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Hi, I am hoping to get an ATT Samsung focus for christmas (If not, I might just buy it) and I was wondering if any of you have made this journey from windows mobile 6.whatever to phone 7 and if you have any advice for me. I have done my research on the new os and I have been following it since it's announcement in February, so I know how the system works, but maybe you could tell me some details about the phone its self that I might not know. My particular concern is moving from HTC (Who usually makes very good devices and software features for them) to Samsung (who I know makes the really good phone screens).
Any advice at all would help me out!
I moved from the Pure to the Focus, so far. I'm loving my new device.. I have been a loyal HTC user since the Axim x51v.. The only thing that I miss is the navigation software, but I read that MS is going to update the bing maps with navigation.. also I miss the custom ringtones but again, something that is going to be fixed on the new update...
In a nutshell.. I'm in love with the samsung, the quality of the device is great, it feels well made and it's rock solid..
Also you could go to an Att store to check it out by yourself.. thats how I got a focus instead of a surround XD hehehe the focus is sexier XD
Yea i moved from a HTC touch Pro 2 to the samsung focus and I feel like its one of the best decisions I've ever made. WP7 is a great OS and the focus is a beautiful phone...You will be happy with your choice
I moved from the Touch Pro 2 (sister phone) and I love it as well. WP7 is so smooth and stable, I don't see myself going back to 6.x at all. Plus, we'll be seeing more features added by Microsoft over time so it will only get better. I'm sure WP7.1 will impress even more.
I was on the fence too, but I'm very happy with the Samsung Focus. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I made the same move and am loving it. Just a couple things...
Be ready to use only the internal 8gb storage for stability sake. The sd card update has not been totally flushed out yet. Even so, I am running an 8gb Kingston Class 4 with no problems whatsoever for over two weeks (fingers crossed). But I see that being addressed sooner rather than later. If you need copy and paste, you should wait until early 2011 when the first update is released. If you need you PIM data to sync only through outlook (think activesync) and not through the cloud, wait and see if the update will add this feature. Some people are very particular about this. Also, if you need to connect to hidden wireless networks you should wait for the first update. It may or may not be included.
If none of these issues affect you, you are going to love the upgrade. Having the zune integrated is just awesome. I don't miss the task manager from my Pure. I usually spent most of my time shutting down apps rather than switching amongst them. Jumping back to an app I came from is simple and exactly how I use my phone. The OS is extremely smooth and fast. I would flash custom roms onto my pure to get WM6.5 to run fast but would always run into bugs which would need to be fixed. The screen size increase is the biggest improvement in my opinion. Typing on the Pure was usually pretty frustrating since the virtual keyboard buttons were so small. The Focus screen size makes typing a breeze. If you are willing to embrace the cloud, you will find the user experience to even better. I think you will be very happy with the change.
The Samsung is very nice and given my generally poor experiences with HTC in the past, it was an easy jump for me, especially since there were 2 1/2 years of iPhone between the Focus and the last HTC thing I owned.
The hardware will probably be secondary to the system. WP7 is NOT WM 6.5. It's not based on WM 6.5 and it may never be on par with WM 6.5 as far as features. And, in my opinion, that's not a bad thing. WM 6.5 was slow, unstable, clunky, and completely unusable if you lost the stylus. WP7 is pretty bare bones at the moment but it's very fast, smooth, stable and very finger friendly, all of which I value more than a huge list of features I rarely, if ever, used. Before you hope too much, go to an AT&T or someone that sells them and check it out. Check out settings, the applications included with the phone, the browser and the marketplace and get an idea if there's enough there to make it useful to you. I've seen a number of threads here and elsewhere from former WM 6.5 owners who are fuming over the lack of things like ICS and RDP, completely missing the point that WP7 is not meant to be a replacement for WM 6.5. These things may come in the future but don't buy a phone for what it might one day do, buy it for what it does now.
I've had a long history with WM. I had the Imate Jam, then the HTC Kaiser, then the HTC Touch Pro 2 (aka tilt) and now the Samsung Focus.
hardware wise, this thing is awesome! I've compared the screen to the HTC Surround, and it's seriously mind blowing. The hardware is rock solid, the only little thing is that it creeks a tiny little bit at the bottom of the back cover, but you will barely notice it. Love having Gorilla Glass so no need for stupid screen protectors.
Software wise, WP7 is amazing...I'm really glad Microsoft released it, and I'm hoping that the tiny issues will be resolved with the January update (which is said to be HUGE!!!!, one developer was quoted as saying "They might as well have called it WP8", so they must be bringing a lot of changes.
The only real things I miss are Navigation, and Custom ring-tones...other than that, I'm very very very happy and I don't miss anything. The only other thing is the storage capacity, apparently Microsoft is working on a patch for the whole MicroSD issue, so if reliable storage is important, then go with another phone, but I'm going to take the risk, and worst come to worst, I'll cut down my music to make it fit, because I love this phone that much
wow, thx everyone for the info. I was already aware of the snappyness and awesomeness of Windows phone 7 but I am glad there are so many approvals of my device choice as well! I usually put in earphones for listening to music so I wouldn't really have much use for the HTC surround, and I don't need a phisical keyboard, so the LG quatrum was not for me.
I am very happy that I am not the only one making this jump to WP7.
(oh, and do you ever think that android will be ported to WP7. Is it possible?!)
PS, Can I make the windows phone 7 apps for free, or is that a 5 dollar fee?
As far as I know the tools to create applications are free but it'll cost $99 to access the marketplace, presumably for a year. Same as Apple & iPhone programs.
Hello all.
I wonder if it's possible to install dual boot on samsung focus, with
Windows Mobile 7.
Thanks.
^^ someone get hot on this. WP7 is just terrible. I wasted money on this phone.. Need android now lol.
If you don't like WP7, get urself a Captivate. They even share a same battery. I'm out of laggy, battery draining Android.
afriedguy said:
^^ someone get hot on this. WP7 is just terrible. I wasted money on this phone.. Need android now lol.
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Click to collapse
I can understand people wanting both OSes, but if you just want Android, you should just sell your Focus and buy the Captivate. The latter is a better looking device (I have one).
I go back and forth between the two, and each has clear advantages and disadvantages over the other. If I had to pick ONE, I would probably go with the Captivate (custom ROM), but the Focus isn't very far behind, which is saying a volume about the first execution from Microsoft.
I am no MS fanboy (and is there such a thing?), but I think WP7 is something MS got mostly right first time around. There are clearly issues with WP7, but nothing compared to the first incarnation of Android (just ask people who had to endure through the early devices -- e.g. HTC G1 -- and their subsequent updates). Android prominence didn't materialize until 2.0 (Eclair) with Motorola Droid and a flurry of subsequent 2.x-based devices from Motorola, Samsung and HTC.
enigma00 said:
I can understand people wanting both OSes, but if you just want Android, you should just sell your Focus and buy the Captivate. The latter is a better looking device (I have one).
