of Lumia 620. Yet again, we emphasize that bigger display does not necessarily mean better; resolution of the display and the panel are equally important.
Under the 9.2 mm thick chassis, Lumia 630 houses a quad-core 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 mobile chipset with Adreno 305 GPU for graphics. The quad-core CPU is always a welcome while the native GPU graphics support remains the same as the Lumia 620 - Adreno 305. Hence, do not expect a vast difference in the gaming performance.
By default, the Lumia 630 packs 8 GB on-board storage out of which only about 5 GB is actually available for the users while rest is reserved for the mobile operating system and the updates.
At the rear, it has a 5 megapixel camera but it has neither an LED flash nor a front camera - your dreams of clicking selfies chucked out of the window. Lumia 630 offers FM Radio, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and there are no other fancy sensors other than the accelerometer. The lack of proximity sensor, compass and even ambient light sensor surprised us. Only the makers can justify the call to remove them from the package.
Location based services are powered by the GPS chip with the aid from Assisted-GPS and GLONASS support. There is no NFC or Infrared port and the phone offers microUSB 2.0 support. In the most competitive budget segment, Lumia 630 does not offer any hardware that is out of the ordinary and can make it stand out. Nevertheless, the hardware packed is just enough to get the things done whenever you want it.

Connectivity:

The Nokia Lumia 630 is available in three different model versions: single SIM, dual SIM, and LTE. The latter is the Lumia 635 - it sounds like a separate phone but the only difference is 4G network support. Here's the list of supported bands by model:

  • Quad-band GSM (across all models)
  • Dual-band 3G with 21 Mbps HSDPA (Lumia 630, Lumia 630 Dual-SIM)
  • Tri-band 3G with 42 Mbps HSDPA (Lumia 635)
  • Tri-band LTE Cat3 with 100 Mbps download (Lumia 635)
If you opt for the dual-SIM Lumia 630 model, you'll get two microSIM beds with dual stand-by. Of course, once you're in a call on one of the cards, the other SIM becomes inactive.
The rest of the connectivity features available across all models include single-band Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, and an FM radio with RDS. There is a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data connections. Mass storage mode is supported for access to the phone's built-in memory and microSD card.
There is no TV-out functionality under any form - neither wired, nor wireless. Also currently, there are no Windows Phones that support USB On-the-go, so that's missing, too.

Camera:

The phone does not have a dedicated camera key to capture images. Yet another decision that leaves us clueless because the lately launched Lumia 525 offers the same.
Nokia camera app is the native camera app and integrates the software lens - Cinematograph. Other lenses can be easily downloaded from the Windows Phone Store. The Nokia camera app brings in the Pro Cam features to fiddle with the Sliders for adjusting the focus, exposure, aperture and other settings. Considering the price, the camera performs really well outdoors with ample lighting. However, the quality quickly drops with low lights and ambient lighting indoors.
The lack of LED flash clearly makes your phone unusable post dawn for decent quality images.

Performance:

The Lumia Cyan indeed feels wee bit faster and optimised for the hardware. However, we did face some lags while switching between applications such as switching between Email and Twitter app. Meanwhile the native User Interface is as snappy as ever. While games such as Asphalt were easily playable on the phone, it did not offer the visual punch and graphics feel - probably because it has the same Adreno 305 GPU chip.
In terms of voice call, the clarity was as intact as other budget Lumia devices. However, we did find the Loud Speaker lacking the punch and bass for enjoying music. Quite possible because we are used to the loudness and clarity lacking loudspeaker units.
One can easily glorify the Live Tiles with a wallpaper like background image to appear different and also try out the different Tiles arrangements. Yet again, Windows Phone platform is catching up with the most popularly used mobile applications and games which get announced for other two platforms first. Those who wish to try out a game or new app every second day, will not be happy with the pace of such developments.

