Tag: Microsoft

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Nokia Confirms Lumia Cyan Updates for Developer Devices Coming Soon

We’ve been posting about Lumias receiving the official updates to Windows Phone 8.1. While Microsoft is in charge of the overall OS, there are a lot of tweaks, updates, and drivers which come from Nokia. Those updates are named by color, and the most recent is “Cyan”, which along with performance improvements and bug fixes, brings a few fun features to the camera.

Those of us on the bleeding edge however have been running the Developer Preview of WP 8.1, and unfortunately the first round of Cyan updates has not been compatible with the official update. The only workaround has been to wipe the phone running DevPre, roll back to the old version of Windows Phone 8, then re-install the new WP8.1+Cyan. In updating my Lumia 1520, the whole process took a little over two hours.

Nokia’s Developer team on Twitter recently announced however that they are working on fixes so folks with proper Developer Devices wont be forced into this OS dance.

Unfortunately this isn’t directly addressing the number of developers running DevPre on non-Developer Variations of phones, or any consumers who were running DevPre on their own phones.

With these updates rolling out for Developer Variations however, we can hope that all folks running DevPre will soon receive official Cyan support. Otherwise a wipe and reinstall is the only way to go…

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Microsoft Details “Hyperlapse” Process for Smoothing Out First-Person Perspective Video

hyperlapseStrap a camera to your head, and your neck can be a pretty decent stabilizer, but engaging in sporty activities can give even the most rugged neck a challenge in producing smooth video. Speeding up a timelapse series can look extremely jittery.

Microsoft posted a video preview of their new Hyperlapse process, which scans through video for details, stabilizes the image, and creates a subtle 3D effect to help image to image transitions.

We just sort of take it for granted that footage from a GoPro, or other head mounted camera, is going to be shaky. Hyperlapse looks like it can provide some stunning effects. Fingers crossed we see this type of image processing at the consumer level soon. Continue reading “Microsoft Details “Hyperlapse” Process for Smoothing Out First-Person Perspective Video”

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Review: Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 (Developer Preview review)!

Microsoft is keeping the pressure on their OS updates.

Phones are just now receiving the official 8.1 update, but those folks using the Developer Preview version will now have access to Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1! Apps corner, new IE11, bulk forwarding for text messages, and folders on the home screen! It’s a really clumsy name, but let’s take a look at some of the new features in this preview update!

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FYI: Intel Core i3 and i7 Versions of the Surface Pro 3 Now Available!

11Surface Pro 3 NYC EventThe surface Pro 3 made quite a splash when it was first announced, but only the Core i5 units were available at launch.

Microsoft has now updated the Surface Pro 3 ordering page with all five variations of the new LapTab (I’m really trying to make that word happen as I’m tired of explaining how the Surface blurs the lines between LAPtops and TABlets).

The Core i3 version starts at $799 with 64GB of storage. Core i5 versions have either 128GB or 256GB, and Core i7 models will pack 256GB or 512GB. That last option, the Core i7 with 512GB will cost $1949. Going through each option though, Microsoft has done a decent enough job of hitting various prove points for people with specific needs.

We’re you waiting out the i7 model before taking the plunge? Maybe considering replacing your regular tablet with an i3 Surface? Drop us a comment below!

And for no good reason, here’s a pic of a Surface Pro 3 being dropped from shoulder height again…

Surface Pro 3 live drop test

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Official Windows Phone 8.1 Update Available for AT&T Lumia 925 and 520

NUSA-PP-Lumia-925-Hero-att-tmo-04-jpgWe’ve been covering the roll out for Windows Phone 8.1 since the early developer preview days. It’s already been made available for the Lumia 1520, and now it’ll be rolling out for the Lumia 925 and entry level wonder the 520.

For those who have been using the Developer Preview, you’ll likely need to wipe out your phone, reset to WP8, and then re-install the WP8.1 update to get all of the Nokia Cyan goodness. It’s a fairly easy rollback using the Nokia Software Recovery Tool. The process took me about two hours on my Lumia 1520, so make sure you back up your info before you start.

You can see our full review of Windows Phone 8.1 below!

Continue reading “Official Windows Phone 8.1 Update Available for AT&T Lumia 925 and 520”

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Nokia Begins Rollout for Windows Phone 8.1 and Lumia Cyan Updates

We’ve been covering the Developer Preview of Windows Phone 8.1, and it looks like Nokia is ready to push the button on sending it out to the masses. The WP8.1 update will also include Nokia’s collection of software updates dubbed “Lumia Cyan”, and it’ll unlock a few new features in apps already available for the platform.

Here’s our full walk through of WP8.1 where you can see the new Action Center Notification tray, Cortana, WiFi Sense, and more.

We’ll also see improvements to the Lumia Camera app for autofocus and RAW capture, and refinements to audio recording in video on the Icon and 1520.

Best of all, if you currently have a Windows Phone 8 device, you will be receiving the update to 8.1. There’s no word yet on which phones will start getting it first, but the worldwide rollout begins today. For more info and to check availability, hit Nokia’s support page.

Related:
Transfer Apps from Phone Storage to an SD Card in WP8.1!
App Review: Files File Manager for Windows Phone 8.1!
Windows Phone 8.1 Keyboard Tips and Tricks!

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Nokia Lumia 635 coming to T-Mobile July 9th

Lumia-635-2Nokia is raising the stakes on the entry-level game.

After scoring a hit with last years low-cost wunderphone the Lumia 520, the follow up this year is looking to continue that tradition of not punishing people for buying a “cheap” handset.

This will be the first phone to properly ship with Windows Phone 8.1 (our full review of Microsoft’s new OS), and it’s coming first to T-Mobile. Starting July 9th you can score one for $0 down and only $7 a month added to your plan. It’ll be less than $170 if you want to buy it outright.

A 4.5″ screen is powered by a Qualcomm 400 series quad core, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage (with MicroSD card expansion up to 128GB), a 5MP rear camera, an 1830mAh battery, and LTE for T-Mo’s 4G network.  It’s a solid step up from the Lumia 520, and more than covers the basics for someone wanting a solid smartphone experience.

The 635 will eventually land on other carriers, but Lil Magenta is where you can get it first. It’ll be closely followed by the Lumia 930, which we got a sneak peek of in the Verizon Lumia Icon. Nokia produced a hands on of the 635, which you can watch below.

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FFC VLOG: #ListenWithLumia at the Firefly 2014 Music Festival! (Shot on Lumia 1520)

I had an AMAZING weekend thanks to the Lumia and Mix Radio crews flying a bunch of fun folks out to Delaware to hit the Firefly 2014 music festival!

Four days of live music and fun. I had a blast hanging out with amazing people and making some new friends. Here’s my recap of the weekend!

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