Windows 8 phones reviews

The gist is that Skype for Windows Phone 8 is a separate app you'll have to download through the Windows Phone Store, not one that's already integrated into the dialer. It takes incoming calls through the dialer and plops contacts in the address book, but you won't be able to directly place a call from the same address book; you'll have to first open the Skype app. Internet Explorer 10 Parity in the browser is one way that Microsoft keeps Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 looking and feeling like part of the same ecosystem.

IE10 for the phone means you can say hello to multitouch for pinching and zooming, and Redmond reintroduced find-in-page search. Both are eminently useful and overdue. Like its desktop counterpart, the phone weaves the SmartScreen filter into the browser to warn you of malicious Web sites. In addition, one crashy browser tab shouldn't take down the entire browser. Web surfing was fast and accurate, but this time around I felt like something was missing. Although Windows Phone 8 supports tabs, I wish I could navigate among them without leaving the screen.

Today, you have to go to the menu, then press the tabs button to see your tabby thumbnails. In the future, I'd prefer for the app to carry on the Windows 8 metaphor of swiping down to see tab thumbnails, or swiping left and right to cycle through them, in addition to pulling them from the menu or some other onscreen control. Although Microsoft and I aren't on the exact same page when it comes to tab management, I do give it credit for its plan to give users a break on their data bill.

Launching this holiday season, Data Sense is a compression engine that will squeeze down your data load on the back end. It's optional, but the idea is that it'll deliver pages faster and shave down the MB size.

In addition, it'll track your data consumption, so you can keep tabs on approaching limits. According to Microsoft's figures, turning on Data Sense gets you 45 percent more Web sites per data allotment. Verizon will get it first, followed by other carriers in Compressing data isn't new; the Opera browser has been offering the same functionality for years. If you do use it, image quality usually takes a hit, but that's the trade-off for trimming down your use and cranking up delivery speeds.

Other cool new features There's more to find within Windows Phone 8. We talked about voice-to-text in OneNote, but another new perk is that it's now its own app. I love being able to easily add bullet points and check boxes, and format notes. I would like to link notes to reminders, and maybe to its own alarm, but for creating a shopping list, it's tops.

As someone whose job description includes taking screenshots, finally getting this on Windows Phone 8 has been terrific. It's easy and reliable -- just press the start and power buttons -- and screenshots wind up where they should. I hated the shutter sound, so I disabled it in the sound settings under "camera shutter.

Windows Phone 8 doesn't come with turn-by-turn directions, but Microsoft says you'll be able to open companion apps that tell you where to go from within the Maps app. One of Microsoft's most important additions is backing up your phone to the cloud and restoring it if things go wrong. You'll choose the backup option as you set up your phone, and you can reach backup controls from the settings. WP8 can back up your apps list, text messages, configuration, and photos.

Windows core: Sharing is caring In addition to some shared Internet Explorer details, Windows Phone 8 can benefit from a shared Windows core with Windows 8. Right away, you'll notice that photos, music, and Office apps sync effortlessly through the cloud.

I was able to compose a Word document on the Microsoft RT tablet and pick up where I left off on the phone, and vice versa. Full device encryption is another benefit for the security-minded. Microsoft also promised that developers would be able to port Windows 8 apps easily to Windows Phone 8, since the two use many of the same developer tools.

The code you can't see Some of the best Windows Phone features are the ones you can't see. Lines of code make it possible to use faster dual-core processors in this next batch of phones, and to top them with HD screens. Software also accounts for removable storage support, a feature that's been blocked on Windows phones from the very beginning.

Thanks to Windows Phone 8 engineers, we'll also see over-the-air-updates. The first three especially help keep the platform in the competition. And of course So far I've highlighted what's new and notable in Windows Phone 8, but let's not forget what the OS has brought to the table all along: a bold, clean design that doesn't look like anything else, and a penchant for simplicity.

Windows Phone retains one of the most sensitive and accurate virtual keyboards I've ever used. It's so good that for the most part, the phone's screen size isn't an issue. Integrated voice actions, podcasts, and a shopping scanner app put often-used tools at your fingertips.

Task switching and visual voice mail operator-specific are onboard as well. I especially appreciate Microsoft's efforts with built-in music ID and with SmartDJ, which works like Pandora to mix up songs in your collection. The Xbox Music subscription is where it will really shine, because the service can also stream tracks from the entire Xbox catalog, whether you own it or not.