Battery Life:

One of the biggest concern of the dual-SIM configuration offering smartphones is the battery life. For Lumia 630, Nokia has packaged 1830 mAh Lithium-Ion battery in a removable mode. That means, if you are a heavy user, you can buy an extra battery to keep your phone number active.
The Lumia 630 is capable of lasting half a day on call, but this is possible only if the clever ear-sensing tech inside the screen has detected your ear and has turned itself off. Since the phone doesn't come with a proximity sensor the display doesn't go off unless you touch it with your face or you turned it off manually. If the screen is kept on during your calls, you should probably expect significantly lower talk time.
Using the phone on the single SIM mode certainly offered longer run time compared to the dual-SIM mode. The phone had some battery juice even after watching three two-hour long movies back to back. For those who bank on the phone to watch videos when bored, should totally add this to their checklist.
The Nokia Lumia 630 turned out quite the poor stand-by performer. Instead of the promised 600 hours, our unit lasted about 200-210. And we've tested it three times just to be sure. In the end, acknowledging the low stand-by score, the Lumia 630's overall endurance rating came at 55 hours. It is an average endurance and means your phone will last 2 days and 7 hours if used it daily for an hour of video playback, calling over a 3G network and web browsing.

Final Words:

The Lumia 630 has the same winning combo as the Lumia 520 that sold in millions: a simple, yet durable design, a good balance of features at a bargain price. We wouldn't be surprised to see it repeat the feat of the former and become the Lumia line's next rising star.
Nokia has done a good job designing the Lumia 630 - the boxy design of the Ashas and X-series looks neat, the right blend of fresh and familiar. You can choose between a wide range of paintjobs for the exchangeable rear covers.
Nokia Lumia 630 certainly brings the best possible Dual SIM management experience on the Windows Phone platform. For those who clearly want a device that gets their work done, sends messages, let you post on social networks, and enjoy music - this is the device for you with a promising battery life. However, if you love trying out latest games and always updated with new apps released for other platforms, kindly evaluate other options.
Nokia Lumia 630 is possibly the company's best Dual SIM device as yet that offers great battery life.
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Microsoft now promoting non-Nokia Windows Phones on Hollyoaks

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In May 2012 Nokia struck a deal with UK Channel 4 and Hollyoaks’s production company Lime Pictures to feature Nokia’s range of Lumia handsets in various product placements on the popular soapie.

Research found that the placement was a great success, with Hollyoaks viewers seeing Nokia Lumia handsets as being best for social networking, photo sharing and apps. Eight in 10 Hollyoaks viewers (78 per cent) agreed that the product placement fitted in well with the show, and seven in 10 viewers (73 per cent) claimed the product placement made the soap more realistic.

It seems with the Nokia/Microsoft deal the mantle has now passed on to Microsoft, and from the above screen shot above it seems they are now using it to promote more than Lumia handsets, with the Huawei Ascend W1  showing in the show this week.


Microsoft is pursuing a vigorous strategy of product placement as part of their plan to normalize having a Windows Phone, believing  by having celebrities endorsing the handset it will give buyers on the fence permission to try out a device which their real-life friends are not using yet.

Given the great bounds in Windows Phone market share in UK this does seem to be working.  Do our readers agree? Let us know below.

Via: WMPowerUser
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Microsoft accidentally confirms the existence of Surface Mini

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Microsoft has inadvertently confirmed the existence of the Surface Mini in a user manual for the Surface Pro 3, which was recently published on the company's website. The Surface Mini is an interesting device that failed to show up at the Surface Pro 3 event after Microsoft emphasized on the event being "small". Unfortunately, the company failed to shed light on whether or not such a device exists and if it will be available for purchase at some point in the future.


The Surface Mini is mentioned several times throughout the user manual, with one section dedicated to pairing the new Surface Pen with unannounced the Windows tablet. Other references cover OneNote and other features. Previous reports stated the delay with the Surface Mini is due to the lack of touch support in Microsoft Office for Windows 8, which would change with the release of a touch-friendly version.


Even with Microsoft confirming the product's existence through user documentation, we'll have to wait for an official announcement to know exactly when consumers will be able to pick up the Surface Mini – that's if Microsoft chooses to launch the device.