I go back and forth between the two, and each has clear advantages and disadvantages over the other. If I had to pick ONE, I would probably go with the Captivate (custom ROM), but the Focus isn't very far behind, which is saying a volume about the first execution from Microsoft.
I am no MS fanboy (and is there such a thing?), but I think WP7 is something MS got mostly right first time around. There are clearly issues with WP7, but nothing compared to the first incarnation of Android (just ask people who had to endure through the early devices -- e.g. HTC G1 -- and their subsequent updates). Android prominence didn't materialize until 2.0 (Eclair) with Motorola Droid and a flurry of subsequent 2.x-based devices from Motorola, Samsung and HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same back and forth here
For most of the time my SIM is in Focus cause the long-lasting battery life and better working GPS. My captivate usually cannot last longer than 18 hours without flight mode. But when I'm out of town I switch to Captivate. Bing map has too little information.
amtrakcn said:
Same back and forth here
For most of the time my SIM is in Focus cause the long-lasting battery life and better working GPS. My captivate usually cannot last longer than 18 hours without flight mode. But when I'm out of town I switch to Captivate. Bing map has too little information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Similar here...
Captivate +'s:
+ Tons of apps
+ Better market/shopping experience
+ Better search + voice recognition
+ Better Google service integrations (e.g. Google Voice, Books, etc.)
+ Better maps (including Navigation)
+ Flash support
+ Better looking (subjective but the textured backcover looks 100x better than the plastic one on the Focus)
+ More ways to customize (e.g. change the launcher)
+ Multitasking
Focus +'s:
+ Better Exchange integration
+ Better MS Office support (e.g. very accurate view of pptx files)
+ VERY fluid UI (try smooth pinch to zoom on Android)
+ Better music player + PC sync (Zune is second to none)
+ Better international roaming support (e.g. adjusting to timezone in Calendar)
+ Better battery life by a long shot
+ Better GPS signals and faster fixes
+ Dedicated Camera button + LED
I'm very disappointed because I wanted the focus samsung also bear
the android.
I see many applications for it, and everyone says that the android is better.
I'll probably sell because I like to take advantage of the phone and not
I think that having the wm7 possible.
Thank you all
Android is complete trash. They only good cuz they open source. Most of the Apps are completely garbage. Some of them are useful. Very laggy horrible UI. It will never be like Windows Phone 7. Just few updates on the Windows Phone and Android is done.
Freddy2Fred said:
Android is complete trash. They only good cuz they open source. Most of the Apps are completely garbage. Some of them are useful. Very laggy horrible UI. It will never be like Windows Phone 7. Just few updates on the Windows Phone and Android is done.
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Click to collapse
I am quite speechless but we all have our opinions...
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
I'm currently running both (Focus and Captivate) as stock. Focus is very slick with the UI and very it's very fluid with no lag. Captivate has nice WiFi hotspot capability, no MMS issues and no SD card issues. And yes swapping the battery is simple since it's the same battery for both models. Sometimes one phone can't do it all. If Apple had a user replaceable/swappable battery, and changed to a Micro or Mini USB type connection to PC, had SD card slot, they would have a clear winner. But they don't hence the WP7 phone. I'm actually glad to be back on the MSF platform after many WinMo phones, and can't wait for the updates. I would say out of the gate, MSF and Google have good phones and same with Apple. It just might be that no one will build an ultimate phone as then we would have no incentive to buy the latest model as quickly as we do now. That would affect everyone's bottom line (sales revenue $) but eventually the device is not where the money will be with these phones. It will be services and the "cloud" and that is where Microsoft will win. So for now we all live half decent phones. Eventually some one will build a great phone, to equally match the sevices from the cloud. What Microsoft did with the PC OS they will do with their phone platform. So hang onto those Samsung Focus devices because it will be a pleasure to own.
lol, i switched from iPhone 4 to WM7, besides less app selection, the phone performs equally well in terms of speed and UI transition.
Played with android in stores as well, slow UI and from what i heard... battery die quick.
goncasmc said:
I'm very disappointed because I wanted the focus samsung also bear
the android.
I see many applications for it, and everyone says that the android is better.
I'll probably sell because I like to take advantage of the phone and not
I think that having the wm7 possible.
Thank you all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No phone on earth got dual system support so far.
Focus is a WP7 device, even if someone put Android on it by chance, it's going to buggy and unusable.
Stop everyone says. U should say urself.
Isn't u that using ur own phone?
Many people think WP7 is superior to Android, I agree with them.
amtrakcn said:
No phone on earth got dual system support so far.
Focus is a WP7 device, even if someone put Android on it by chance, it's going to buggy and unusable.
Stop everyone says. U should say urself.
Isn't u that using ur own phone?
Many people think WP7 is superior to Android, I agree with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should try the HTC HD2, i got one and i have run all Windows Mobile 6.5, Android and WP7 in it. I got a focus now because i switched to AT&T for work reasons, but i still have my HD2 as a backup. If you want to be able to switch between OSs, that is the phone for you.
ZaidSenall said:
You should try the HTC HD2, i got one and i have run all Windows Mobile 6.5, Android and WP7 in it. I got a focus now because i switched to AT&T for work reasons, but i still have my HD2 as a backup. If you want to be able to switch between OSs, that is the phone for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have mine setup that way and i love it . I am on WM7 most of the time though, unless i go out of town and I need navigation. I have a Focus as well but had to give it to my younger sister because she lost her Captivate, but she did like the Focus much better due to better battery life, fb integration and overall very fluid ui.
check out AtoB app on windows phone 7.
it has turn by turn navigation. not perfect, but, pretty usable
I fell victim to the WP7 promise
I purchased a Focus within a week of it being released. I knew there were shortcomings but really did believe all the Hype of a quick update process to get some of the missing features in. Now that the update process has been completely botched with "Copy / Paste" being the only apparent "feature" added. Even worse now knowing the [email protected] controls the release of the updates I doubt I'll see the things I really need until sometime next year.
I can't wait that long. I travel and need a real navigation program. I use Pandora and Sirius XM and I miss having that on my phone. Also my banking App and all the websites that use flash and do not work.
Last week after learning the "official" update is no where in sight for this phone (I don't think I should have to screw around trying to force an update) I went and bought a Motorola Atrix. This is my first Android and my first non-WinMo phone in something like 12 years.
Now I have what I need. The Motorola is pretty slick and with all the little "widgets" you can get more info up front than the live tiles provided.
I am a die hard MS fan but I truly think they blew it with WP7. I even considered going back to my old Rhodium because it did more than the Samsung, it was just underpowered and therefore constantly crashing. I think I'll be happy with this Atrix though.......so far it has it all.
kjdinoc said:
Now I have what I need. The Motorola is pretty slick and with all the little "widgets" you can get more info up front than the live tiles provided.
I am a die hard MS fan but I truly think they blew it with WP7. I even considered going back to my old Rhodium because it did more than the Samsung, it was just underpowered and therefore constantly crashing. I think I'll be happy with this Atrix though.......so far it has it all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like the features you need currently works better on Android, but I think Atrix is still not a great choice.