What about the apps? Windows Phone 0S has a lot more than you might think, about , as of the last official tally. Microsoft proudly proclaims that they offer 46 of the 50 most popular apps , with updates and new additions in the near future. Pandora, for instance, will finally arrive in , and will be free for all Windows Phone 8 users for a year.

Although the quantity of apps is high enough to satisfy, there's still a question about the programs' quality. Some look terrific, and are optimized for Windows Phone. Others only offer a shell of an app and shunt you to the service's mobile Web site. The Audible e-book store is one such example. Not only is this a clunky experience, it also smacks of laziness, sloppiness, and a lack of investment in the Windows Phone ecosystem.

I'll give individual developers a pass on this, but for big-time companies with resources to spare, the mobile Web treatment is embarrassing, and that's Microsoft's problem. If you're curious, yes, you'll be able to draw from all Windows Phone 7 apps on a Windows 8 phone.

Devil in the details Removing roadblocks to must-have hardware puts Windows Phone in the best market position it's ever enjoyed, helped by sexy, powerful debut devices like the HTC Windows Phone 8X and Nokia Lumia Microsoft gets a lot right by reversing major omissions, but there are still plenty of spots where the more mature iOS and Android clearly win.

The app store is still missing several major apps, there's no default for voice navigation though there are hooks into third-party apps, and it's clear that Microsoft can't quit efforts to win developer confidence. Moreover, Microsoft doesn't control video and TV rentals and sales yet that's coming up , still a strong contrast to Android and iOS.

I'm also frustrated by admittedly tiny rough edges that I feel Microsoft should have finally addressed this time around, things like downloading multiple apps in one session without getting kicked to the Start screen after every installation. Or how about the "no-duh" integration of actually providing a link to the music or podcast section of the app store when first loading music and podcasts onto a blank phone.

That would be heaps more useful than telling new customers they have to plug in the phone to side-load music, or expecting them to go back one to find the link.

Little usability errors like this are easy enough to block and don't overshadow all the good that Microsoft has wrought. For today, though, Windows Phone 8.

It's a shame, then, that the ecosystem is still challenged with issues surrounding app selection and app quality. Wired UK. Five things that will make Windows Phone 8.

I don't know what's wrong with my thumbs, but they are just not built for typing. No matter what touchscreen keyboard I use, autocorrect is always my best friend.

Microsoft is pretty proud of its new Word Flow keyboard, which claims the world record for fastest phone screen typing. All in all, while some of the biggest changes for Windows Phone 8. Windows Central. I think 8.

Phone Scoop. Review: Microsoft's Windows Phone 8. There's no doubt Windows Phone 8. The Verge. It feels finished now, really for the first time. Cortana steals the show in Microsoft's new Windows.

Having found nothing compelling about Windows Phone 8, my tune is changing for Windows Phone 8. With Cortana, Microsoft seems hell-bent on creating something that doesn't emulate Siri or Google Now, but surpasses them. Cortana announced for Windows Phone 8. Cortana is definitely one of the bigger headline grabbing features in Windows Phone 8.

The other being the new notification center. Cortana is more than a voice assistant though. Visually, Cortana is represented by a circular icon that adopts the same color scheme as your Windows Phone theme.

It also pulsates when she speaks and rotates when searching for an answer. Digital Trends. Hands-on with Windows Phone 8. You heard it here first: Windows Phone is finally a good alternative to your iPhone, Galaxy, or Nexus. Business Insider. With Cortana and user interface tweaks such as the new Action Center, Microsoft is much better equipped to take on the competition than it was before. Engadget Reader. October 7, A gadget unicorn - Engadget.

January 19, There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. November 2, October 16, Very easy, friendly and intuitive interface. Powered by Nokia hardware, is perfect for almost every kind of users. Camera features are the best! September 23, The Windows Phone 8. It was a big leap of faith to jump from iOS to WP 8. It's a poor show for iOS, as of late it's buggy, cluttered and frankly dull. I like the fact WP 8. Review: Windows Phone 8. Combine the many new and improved features with the forthcoming wider array of appealing handsets, and Windows Phone 8 is primed to bring Microsoft back into the smartphone game from the fringes, as a real contender.

GSM Arena. Windows Phone 8 review: Str8 up. Windows Phone 8 is faster, smoother and more powerful than its predecessor. Windows Phone 8 is only now able to start matching up against iOS, and it's still got a lot of ground to cover to reach Android levels of functionality and customization options.