Via: WPCentral
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Friday 20 June 2014

Subway Surfers receives monthly update, moves to Brazil

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Subway Surfers has enjoyed a steady stream of updates with new content patches and today we're looking at the addition of São Paulo, Brazil to celebrate the this year's World Cup. The game has hit v1.25.0.0 today in Windows Phone Store. You can enjoy the game in fresh visuals. Before moving to the change log section of the new update, let me make it clear that the game still requires 1 GB RAM. It is a big disappointment for many users but I must say that Subway Surfers should learn this from Gameloft who have almost 90% of games compatible with 512 MB RAM and even Temple Run 2 has made it to 512 MB RAM devices. So, let's hope that Subway Surfers jump quickly to low cost devices also and let's end this here and more to the changelog below.


  • Grind trains with your cool crew!
  • Colorful and vivid HD graphics!
  • Hoverboard Surfing!
  • Paint powered jetpack!
  • Lightning fast swipe acrobatics!
  • Challenge and help your friends!
  • Follow the Subway Surfers World Tour to São Paulo
  • Join the weekly Top Run race and compete against players from your country
  • Add Edison, the Brazilian soccer kid, to your Surfer crew
  • Boost your collection with the iconic Banana board and cool Outfits for Edison and Zoe
  • Reach the best Ranks in the Top Run race to get cool Awards

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BBM coming to Windows Phone this July

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BlackBerry Messenger is an instant messaging service, popular especially in businesses. The lack of this app for Windows Phone has been criticized but this seems to come to an end now. It has been confirmed the app will come to Windows Phone this year some time ago already, but a specific release date was not given.
On yesterday's mornings BlackBerry earnings call, CEO John Chen dropped word that BBM for Windows Phone will be arriving in July. We already knew that is was coming, but now we know for sure that in just a few weeks Windows Phone users will be able to get in on the BBM action as well.
After the launch, BBM will be available on BlackBerry, iOS, Android and Windows Phone — making it a true cross-platform mobile messaging service. No details on just what the WP version will have in store, though it's safe to assume it will have features along the lines of the iPhone and Android versions at launch.
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Wednesday 18 June 2014

Microsoft updates a suite of system apps with mysterious improvements

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Microsoft Mobile (previously the hardware division at Nokia) has released new versions for a number of system apps available for Lumia Windows Phones. Extras + Info and Call + SMS Filter are joined by Display and Device Hub, each receiving a new version with unknown changes due to the lack of up-to-date changelogs.
The Extras + Info store listing (now on version 3.9.2.1) states that more minor improvements have been implemented, but this changelog has been present for some time. Still, we'll put this latest version down to yet more bug fixing taking place.
As for Call + SMS Filter, again we're not too sure what has been included in this update. The changelog is for an older release, but we'd imagine the same fits for what's added in the latest version, which is currently on 1.9.2.1. As well as these two system apps, both Device Hub and Display have also been bumped to a new version, again with unknown changes (versions 3.4.2.35 and 3.1.0.56 respectively).
Find the app links below:

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Microsoft working on passive-voice activation for Cortana

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Answering to a user question on Twitter, Marcus Ash, Microsoft’s Group Program Manager for Cortana on Windows Phone revealed that Microsoft is working on a passive voice activation feature for Cortana. Right now, you need to tap Cortana to listen to your voice commands. Some devices like Moto X, Kinect has a feature called passive voice activation in which these devices will be listening to you all the time for your commands. Marcus confirmed this upcoming feature in Cortana while he tweeted about the recent issue regarding an Xbox One ad.
Although Cortana is still in its beta stage, many are curious as to when passive-voice activation will arrive, as it seems like the next reasonable step. Marcus Ash, Group Program Manager for Cortana on Windows Phone, has once again taken to Twitter to tease the feature:
Something to think about as we design voice activation for #Cortana. Don't want Jesse sending texts on your behalf.
 Of course, the big surprise there is that Ash just admitted that Microsoft is actively developing voice activation. That news is not necessarily surprising, but it is reassuring.
What do you think of passive voice activation? Would it make using Cortana easier for you? Would it entice you to buy a new phone with supported hardware for the feature?