I'll be one happy person if they ever port Gingerbread to the Focus.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
yup i totally agreed that android is completely trash, google buy back android and claimed that its theirs which so shame of them , laggy , bad battery life and so on are something which not necessary to mention anymore as this is so well known, horrible UI , stupid browser without gpu accel, it suck really..if you think android is that good , do not buy samsung focus then, because a good mobile OS dont need dual OS, one OS for all already enough..the answer is Windows Phone 7
A little off-topic guys.
Christmas is coming and telephone operators are throwing really very "nasty" offers. I have a choice to get Samsung Galaxy S2 or Nokia Lumia 800 for 0€. Inspite of really nice SG2 phone I'm so tempted to get to Microsoft camp and get a taste of Mango. Damn it's hard to decide.
The only big drawback of Nokia phone I find is missing option of usb mass storage. So dumb! What they were thinking off?
SG2 only drawback is that it's already getting old, and yeah, it's Android
Nokia Lumia 800
Samsung Galaxy S2
Your choice?
Keep the Hero
If I need to choose betwein those 2, the android one, but I would not pick either.
Thanks for your opinion. I would pick Galaxy Nexus, but unfortunately it is out of my budget.
whitealien said:
Thanks for your opinion. I would pick Galaxy Nexus, but unfortunately it is out of my budget.
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Click to collapse
That is the one I want, not that any pocket in any pants I got is big enough for it. The hero hardly fits and no not really a handbag person... And yes I am tiny.. so I got tiny pants
---------- Post added at 09:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:52 PM ----------
Just want to add something. How I think on getting new stuff. If I want something new. I want to make sure it is the thing that I want. And not a thing that is maybe cheaper but not the thing that I want. In this case that is an android phone that runs 2.3 I do not want that. I want to start with 4.0. But some say the GPS on the Nexus is crap. Not that I know of. but I will see what I will get in like 4 months or so. Happy with this device.
I would pick android. Think of what has made ur hero last this long. It is because you can tweak and customize it and upgrade to newer os versions even though it's old.
sent with love from me to you
LOL you shouldn't have to think about that really IMHO.. The lumia is plainly UGLY and windows phone is CRAP.. the sgs2 all the way. Android hands down mate, plus the sgs2 beats the lumia specs wise too. It's a win win situation.
Tenpin said:
LOL you shouldn't have to think about that really IMHO.. The lumia is plainly UGLY and windows phone is CRAP.. the sgs2 all the way. Android hands down mate, plus the sgs2 beats the lumia specs wise too. It's a win win situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude the lumia is absolutely GORGEOUS! It's so pretty I am genuinely considering dealing with all the poor specs just to wrap my unworthy hands around it.
I just can't give a serieus answer, isn't it obvious which one to choose? SGS II is better in every way and believe me when windows phone 8.0 comes out you are going to be so sorry for choosing the lumia instead of the SGS II, in the future you can update the SGS II with and without a custom rom to android 4.0 and up. There aint much to think about just saying..
Lumia is a nice phone and Mango has sorted much of the issues with wp 7, though on long run (2 yrs) i'm considering if i'd be happy with it. kinda in the same spot looking what to get, but i'm between Sensation and incredible S (affordable) on the android front and Lumia and Titan on the wp7 front.
I would pick Samsung Galaxy S2 ... just because i don't like the interface of a Windows Phone . The OS is ugly as hell, I was in a store last week looking at some phones and I almost puked after 30 seconds of looking at Windows Phones but I recovered while looking at the Home Screen of my HTC Hero. Android's interface is great and by far the best... but that's my opinion and everyone likes different things.
Stick to Android alot more customizable
Even though m getting a sensation still wanna learn more abt Android, n my hero is probably the best testing ground
Sent from my Hero using xda premium
The sgs2 is an awesome phone, but have you considered the new Sony erricson? The arc s.. it's in your budget and with a whopping 1.4ghz processor and impressive looks in comparison to the sgs2 you can't go wrong
Sent from my Hero using xda premium
I would go for SGS2 as it is still among the best android phone available atm.
Plus, there is plenty of development interest going on for SGS2, with lot's of flashing around so you won't be bored for a long time.
It still has got the best available specs for hardwarewise.
It does not have the Arc's dreaded housing crack problem.
It does not have the HTC's Sensation and like models of dust under the screen as faced by some users.
The only thing you may miss is there's no Sense.
Or..if not
Just grab the one that has got the highest resale value.
Sell it off when it's new to finance your purchase of your dream phone (a Galaxy Nexus perhaps?).
Don't dismiss WP7 until you've tried it. I think windows phone has got a bad reputation from previous versions but after using WP7 on a HTC Mozart I think that it is incredible. It is so unique and I only know one other person who has one. For me, I think I'm going towards WP7
There is serious reason I want to quit Android camp.
The problem with android is that it is too open. There is a limit with providing good SDK and allowing to make apps based only on it or allowing to do whatever you want and making crapload of ****. Android programmer base is so dumb, they don't know anything about performance or battery optimization or background task handling. Android market is blunt loaded with web page scrappers, wrappers and xml parsers. To make a some mobile web page wrapper takes me 5 min and some don't even have any shame to ask money for that. Majority of Android app devs are just amateurs, weekend java programmers or ex web developers with no any clue what mobile platform is and that there is some limit in available RAM, processing power, storage and etc.
Android market maybe is a lot bigger than windows market, but when you look at quality then we come down to the same number or even worse.
Sorry for rant, but 2 years ago I put big fate in Android and Google which totally failed me by providing competitive mobile platform. Android, even with ICS 4.0 today is still 2 years behind iOS and now also WM7. They need 2 dual core most powerful CPUs in a world to accomplish the same task what WM7 can do with single core and half RAM and even then they fail.
Oh well .....
iOS vs Android vs Window Phone
This is a major problem these days. I was thinking to get a new phone these days to...so i spent a lot of time in reading about the new features the platforms have to offer and it seems that there are lot of tiny parts in every os that make every day use to be more exciting and easy.
