Microsoft is offering as much as $100,000 to developers in an offer to increase the number of applications for its Windows Phone 8, as per the report of Bloomberg.

For its clean & simple user interface & notification in the tile (app tile) itself, Windows Phone 8 operating system has been loved by many users. Though one of major problem that the OS face is lack of application, which at present is the main driving force for Smartphone adoption. The thing that worries is that some of the popular apps like Instagram, Pinterest and Flipboard are still not available on the platform. A developer has to submit at least 10 apps and can get up to $2000 on a single developer ID.  However, Microsoft is offering $100 for each app that has been accepted for inclusion in the store.

Source : themobileindian

Microsoft confirmed that the long rumored update for Windows 8 code named Windows Blue will be arriving later this year. The confirmation was made by Microsoft on its blog on Monday. As per Microsoft’s Tami Reller, the update will allow Windows to run on devices of all different display sizes, form factors and battery life. This should tend to smaller 7 inch Windows 8 powered tablets designed to compete with the 7.9 inch Apple iPad mini and the low-cost 7 inch Android tablets led by the Amazon Kindle Fire. Also, there are some circulations of the rumors that the update will allow for smaller sized Windows tablets. The update will offer options to businesses and consumers for work and play, and will enable Microsoft to respond to feedback from those using Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Reller also claimed that the number of apps in the Windows Store has increased 6X since launch, providing more apps than iOS had available after its first year. She also gave the news that 250 million Windows Store apps have been downloaded. However, the number of certified devices for Windows 8 and Windows RT is up to 2,400 with more touch screen devices being added to the roster.

Microsoft also stated that 100 million licenses have been sold for Windows 8, up from the 60 million licenses sold by January. This figure also incorporates licenses that are shipped along with a new PC or tablet, as well as devices updated to Windows 8.

Source : phonearena

Microsoft is offering 'Switch to Windows Phone' app to Android users and is ready to be downloaded on Android phone. The app is basically for those who are leaving Android for Windows Phone. It will also cater to those users who would like to leave Android for Windows Phone but are too lazy to download and install the apps on their Android phone all over again on a Windows Phone model.

It takes the current list of apps on your Android phone and matches them up with their Windows Phone versions, in case users are not sure about the function of the app. It will include a similar app, if the exact title of an app is not available for Windows Phone. Finally the list is then sent to the cloud where it awaits the purchase of your new Windows Phone. You can retrieve the apps from the cloud once users have new device in hand. 

It appears as if  Microsoft has forgot the way to market specific devices through the app as it sticks to just app scanning, but possibly it didn't want to go too aggressive, too early. Microsoft on Monday released a "Switch to the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone" advertisement, taking digs at Samsung's Galaxy line and Apple's iPhone to coincide with the app's launch. Microsoft is really pushing the whole switching to Windows Phone campaign hard. The 30 second version of the hilarious wedding day ad received air play on Tuesday evening on Fox's highly rated Hell's Kitchen.

According to a prediction of Forbes, most influential magazine in the world, ”With Windows 8 having failed to revive its dwindling sale, Finnish handset maker Nokia may exit mobile phone business this year itself”.
As per the report of Forbes, ”The biggest shocker (and what I suspect will be my most controversial prediction), though, will be the departure of Nokia from the phone business as the company sells its mobile operation and infrastructure divisions to Huawei in order to focus on software and services”.
The article also stated, "With the company's bet on Windows 8 having failed in the marketplace, it will see Microsoft and Huawei competing for the mobile device division and will eventually sell its Smartphone group to Microsoft and the rest of its telecom interests to Huawei." No doubt that predictions seem little bit too much to happen, but it is a fact that Nokia is struggling to keep its market share intact.
Gartner report of September last year stated, “Nokia has only 19.2 per cent market share in Smartphone segment compared to 23.9 per cent last year.” Even Nokia slipped to No 7 position in the Smartphone market. It, however, kept its numero uno position in India atleast thanks to the strong sale of its feature phones, especially of the newly introduced Asha series.

Source : Themobileindian

Windows Phone 8 devices users wondered about the absence of the WhatsApp app for instant messaging. The application developers are now quietly planning to unveil the same for the Windows Phone 8, most likely as soon as next week. As per the Nokia Care representative, "This updated version of WhatsApp will be available by this week end".
WhatsApp is the most famous cross-platform instant messaging client. With the help of this app, users can easily share their files, location, and can even do group chat. The buyers of the Nokia Lumia 920 were shocked to see the absence of WhatsApp's from the Windows Phone Store.  Viral messages about WhatsApp going paid were being spread around by the naysayers.
Seemingly, the WhatsApp developers will unveil Windows Phone 8 version of the WhatsApps since the actual one is not compatible with the new devices. The early adopters of Windows Phone 8 based devices won’t have to wait long for the app as it is expected to go live by this week end.
While HTC has made the Windows Phone 8X available in India, people here are still waiting for the Windows Phone 8 running Lumia devices from Nokia.

Source : Themobileindian