Windows Phone 8 by all accounts would appear to have a very solid basis. Microsoft needed to deliver with Windows Phone 8 and largely we think it has succeeded. It looks and feels slick and largely matches the competition for core abilities. There are a few shortcomings but these are generally balanced by other unique features. The Inquirer. It's a vast improvement over the previous version of Microsoft's mobile operating system, and its newly customisable user interface puts IOS and Android to shame.

However, the software ecosystem is still suffering from a severe lack of big-name apps. Whether or not it will be successful remains to be seen, but it certainly is gaining some significant propulsion power.

Engadget Reader. June 25, Receiving Calls - ha ha ha microsoft fooled you here Screen utilization - great innovation again by microsoft - if you will buy a 5 inch phone - consider it to be 3 inches - : - because top header - bottom footersetc. Buttons configuration - Buttons will live and die doing the same function till death - yes the volume rocker does not do anything else besides - you guessed itright - rocking volume, it does not have any context functionality - same goes for any buttons that you may have on your phone6.

Brightness and other settings - Super Microsoft does it again - you can set only low, mid, high or auto - what if you want to set it to 65 or 32, no sir you cant do it7. On screent controls - you will never find slider controls or touch controls or volume and about anything else - pathetic i must say8. Display options - no you cannot have skins, widgets - the phone will look the same as any other windows phone owner in the world - even the tile colors and thebackground are hand tied - kudos to microsoft8.

The above list are kind of must even before a system is released. Seemsthe QA and Everybody and Microsoft have lost it completely. I am not even talking about advanced features in mobiles these days like touchless operations, configurable buttons, highly customizable interface, 3D, fingerscanners, face recognition, gesture controls, air gestures, widi, usb otg, applications support, new tech, innovations etc.

The above were the base features which should have been part of a bare bones system. Hell - i hate windows phone os and will never buy a microsoft product - system ever again. June 21, The best in its category. We highly recommend it. May 20, There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. April 7, Windows Phone 8 isn't what I wished it would have been, but it is a great step forward in Microsoft's phone OS.

It is fairly simple to use, and very fast, as well as excellent on battery life. The app Ecosystem is far behind Android and iOS, of course, since it is much newer and has a smaller user base, but it is growing quickly and most major apps either have an app developed by the original developer, or by an alternate developer EG. It is a great OS and can hopefully grow to the point where apps are developed for it almost as quickly as for the two larger smartphone OSs. More choice is always a good thing in my books, and WP8 gives us that 3rd choice in a world where BlackBerry is falling short.

April 1, A gadget unicorn - Engadget. March 28, The good thing about Windows Phone is User Experience. It's a joy to use Windows Phone. The animations, smoothness, fonts, everything on that screen is mind blowing. But nothing is perfect. Windows Phone loses serious marks when it comes to apps. Now many would say that many big names have arrived and are continuing to bring more great experiences as they are doing on iOS and Android.

I totally agree and I will go on to say that the counterparts of Windows Phone apps on competing platforms suck when compared WP version. It blows iOS and Android versions out of the water. Similarly there are many more and that is what makes windows phone great.

The real problem is the apps from other not so big developers who deliver fabulous third party app experiences on iOS and Android. Like we say indie games for Gaming Consoles, the same goes here as well. There are hardly any indie apps for Windows Phone yet. Although they are coming slowly but the gap is just too big for now. That might be the prime reason for people to hold on for now with Windows Phone.

But mark my words, once you get to see the OS in action, you will most likely forget all the drawbacks. The amazing experience that this OS provides is probably unmatched. February 19, I really love this OS, I think it's the best!

February 17, February 9, A forgettable product. It isn't bad, exactly, but also doesn't do anything particularly well. January 26, January 12, January 6, December 25, December 22, I have Nokia windows phone for 3 months now I used to be a fan of iPhone. Used it for years and it's really not user-friendly at all. First, it lacks of very basic function like Timer, stop watch, world time clock.

These functions seem to be very trivial until you don't have it. It was very annoying. You have to download apps for those and for Timers, you need to go into Settings and change 'Lock screen' option so that alarm will sound after 1 min.

Come on windows phone people, that is just stupid. Second, the email app doesn't show some features e. So what's the point of have a smart phone if I need to carry my laptop?

I can't find approx. Gas prices, parking payment app, news app, music apps. This is where pissed me off. And it blocks Google Map access at the same time so I can't use any of the maps aborad. Maybe I switched too soon. Perhaps 10 years from now, it'd be a time to switch to Windows phone. November 25, November 23, A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition.

November 20, October 21,