Source: @MarcusAsh; Via: WPCentral
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Russia’s Fly joins the growing Windows Phone OEM flock

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WP7Forum.ru reports that the Windows Phone 8.1 OEM community may just have gained another member.

According to their sources Russian smartphone OEM Fly is preparing to launch a Windows Phone 8.1 handset.

The handset will be competitive with the Nokia Lumia 630 and will also feature dual-SIM support, a vaguely iPhone 5C-type styling and a 5 megapixel camera with a flash.. The handset should hit the market between August and September and will be sold without a carrier or SIM lock.

Via: WMPowerUser
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Facebook Beta receives a major update

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Facebook Beta has finally received a must awaited update that Microsoft's Joe Belfiore mentioned during his recent Reddit AMA. The update brings the popular app up to version 5.3.0.1 (8.3.0.1) for those on Windows Phone 8 and 8.1, respectively. In addition, a detailed changelog has been added, noting a range of improvements including a new, more Modern layout.

v5.3 Additions:


  • Updated design
  • Improved performance
  • Video upload
  • Support for additional languages

The new UI design in 5.3 includes a News Feed text banner at the top with a Search button and list of current contacts online. Below the new header are five icons, which include quick access to News Feed, Friend Requests, Messages, Notifications and your profile.

Rounding off the new scheme is a new bottom bar, which features three buttons for Status, Photo uploading and Check-in. It's with that middle option, Photo, that users can now select a video to upload to their Facebook account, joining WhatsApp with privileged OS access to said feature. It's clear that the new design moves away from the iOS-inspired version to a more Modern, Windows Phone one, which should please many in our audience.

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Tuesday 17 June 2014

Panorama App Photosynth For Windows Phone Updated To Version 1.7

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It’s been more than a year since Microsoft updated its 360 degree panorama app Photosynth for Windows Phone. Today the popular panorama app picked up a minor bug fix update and bumped to version 1.7.
Photosynth is one of the best panorama applications available on Windows Phone Store. The app allowing you to create interactive 360 degree panoramas of the places, people, and events that you can share.
Version 1.7, unfortunately, does not bring any new features though it does say 'bug fixes' for a changelog. Considering the multitudes of new devices and even a brand new operating systems (Windows Phone 8.1), it's not too surprising that Photosynth could use a little polishing.
Regardless, if you've never tried Photosynth, it's certainly worth the download as it's one of a kind on Windows Phone. Hopefully Microsoft hasn't forgotten about the app, especially after the high profile departure of Agüera y Arcas, an engineer who helped develop Photosynth.

Download Photosynth v1.7 from the Windows Phone Store
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Monday 16 June 2014

Lumia 930 available for pre-order in Finland

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We've already covered some locations across Europe where consumers can pre-order the Lumia 930, but Finnish mobile operator TeliaSonera has the new Windows Phone available for pre-order, priced at €549 with an expected release date of July 10 (July 3 for Ireland). The new Windows Phone from Nokia, which sold its handset division to Microsoft earlier this year, is the new flagship from Microsoft Mobile and is available in a variety colors.

Sonera is only stocking the black, white and green variants, but other sources do have the missing orange in case you're an avid fan. Another local operator, Saunalahti will be selling the same Windows Phone. The Finnish arm of retailer Expansys will be stocking the orange, white, green and black colors too, as well as Verkkokauppa. There are options available, that's for sure.

So, who's looking to pick one up? If so, which color will you be going for?

Via: WPCentral
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Micromax launches two new Windows Phones in India

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One of the biggest OEM in India, Micromax, as expected launched two Windows Phones for the Indian Market. Both the phones are entry level devices with some mind blowing specs. They are priced well.
At a press conference in New Delhi today, Micromax unveiled two Windows Phone devices for the Indian market. Micromax is the first Indian smartphone manufacturer to launch Windows Phone devices, although we know that Celkon, XOLO, and others are following soon.
The two devices Micromax launched today are the Canvas Win W121 and Canvas Win W092. Both phones will be in the market starting in July 2014. The Canvas Win W121 is priced at INR 9,500 ($160) while the Canvas Win W092 is priced at INR 6,500 ($110).