I will start to make a comparison on every os on what is has or what's missing
1.Windows Phone
-it's snappy
-interesting interface
-facebook and tweeter integrated
-easy to use
-microsoft servers with 30 GB space to store media
-no OTA updates
-no usb storage (you need a program to do that)
-limited hardware (this is because microsoft made a decision on this part)
-multitasking is not in real time
-the number of app is limited (~35k)
-not open sourced...so if your phone gets old, it's harder to make some custom roms
2.Android
-snappy but sometimes laggy
-usb storage
-full customization of the screens
-real time multitasking
-since 4.0 we have a better browsing experience
-lot's of app
-easy to make a rom or flash one
-Google apps (Maps + navigation = damn i'm in love )
-the new gen of phones get big screens and that's very stupid (as lira said...it can't fit in the pocket and i fully agree)
-i hate the part when a new version of android appears and it takes months to get an updated phone
-in some roms we have to much apps from the developer (take htc for example)
-i think the system needs better and better hardware so you can get a better experience
3.iOs
-snappy
-the os with the biggets number of apps
-very easy to use
-every new version can be installed after it appears (if your phone can handle it)
-since we talk about iOs we talk about iphone and on thing that i like is that is has a 3.5 screen
-it has siri and it's fun and useful
-good browsing
-no usb storage...but i heard that you don't need iTunes if you need to transfer a document or things like that (not sure there)
-no customization on the screen, just icons of the programs that you have
-no OTA updates
-can't make a custom rom
@ every rom - maybe i missed some stuff
@whitealien -> not into nokia (WP7.5) since it has stupid limitation and to much social stuff (i don't use facebook or things like that)
-SGS II is a good phone, lot's of people use it and want it and since i know some friends that had an iPhone and now have a SGS II and are more pleased with it
-sometimes i think why buy a phone and not a tablet, that's better thank a phone from more points : starting from gaming and finishing with watching movies.
The choice is your...i'm tempted to get a new phone and change the platform to see new things but i realize that android gets new and new features every day.
I think that it's better to wait for the release of the SGS III and the new qualcomm S4 chips or tegra III on phones [but why need these chips when you can do your every day use with a dual core phone without any problems??]
@ all: - Why not a HTC phone?
Stefan
stefpaul said:
@ all: - Why not a HTC phone?
Stefan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
always a HTC phone if android,i've dropped my hero from the first floor of my house it was fine,it went tumbling down the stairs twice n still survived,it was thrown against a wall by a friend when we were drunk n it survived damn this thing has been hardcore,i manhandle my phone like **** n it survives xD my frnds galaxy s2 fell from his pocket while sitting on a chair and display got fked xD
Thanks Steff for your opinion.
-no OTA updates
-no usb storage (you need a program to do that)
-limited hardware (this is because microsoft made a decision on this part)
-multitasking is not in real time
-the number of app is limited (~35k)
-not open sourced...so if your phone gets old, it's harder to make some custom roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will a little argue with this. No OTA updates - there is updates and Nokia is taking it very serious. They just rolled one out on 7 dec.
- limited HW, you mean a little outdated? Thats true, only single core and 512RAM, but seems to be enough
- multitasking is not in real time - not entirely true, it depends how apps are programmed. They can work in bg if they are programmed to
- the number of app is limited (~35k) - are you serious , I never had more than 50 apps installed
- my very 1st smartphone was HTC Touch Polaris with WM6.5 so I know what closed source is
I found 5 major flaws in Lumia 800
1. only 16Gb integrated storage
2. no usb mass storage
3. no front camera (really, these days?)
4. no notification LEDS, not even one single led, lol.
5. Pentile Amoled display
And yeah SG2 is not perfect too. Build quality is so poor. Back cover is cheap and fragile. Have seen broken ones. Also whole construction is fragile, including big screen. Don't ever put it in your jeans back pocket or you will regret
@ all: - Why not a HTC phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if they were not obsessed with huge phones, enormous screens, poor battery life, sad build style (all gray or black) and somehow over blunted Sense (comon, why there is weather animation everywhere, even in lockscreen) maybe I would go HTC. My 1st idea was to take HTC Radar, but at closer look I find it kinda too big for offered screen size (the bottom part is so long). White is cool so.
bharat_goku said:
always a HTC phone if android,i've dropped my hero from the first floor of my house it was fine,it went tumbling down the stairs twice n still survived,it was thrown against a wall by a friend when we were drunk n it survived damn this thing has been hardcore,i manhandle my phone like **** n it survives xD my frnds galaxy s2 fell from his pocket while sitting on a chair and display got fked xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm htc for the reason that the android experience is more fun and not so common to most of the android phones:d, and it has some feature that make using android a special one
whitealien said:
Thanks Steff for your opinion.
I will a little argue with this. No OTA updates - there is updates and Nokia is taking it very serious. They just rolled one out on 7 dec.
- limited HW, you mean a little outdated? Thats true, only single core and 512RAM, but seems to be enough
- multitasking is not in real time - not entirely true, it depends how apps are programmed. They can work in bg if they are programmed to
- the number of app is limited (~35k) - are you serious , I never had more than 50 apps installed
- my very 1st smartphone was HTC Touch Polaris with WM6.5 so I know what closed source is
I found 5 major flaws in Lumia 800
1. only 16Gb integrated storage
2. no usb mass storage
3. no front camera (really, these days?)
4. no notification LEDS, not even one single led, lol.
5. Pentile Amoled display
And yeah SG2 is not perfect too. Build quality is so poor. Back cover is cheap and fragile. Have seen broken ones. Also whole construction is fragile, including big screen. Don't ever put it in your jeans back pocket or you will regret
Well, if they were not obsessed with huge phones, enormous screens, poor battery life, sad build style (all gray or black) and somehow over blunted Sense (comon, why there is weather animation everywhere, even in lockscreen) maybe I would go HTC. My 1st idea was to take HTC Radar, but at closer look I find it kinda too big for offered screen size (the bottom part is so long). White is cool so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will argue to you because on the apps: the most important apps in the market are missing if you look close the first apps will appear on iOS first and after that on android and last WP... but it seems that they are starting to get in the same time on android with iOS...
I was thinking on a a HTC radar too but it's not so speedy... and from the part that hardware is old, this isn't a problem, it's a thing made by microsoft and it seems that apps work very well:d
I have a big problem with phones these days...the app that don't make me use them: HTC HUB, HTC LIKES, FACEBOOK INTEGRATION and stupid app that most people don't use))
And there comes a part in life when you don't want a custom rum, just a rom that is fast and responsive...
So the big question is: if i change from android to iOS or WP7...will i be happy than i was with android?
Stefan
stefpaul said:
Hmm htc for the reason that the android experience is more fun and not so common to most of the android phones:d, and it has some feature that make using android a special one
will argue to you because on the apps: the most important apps in the market are missing if you look close the first apps will appear on iOS first and after that on android and last WP... but it seems that they are starting to get in the same time on android with iOS...
I was thinking on a a HTC radar too but it's not so speedy... and from the part that hardware is old, this isn't a problem, it's a thing made by microsoft and it seems that apps work very well:d
I have a big problem with phones these days...the app that don't make me use them: HTC HUB, HTC LIKES, FACEBOOK INTEGRATION and stupid app that most people don't use))
And there comes a part in life when you don't want a custom rum, just a rom that is fast and responsive...
So the big question is: if i change from android to iOS or WP7...will i be happy than i was with android?
Stefan
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Click to collapse
<rant>
you will not be as happy if you leave android imho.
I'm surprised this is even a serious discussion.
Here are my personal reasons why I say that, after using ios and android devices full time professionally for a while and briefly dabbling in winphone7:
It's becoming increasingly accepted by unpartial reviewer and testers...
(except by:
those who have never used android for a useful length of time
or for those who are looking for very simple user experience without any interest in customization or for "power user" features
)
... that iOS is quite inferior to Android in many ways.
Apple notifications were almost useless until ios 5 and even now are only scratching the surface of what android notifications provide.
ios gives you app icons on your home screen. that's it. no widgets or spaces or custom layouts or sources of useful dynamic information (other htan completely USELESS counters on each icon showing outstanding notification events that have passed wihtout your knowledge because of how crappy iOS's notifications are).
ios gives you no customization other than crappy ordering control which is forgetful
I work wtih an ipad daily and it is a PAIN IN THE ASS - I have learned to hate iOS, specially for tablets or power users, but even for a phone os it is truly annoying and very limited.
windows phone is cool but also limiting, very very limiting, and has rather poor app support at the moment compared to either of the big ones.
there are several reasons why android has become the most popular mobile phone OS - and it isn't just because google gives it away for free.
It's also because Android is the only one that is fully customizable. windows phone is SORT of but not nearly as truly customizable as android.
IMHO the windows phone launcher fake app for android (in the market) is actually superior to the real windows phone device I was playing with because it supported android widgets. But if you want to try out windows phone 7, get that launcher - it truly does give you the winphone7 experience with all it's boring limitations.
the thing that's great about apple devices is the huge and still superior application/game support (if you spend the bucks or jailbreak it then install installous and cydia).
I used to say that iOS was better for little kids. but my little kids (2 and 5 at the time) used android tablets without ANY trouble at all. my little kids (now 3 and 6) use an iPAD without many issues either but do get confused when holding a finger too long on an icon and then out of hte blue they all start wiggling and next thing I know apps are being deleted by little fingers. Android turns out to be far more intuitive in this regard compared to iOS. sometimes dumbing down the OS can be taken to the point of making it more complex to understand. It's an either or situation here, but typically in other ways I do think iOS is easier for very very simplistic minds to accept. This should not be a benefit for anyone here however LoL.
the thing that makes android superior for adults is it's ability to be completely and easily customized for everyone who uses it. it's YOUR phone, use it how you like. don't let apple tell you that you can't sync on this computer wtih this itunes on this day in this weather - I swear to god it is nearly that flaky and limiting to use iOS devices. you have music on your phone and want to copy it to your friend's phone? nope. you want your frien'ds music? nope. not unless you're lugging your laptop around so you can copy the files to/from your itunes folder, NOT directly to/from the device.
also android has a free terminal emulator app in the market. it works perfectly and runs bash as well as my desktop. iOS runs somehting similar but makes it incredibly hard to get that sort of control, even after jailbreaking and installing tons of underground apps it is still a kludgy and unreliable bash prompt control system you get in ios which requires a separate terminal emulator to control it (even a term app on your same device will get you there, but that alone is pretty annoying to have to deal with since you first have to actually get your low level underlying linux type system working on the iOS device....)
maybe some of my iOS negative points are improved in ios 5 but it is still light years behind the flexibility that we are all imho owed by buying the device and buying a license to use the operating system in the first place. I OWN my files. I can put them on my phone or my friend's phone if I choose to.
I buy a mac or a windows computer and I can get at all parts of the OS and mess around with it completely. why can't I do that on an iPAD that costs 2 to 3 times as much as a similar android tablet which is a full linux-based computer right from the get go?
I have a lot of inside info and have watched the devices and OSes grow and change over the years. Historically, in many ways, the best os for smart phones was palm webOS. but the hardware/company were slow/moronic respectively (which is why my brother quit as VP of Engineering of PalmSource... check this link for an interview with him back when things were still early and exciting at palm's mobile operating system dev company: http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/...w-Michael-Kelley-and-John-Cook-of-PalmSource/ )
Anyway - android is quite literally the only way to go for a mobile OS at this time if you dont' want to be tied down to a specific vendor/company of hardware and don't want to be given one user interface with one way to operate the phone.
Ever noticed now winphone7 uses only about 60% of your display for it's main UI? annoying, at best.
yes, they're quick, iOS and winmo7 devices. and yes every brand has good hardware (and bad in some cases). however htc android devices do reign supreme in popularity and market share for a good reason (as outlined above by me and others). but even stock android devices are way cool.
having worked with android tables/phones and ios tablets/phones I have decided very definitely that I will never buy an ios device. having worked with winphone7 for a short time I found it quite acceptable, like iOS. but extremely uninspiring and it's customizability is even worse than iOS's.
</rant>
I was one of those that pre ordered the Dell VP way back in November 2010. By the time I finally got the phone, it became my primary phone for several months, before moving on to better hardware. I recently turned the phone back on and decided I preferred the Windows Phone OS to other platforms.
But, I found the DVP too slow and missing key items that similar primary phones had. I have an HD7 and I tried that too. But the HD7 hardware is close to 2yrs old if not more.
I eventually found a deal at T-Mobile for the Lumia 710 and purchased that. The deal was essentially a duh because it added nothing to my contract and cost $20US. Of course the 710 is low end hardware with 4g.
I've seen other new gen Windows Phone hardware out there.....
Titan
Titan 2
Lumia 800
Lumia 900
Radar
Ominas.
I was just curious, if you're staying with Windows Phone, what will your next one be?
Me, I have the Lumia 900 in site.
I REALLY like my DVP and I REALLY like WP7. There aren't any other WP7 phones out there that catch my eye so I'm going to stay put for the next 3-6 months.
I hope that Microsoft can find a way to get core apps like Pandora and services like VOIP to work like they do on Android/IOS. If so, I will have absolutely zero reason to go with another platform when it is time to upgrade.
BTW Alodar1, what runs slowly on your DVP?
Given the chance I would love to move to a Lumia 900 or a higher model from Nokia. The Titan II also looks interesting but I really dont like HTC so would probably not buy that. Also not really interested in owning anything from Samsung.
However as I am still on T-Mobile and am likely to stay here for the forseeable future I will have to stick with my trusty DVP.
bbowman said:
I REALLY like my DVP and I REALLY like WP7. There aren't any other WP7 phones out there that catch my eye so I'm going to stay put for the next 3-6 months.
I hope that Microsoft can find a way to get core apps like Pandora and services like VOIP to work like they do on Android/IOS. If so, I will have absolutely zero reason to go with another platform when it is time to upgrade.
BTW Alodar1, what runs slowly on your DVP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I moved from the DVP to android G2x and evenutally the Bionic. Both are superior hardware wise, having 4g and several other functions like wifi N, and more.
I knew that android was just a fad for me, and that became true when I saw the Lumia 900. But still...I'd never had a nokia and the lumia 710 provided me some exposure. the 710 is faster than the DVP data wise. Since data is the primary way I use the phone, it is important. There is a significant speed difference here both by wifi and on radio.
The integration of Mango is almost the same so thats not a problem. Getting used to people hub is the biggest thing to get used to, but I'm good with it now. Calendar and contact integration is good on most devices. The skydrive app helps with visuals there.