The specs of the Canvas Win W121 are:



  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 1.2 GHz quad core processor
  • 1 GB ram
  • Dual Sim
  • 5-inch HD IPS display
  • 8 MP rear camera & 2 MP front camera
  • 8 GB internal memory( upgradeable up to 32 GB)
  • Proximity, gravity, and light sensors
  • Price: Rs 9,500

The specs of the Canvas Win W092:


  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 1.2 GHz quad core processor
  • 1 GB ram
  • Dual sim
  • 4-inch IPS WVGA display
  • 5 megapixel rear camera (with LED flash­), a 0.3 megapixel front-facing camera
  • 8 GB internal memory( upgradeable up to 32 GB)
  • 1500 mah battery
  • Price: Rs 6,500
The two devices are priced nicely, and should hit the chord with Indian consumers. The company also takes the honours of being the cheapest Windows Phone on the market right now, taking the crown from Nokia’s runaway success, the Lumia 520. Would you be interested in picking up a Windows Phone device from Micromax?
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Sunday 15 June 2014

Deal Alert: Movie Maker 8.1 free for one day only

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Windows Phone 8.1 has added a brad new category of 3rd party Video Editors to the App Store and the best app in this brand new category of video editors on Windows Phone 8.1 is Venetasoft’s Movie Maker 8.1.


Their app is incredibly  sophisticated, close to desktop-level which is fitting given that the app is a universal one which will soon show up on tablets.
In celebration of the World Cup and Italy’s win over England the company is giving away their application, which is normally $1.99, completely free today.

It supports:
  • Full HD 1920×1080 video support
  • No movie duration limits
  • ave and open videos from SD card and OneDrive
  • Titles: font type/color/size, background color/picture/video frame
  • Effects: SlowX10, Gray, FishEye, Pinch, Warp, Kenburns (pan&zoom)
  • Transitions: Fade In/Out/Cross, Slide, Stripe, Twist3D, Fold3D
  • Tools: frame grab, trim, crop, split, move, cut, copy, paste, delete, merge, volume levels
  • Unlimited undo(s) and redo(s)
  • MP4 and MP3 compressor with custom format
  • MP3 audio studio: easily create your mp3 compilation
  • Project save and restore
  • Facebook, Email, Messaging and Office sharing
  • Continue your projects from your pc with Movie Maker for Windows Desktop!
  • Extract frames from a video
  • Extract mp3 from a video
  • Slow motion effect X10
  • Exclusive: ‘tick’ noise removal tool
Download the app free only for today. Get it from the Windows phone store here.
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Microsoft Talks About The Future Of Cortana

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Last couple of days, there were lots of speculation and confusion around whether Microsoft will/should bring Cortana on non-Windows devices. Marcus Ash, Group program manager responsible for Cortana on Windows Phone explained it all in a series of Tweets. He confirmed that Microsoft is focused on bringing Cortana to many other countries on Windows Phone and after that they might bring it to Windows on PCs. And also he confirmed that there is no plans to bring Cortana to Android or iOS platforms. Read his tweets below.

  • Our top priority is to make Cortana great for  customers. Get her out to more countries, continuing to push innovation.
  • Real plan is about  on . Make it so good that customers get everyone they know on .
  • Showcase experience will always be on . No controversy or debate.
  • After we execute on #1 – #3, we have started to THINK about  on so more  customers experience her.
  • In a future state, the best experience will still be for  customers that own all  devices. Best work is on our devices.
  • Only after we execute on #1 – #5 do we consider  anywhere other than Windows devices which are only thoughts/questions, no plans.
  • Being a challenger in mobile requires us to consider ideas to breakthrough, including leveraging the broadest set of  customers
  • Words are nice, only actions matter. Next 4 months of  on will show that we are dead serious about #1 – #3.
  • These are future questions/thoughts, the present reality is making  amazing for our current and new customers.
Source: Twitter (@marcusash), Via: WPCentral
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