I found an app, Cloud Music that links with Skydrive and will play stored music there. Its a v1 app, but works ok on the 710. I used Google lattitude for connections with my kids....but its somewhat flaky, working when it wants to....so its no longer the draw for me. Though its pretty cute when I'm in the restaurant and my daughter pings me and asks what I ordered....
As for Pandora...MS has come out and said, they consider Pandora a competitor. So I doubt we will see resolution soon on that. For me, the starbuck app is more important. Its the #1 app I use on android.
Most WP devices, first gen, were old design and hardware. the OEMs simply did not invest in them. With Nokia on board and a potential opportunity slipping away from the grubby money hungry mobile operators, Windows Phone is seeing some of the love of up to date hardware. It won't go dual core , yet...but, the 710 is a nice device. Gives me great hope for the 900.
I too used to be an HTC fan. But recently I've stepped away. From the Sense rendition on Android to the WP rendition...its a disappointment.
has anyone looked at the Omnia's out there? The new ones???
alodar1 said:
I moved from the DVP to android G2x and evenutally the Bionic. Both are superior hardware wise, having 4g and several other functions like wifi N, and more.
I knew that android was just a fad for me, and that became true when I saw the Lumia 900. But still...I'd never had a nokia and the lumia 710 provided me some exposure. the 710 is faster than the DVP data wise. Since data is the primary way I use the phone, it is important. There is a significant speed difference here both by wifi and on radio.
The integration of Mango is almost the same so thats not a problem. Getting used to people hub is the biggest thing to get used to, but I'm good with it now. Calendar and contact integration is good on most devices. The skydrive app helps with visuals there.
I found an app, Cloud Music that links with Skydrive and will play stored music there. Its a v1 app, but works ok on the 710. I used Google lattitude for connections with my kids....but its somewhat flaky, working when it wants to....so its no longer the draw for me. Though its pretty cute when I'm in the restaurant and my daughter pings me and asks what I ordered....
As for Pandora...MS has come out and said, they consider Pandora a competitor. So I doubt we will see resolution soon on that. For me, the starbuck app is more important. Its the #1 app I use on android.
Most WP devices, first gen, were old design and hardware. the OEMs simply did not invest in them. With Nokia on board and a potential opportunity slipping away from the grubby money hungry mobile operators, Windows Phone is seeing some of the love of up to date hardware. It won't go dual core , yet...but, the 710 is a nice device. Gives me great hope for the 900.
I too used to be an HTC fan. But recently I've stepped away. From the Sense rendition on Android to the WP rendition...its a disappointment.
has anyone looked at the Omnia's out there? The new ones???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just reread this and realized my thoughts may sound anti android. Not really. Its nice...but its extremely fragmented now...and hard to keep up with. I have a Xoom tablet with ICS. Love it. do MOST of my work on the tablet. But with the volume of android phones coming out....its a real mess...my opinion only....
Have you played with Windows 8? Just got an Acer W500 and waiting for the beta, personally looking forward to the final immensely. Love the integration of Metro UI and traditional Windows if I need it.
efjay said:
Have you played with Windows 8? Just got an Acer W500 and waiting for the beta, personally looking forward to the final immensely. Love the integration of Metro UI and traditional Windows if I need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'veonly touched the rawest of builds. Nothing optimized and nothing on the tablet. I;m going to reserve judgement on the tablet. Traditionally MS has had a MS uber alas attitude for periphials. I hope that changes. I think a fully funtional Windows tablet...that works....is unbeatable. when I say...that works it means:
touch works as it should, not as a work around
smart choices with thumbdrives and other external storage
sync ability with devices
remote syncing
skydrive access that is smart, not the limited interface we see now.
If MS gives us a functional tablet and a flexible os....I think the android OS will dry up. I love the idea of open source, but....within in reason. How do you globablly support open source and maintain security and compatibility? Use Android and netflix for example....OS v2.3.3 won't run net flix...but 2.3.4 will, if its a certain device. But how about 2.3.7...etc??? Right now its a cluster and not getting better. ICS supposedly offers stability, but the fragmentation has started with that one already and its only a month old. MS has an opportunity to drive a stake here....if it gets it close to right.
The difference between Seven and Mango is a breath of fresh air. But, Mango was in the path of seven all along. Features that showed up in mango, were finished and ready to go before NODO...this is a long, well thought out process for windows phone....I hope they stick to their guns.
There really isn't anything that interests me much. I refuse to buy a phone without a physical keyboard and there are basically no good ones out/coming out soon that we know about. The Galaxy Note interested me due to its sheer size, but the PenTile screen puts me off. I hated my Nexus One PenTile screen and while the DVP's isn't as bad, I don't want to buy another device with a PenTile screen.
I don't know why you're complaining about speed. Everything is really fast even if it is really old hardware.
I bought the DVP because of the hardware keyboard and the amoled screen. In the past few months, I've opened the keyboard maybe 10 times... that's how much i like the on-screen keyboard in windows phone.
A hardware keyboard will not be in my next phone's future although a super amoled or clearblack display most certainly will. I'm also holding out until Apollo gets released hopefully bringing in new screen resolutions and other features like NFC and I'm leaning very heavily towards Nokia unless HTC finally releases a WP with a super amoled display.
I don't see how people prefer on screen to physical keyboards. Physical isso much more accurate and faster.
I hope TMOUS releases the Nokia Lumia 900, or as rumor says the 910 with upgraded camera. I am also a fan of the HTC Titan.
Either way, the stock OS is great and doesn't require much modification to do exactly what it was designed to do which is work.
holding out until microsoft fixes the orientation lock thing. then we'll see if nokia makes a keyboard phone.
weatherx said:
holding out until microsoft fixes the orientation lock thing. then we'll see if nokia makes a keyboard phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone made a homebrew fix. It was published on the portal the other day. Sorry I don't have a link right quick. I have a headache and its making thinking and looking at a bright screen difficult.
jelliottz said:
Someone made a homebrew fix. It was published on the portal the other day. Sorry I don't have a link right quick. I have a headache and its making thinking and looking at a bright screen difficult.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, i saw that homebrew. problem is, it disables the accelerometer completely, rather than stopping the orientation switch, and requires a reboot to re-enable IIRC. this setting really should be a quick access setting (like volume) rather than having to go thru an app.
i'll be honest, about 1/3 of the time i slide the keyboard out on the DVP just to lock orientation.
petard said:
I don't see how people prefer on screen to physical keyboards. Physical isso much more accurate and faster.
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Click to collapse
Totally agree, I think physical keyboard is more accurate and I have small fingers.
petard said:
I don't know why you're complaining about speed. Everything is really fast even if it is really old hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not complaining. Ever ride in a Mercedes, then go home in a low end KIA or something. You become spoiled....even though the Mercedes is out of reach. With data speeds on the G2x and the Bionic, and now the Razr series, the data speed is blazing. Since most of my time on a phone is indeed data related of some sort, its noticable. Not like the Mercedes which is out of reach $$ wise, getting a dual core, 4g, android beast is very affordable. And I got used to it. If I never tried it, I could be of a different opinion...but it did.
With that said, the 710 with low end hardware, does indeed close the gap, alot. I've seen the reports from the TItans and some other devices, which lead me to no longer concern myself with the dual core question. But simple 3g vs 4g is an issue, and so is WiFi N availability. Both of these leave the VP in second place.
But, the VP is old hardware now. Its not so bad that you have to update, now. But, in the next several months, you will do it....as a normal progression.
crav4speed said:
I bought the DVP because of the hardware keyboard and the amoled screen. In the past few months, I've opened the keyboard maybe 10 times... that's how much i like the on-screen keyboard in windows phone.
A hardware keyboard will not be in my next phone's future although a super amoled or clearblack display most certainly will. I'm also holding out until Apollo gets released hopefully bringing in new screen resolutions and other features like NFC and I'm leaning very heavily towards Nokia unless HTC finally releases a WP with a super amoled display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, mostly. When the Dell was introduced, I had anHD7 in my hand. A Dell rep was at our work and pulled out the VP. INSTANT love affair. When he opened the keyboard...bing.....I was sold. During the entire time I used the Dell, I opened the keyboard ONLY to access the EM menu. Never did anything else. I eventually learned the feel of the phone and mistakes were rare. I was always impressed by Joe B's launch demo of WP7...with his wild typing...but it works...usually. But so does android and apple...but who cares.
I do know that MS is working on an NFC solution, and has been. I'll be interested to see what comes up....but for now that won't impact my next decision.
Regarding screen resolutions, I believe....MY OPINION ONLY, ... that first in MS's mind is the proper mix of resolution, speed, power overall, and battery life. Until they can master the issue of battery life, dual core and any other high power drains will not be part of WP. The Droid Razr MAXX was released today with a whopping 21 talk time claim. Of course, they doubled the pwer of the battery, so the efficency is the same as before....I believe MS is looking for efficiency improvements and not battery claim.
The truth is, I guess, I only purchased the 710 to see if I could handle a Nokia. I would not use this phone as my primary everyday phone. But, I now have faith in the 900, 910,930's I've seen reported by Engadget. Its better than even money I'll have 1 of these by June.
weatherx said:
i'll be honest, about 1/3 of the time i slide the keyboard out on the DVP just to lock orientation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, especially if I'm using it in bed at all.
I actually bought a used DVP a couple days back to replace my stolen iPhone 4 until something better comes along. So far, I'm actually a bit disappointed. Everything is great with the exception of the screen (stupid Pentile) and battery life.
I'm really looking forward to the Nokia Lumia 900, but until then, I'm not sure what to do. I suppose I can live with the screen for a couple months, but I don't know what to do about battery life. I really don't want to have to turn off push, but I also don't want to spend money on another battery when I'll probably replace the phone in a couple months.
I have been a DVP owner for over 1 year - switched from iphone 4 - and the Mango update breathed new life in to the phone - the lack of Internet Sharing is the only major problem I have with the phone given my 5 year old Palm Treo has this feature.
I recently cracked the screen on the DVP and was looking for a new option - I picked up the Nexus S and installed ICS 4 on it. Overall a great phone, ICS is complete and Android offers much more selection of apps and 'internet sharing' built in - you must spend a lot of time customizing as it is rather 'vanilla' out of the box.
Installed Swype on the Nexus S and it was decent - however, I am a physical keyboard guy and use the phone for work and email is the most important feature for me.
Long story short, after 5 days with Android I am back using the DVP with a cracked screen - as a business user I find the Windows 7 interface is much easier to "get in and out" for making a call, sending email, sms, webpage, etc. Also, I have ridiculously fast typing speed on the DVP keyboard, almost the same as a PC keyboard.
I am shocked that the portrait slider format is effectively dead - other than a BB Torch 9810 I haven't seen anything else on the market with a physical keyboard.
I would love to hear other people's experience transitioning from a physical keyboard, maybe I need to give it more time...
Also, if anyone has any rumors or just wants to make something up about a new portrait slider for WP7 or Android please post here...
My contract is over soon, and it is a great time to get a new phone because I have so many choices being a Verizon owner. When I saw the HTC 8X i fell in love with the design. It apparently fits great in the hand, feels thin, and is silky smooth in terms of hardware.
However, I knew i needed more options, so, being a current Android user and loving its software, I started to anticipate the HTC DROID DNA, a 5' 1080p beast of a phone supposedly coming out around the same time as the 8X (end of November). I continued to do research on both and found out that I like the WP8 Start Screen a lot more than I like Android's homescreens.
But I am afraid of the software of WP8. It's great and all, but I may miss the PhotoSphere, live widgets, quick settings, apps (!!), and outstanding developer support that Android offered. I'm afraid I will need those features down the line and not be able to use them with my WP8 device. I have a Surface and a Zune and want integration. However, Android has SkyDrive and Xbox Music available in Google Play.
So I'm kind of in a pickle right now. I want integration and functionality, but Android has everything and then some. Help guys! What do you suggest I do? Stay on Android or switch to WP8? Personal experiences would be helpful; however, blanket statements/generalizations will not be tolerated because I hate them very much. Also because there are always two sides to those statements, and I want this to be a friendly thread, not one that I am going to regret posting. Thanks in advance for your help, guys!
I suggest you start using paragraphs.
You have a lot of apps in the windows phone marketplace. Probably not with the same name, but if you need something, you usually find that something.
IMO, Windows Phone is vastly superior to android in many, many ways. They give you a lot more control over your devices (apps can't do things behind your back without your approval unlike on android), the system is a lot more stable, the battery life is usually better due to hardware optimizations, and much more smooth. I suggest you pick a nokia instead though, they have great apps in there, including free music downloads through nokia music.
mcosmin222 said:
I suggest you start using paragraphs.
You have a lot of apps in the windows phone marketplace. Probably not with the same name, but if you need something, you usually find that something.
IMO, Windows Phone is vastly superior to android in many, many ways. They give you a lot more control over your devices (apps can't do things behind your back without your approval unlike on android), the system is a lot more stable, the battery life is usually better due to hardware optimizations, and much more smooth. I suggest you pick a nokia instead though, they have great apps in there, including free music downloads through nokia music.
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Click to collapse
I would've wanted the L920, but I'm not waiting 6 months for it to come to Verizon. Nokia apps aren't necessary for me; I don't drive and don't really use Maps too often.
Drive and maps aren't the only things nokia has. In fact, these two are available to all windows phones 8.
I don't need them, tbh. However, I'd be happy to take them if a high-end Nokia phone came out on Verizon. Anyway, off-topic. What about Xbox Music and SkyDrive? They are on both Android and WP8.
i really like the new devices. im sure once microsoft sees how they sell apps and such will be growing. im on the same boat although im not ready for an upgrade for another year and a half these new phones will be plenty caught up with development and should be pretty similar to all these new phones coming out within the next few months.
I'm due for an upgrade with Verizon in December. I was looking at Nokia 920. Too bad it's not Available Until 6 months.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
So you guys are saying that i won't miss out on all the features of Android?
Sent from my PIMPED OUT MIUI 4.1.1 Fascinate
You physically cannot tell the difference between 720p and 1080p on a small screen that is found on a phone (think like 26 to 32 inches is where you can start seeing it)
Just so the screen resolution isn't what sways your final choice.
However I find myself missing my WP a lot ever since it broke and I got stuck with the GS3. For me WP is just better. Specifically the keyboard is way better in WP.
As for applications WP has all the ones I use anyways. Fun fact I find I use my android less than I used my WP. I think its because for me it seems to take longer to get to the application I want to use and it feels that android has less smooth scrolling than WP. Of course I'm on stock which is probably why its slow, but my WP was stock too.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Dadstar said:
I don't need them, tbh. However, I'd be happy to take them if a high-end Nokia phone came out on Verizon. Anyway, off-topic. What about Xbox Music and SkyDrive? They are on both Android and WP8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of them will obviously be on WP, since they are microsoft's creation. You will also like Nokia Music -> free unlimited music.
PhotoSphere seems to me to be very similar to Microsoft's Photosynth which has been available for iOS and Windows Phone for a long time.
Concerning Apps I would suggest you ask around the forums for particular Apps that you need, so people can tell you wether they exist or if there is a viable Alternative. XBox Music will be coming to additional platforms but as far as I know it currently isn't available and following Microsoft's track record with those things you will have it available on iOS months before it arrives on Android.
SkyDrive is available as an App on Android. The difference in usage is in the integration. SkyDrive Images show up in the Pictures Hub pretty much the same as if they were on the device itself. I just drop an Image into the according folder on my PC and it shows up where all my pictures show up. It's the same with office documents (if you use those).
So while the functionality itself is there on Android the experience of using it is superior on Windows Phone. But this works the other way round as well. While GMail works reasonably well on WP it simply works better with the GMail App on Android.
Wow. I'm getting really excited for my 8X now. Thanks guys!
Sent from my PIMPED OUT MIUI 4.1.1 Fascinate
I'm kinda in the same boat as OP. Currently enjoying my Galaxy Nexus but I'm mad that it's got VZW's taint all over it. Does Microsoft handle the updates for WP8 and doesn't take BS carriers when it comes to pushing them out? I like constant security updates, and Android just can't seem to handle that.
I want a Nokia because I've heard they're great but the 822's display won't cut it with it's resolution for me if it's anything like PenTile. I'm thinking about ditching VZW when my contract is up if it doesn't get the Nexus 4 (doubtful it will) so I don't know if I'd use my upgrade on any of VZW's WP8 lineup. The Nexus 4 still has these beat when it comes to unsubsidized pricing.
The only other thing keeping me from WP8 is that I heard there was a lack of a good turn-by-turn app and no notification center. Both of these are kind of turn-offs. But the UX, fluidity, Start, and Microsoft-handled updates are quite enticing.
Same dilemmas for me guys. I'm working at Nokia and have tested both new Lumia devices and they really are awesome. While I like the design of the 820 and how it feels in the hand, the display of the 920 is far superior. The 820 has just an average display imo, it is bright but not very sharp, given the low res and poor pixel density (217 lol..). Other than that it is quite the smooth operator and really a pleasure to handle. The thing about it's big brother is that it is kind of uncomfortable to hold and I don't like the rather sharp edges.
I am now debating with myself if I should go for a WP8 device since the OS is just awesome or get one of these http://android-sale.com/xiaomi-phone-2.html as soon as it becomes available. You cannot deny the bang for your buck with these, though I am a bit afraid when it comes to warranty and customer support + you cannot really play with the device beforehand. I was waiting for the new Nexus but I think it is disappointing and especially fragile with that glass backcover. I was even considering an iphone because of the smoothness since I've really grown to hate the android lag which is present even on latest quad cores....But after using a 4S for a whole evening I cannot imagine myself doing this daily, it is just too limiting and I fail to see how people say it is so 'easy' and it 'just works' - well it just works with more steps than android or wp...But that is another topic of course.
As for the apps, I am currently using around 40-50 apps on my droid and all of them (EXCEPT DROPBOX, mind you..) are available on WP. The development frameworks for WP8 and the support for DirectX, and also the shared core with windows 8 will surely attract alot of devs and app number will grow in the coming year. I have to say that the windows phone store might not have so many offerings, but the design, fluidity and and general look is just stunning. So is the whole WP8 ui. For example, I think the so much praised iOS app store looks terrible and is a pain to navigate throug. Play Store on the other hand is very functional and easy to use but looks plain and boring.
Well well, this is my pov, I think I will be getting a WP after all but let's see. Maybe I will buy the xiaomi device if it is possible, simply because of the price/spec ratio + I love MIUI, since it is as if you are not using android.
You don't need dropbox, you have skydrive.
mcosmin222 said:
You don't need dropbox, you have skydrive.
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I have to disagree with you, dropbox is very light and useful, also a lot of users have quite some storage space on dropbox and would like to have it available. Not to mention that I know a friend of mine has a small company where they run 100Gb+ shared dropbox folders full of working data. They sure cannot force all employees to go windows phone because of skydrive or the other way around. So yeah, lack of dropbox IS a big minus.
You still have dropbox on WP. just checked xD
mcosmin222 said:
You still have dropbox on WP. just checked xD
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Isn't it some 3rd party app? Btw I think I'm fully converted now, just played around with the city lens app and tried some offline maps. **** is ca$h
Dadstar said:
Wow. I'm getting really excited for my 8X now. Thanks guys!
Sent from my PIMPED OUT MIUI 4.1.1 Fascinate
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Hi Dadstar, I recently switched from a Lumina 710 (Windows 7.8) to a Samsung Galaxy Note II (Android-Jelly Bean) and I will give you some of my perceptions.
1. Note II is a remarkable phone, unbelievable screen, and some really cool apps.
2. Lumina 710 was a solid phone, but after the screen size of the Note II, I could never go back and settle for a small screen.
That being said, the Lumina 710 is way ahead of the Note II in voice dialing over bluetooth. I would never have to get my Lumina out of my pocket to make a call (I have about 1200 contacts in Outlook with multiple listings for each), but with the Note II, it is a constant battle of it being slow to decide who it thinks I want to call and then gives me multiple choices on the screen. So it really defeats the role of voice dialing over bluetooth and that is a deal breaker for me and I am sending the Note II back within the 14 day trial period. Hopefully, Tmobile will come out with a new Windows 8 phone soon. Ken B.
Google announced Nexus 4 for 350$! Thats a steal..but as the dust settled, and the picture became clearer, it is for anything but that price..So, I am with the OP on this one too...
8X or N4??
On one side, you have a large display, quad core processor et all...and on the other you have a dual core, with the same sized screen as I have now. Also, with Android, there are tons of apps and games I can get (sometimes for free).
SO, Will i sacrifice a smoother OS for an OS that may not be that smooth but has tons of other features...?