Hi Titan users
I'm a current Android user and was thinking of jumping over to WP7 and Titan.
My question is, how is customization on WP7? I know WP7 uses tiles, can I make my own tiles and replace the stock ones?
I used Launcher Pro 7 for Android for awhile and I was able to customize the tiles in that.
Also wanted to know how the marketplace is compared to Android. I don't use a whole lot of apps but there are important ones I do use. Netflix, GooglePlus, maps etc etc....
Any advice in moving from Android to WP7 would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Mortem Tuam said:
Hi Titan users
I'm a current Android user and was thinking of jumping over to WP7 and Titan.
My question is, how is customization on WP7? I know WP7 uses tiles, can I make my own tiles and replace the stock ones?
I used Launcher Pro 7 for Android for awhile and I was able to customize the tiles in that.
Also wanted to know how the marketplace is compared to Android. I don't use a whole lot of apps but there are important ones I do use. Netflix, GooglePlus, maps etc etc....
Any advice in moving from Android to WP7 would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've moved from WinMo 6.5 to Android to WinPho 7.5
From WM6.5 to Android - I loved the market and apps and games (for first 10 days). Then I got bored. As I only install about 9-10 apps max and on daily basis used probably 2-3 of those. But then it was boring boring boring. I used Launcher7 for about a year just to make it 'feel' like WP7. However all those tiles in Launcher7 are just big icons that launch apps. But after buying Titan yesterday, I've realised how much I've been fooling myself! The real WP7.5 tiles do launch an app but again the UI and interface makes you drool! It's cool, crisp, quick! Feels nothing like Launcher7. In terms of customization, like Launcher7 you can't rename tiles etc. But if you have an app that can be pinned, your bookmarks can be pinned, your contacts can be pinned, your fav recipe can be pinned, you fav anything can be pinned! The apps are pushing major updates now to support 7.5 Mango which has major benefit of live tiles - Launcher7 never will be able to achieve this! The live tiles in apps like BBC News, Scorecentre, FB etc - are much fun and gives all the info you need. This way in past two days I've not launched FB, Twitter even once to see if I had notification coz the tile said it as soon as I unlocked the screen!
WP7.5 - Market is tiny compared to Android, but I got all the apps I use apart from a decent forum app. All the apps/games I liked on android I found it free here on WP7.5. But if you are into apps and their numbers, you won't like WP7.5 so don't buy it. There is no official Google+ yet, but there are couple of workaround for now. I think major apps will show up in next 5-6 months or so in the market.
drupad2drupad said:
I've moved from WinMo 6.5 to Android to WinPho 7.5
From WM6.5 to Android - I loved the market and apps and games (for first 10 days). Then I got bored. As I only install about 9-10 apps max and on daily basis used probably 2-3 of those. But then it was boring boring boring. I used Launcher7 for about a year just to make it 'feel' like WP7. However all those tiles in Launcher7 are just big icons that launch apps. But after buying Titan yesterday, I've realised how much I've been fooling myself! The real WP7.5 tiles do launch an app but again the UI and interface makes you drool! It's cool, crisp, quick! Feels nothing like Launcher7. In terms of customization, like Launcher7 you can't rename tiles etc. But if you have an app that can be pinned, your bookmarks can be pinned, your contacts can be pinned, your fav recipe can be pinned, you fav anything can be pinned! The apps are pushing major updates now to support 7.5 Mango which has major benefit of live tiles - Launcher7 never will be able to achieve this! The live tiles in apps like BBC News, Scorecentre, FB etc - are much fun and gives all the info you need. This way in past two days I've not launched FB, Twitter even once to see if I had notification coz the tile said it as soon as I unlocked the screen!
WP7.5 - Market is tiny compared to Android, but I got all the apps I use apart from a decent forum app. All the apps/games I liked on android I found it free here on WP7.5. But if you are into apps and their numbers, you won't like WP7.5 so don't buy it. There is no official Google+ yet, but there are couple of workaround for now. I think major apps will show up in next 5-6 months or so in the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very cool.
thanks for your reply, much appreciated
I'm coming from a Samsung Galaxy S (also used to have an iPhone), and I have to say the switch to Windows Phone was pretty smooth, and I love my Titan now.
The only nuisance I've had so far is getting my Google Contacts to show up in my address book... I couldn't find an option for "only display contacts with phone numbers" as there is on Android, so I had to go through one by one and pin my most contacted people for convenience - not sure if there is another way to do this.
But other than that, I love WP. Very clean interface, very cool transitions from page to page, good integration with Xbox Live, Zune, etc., I recommend it to any Android user.
As the person above me stated, the biggest difference between WP vs Android/iPhone right now is the size of the market. But most of the apps you use are probably on the Windows Marketplace in one form or another, and apps are slowly being ported over.
I have an HTC HD2 (no Titan yet). I started on WM6.5 with it and moved to Android (ACA Rom) loved it. I stayed primarily on Android until the end of Aug when I flashed my first WP7 Rom. It was a NODO Rom, I didn't really like it very much and went back to Android for my daily driver for a few more weeks. Yuki/XBMod's Rom was released at the end of Aug. I flashed that and have only gone back to Android just to keep it updated. When my HD2 dies, I'm probably going to go with a WP7.5 device. Even on the HD2, WP7.5 is responsive, smooth and quick. It meets my needs in almost all respects. Android is much more customizable then WP7.5, no question. There are a few things on my "wishlist". I miss Swype, I would like to be able to modify bluetooth so that I can have my BT connected for phone calls and still have the 3.5mm output for music. It's also missing internet connection sharing (right now, hopefully that will be remedied soon). No flash for WP7.5 and I can't connect to my companies webmail (both work fine on Android). You can't transfer files to the phone easily over usb and you are really tied to Zune. I think that's the one of the biggest drawbacks. I hate being tied to a computer. Another major drawback is that there is no way to back up SMS or other personal info and apps (Titanium Backup). You can backup (only when updating with Zune) if you are unlocked and can use Yuki/XBmod custom cab sender to backup (not sure about other pure WP7.5 phones though).
WP7.5 market is terribly small and limited compared to Android, but as I said I don't get crazy for apps. I've found most apps that I need. Official Netflix works great and gMaps Pro is a Google maps app, Bing maps is pretty good and Nokia maps/drive will be available in the near future. Unfortunately, no Google+.
I think my biggest difficulty was trying to use the Google Calendar & Hotmail Calendar together.
Overall experience with both Android & WP7.5 has been great. Both have limitations, both have advantages. I'm so glad I have an HD2 so I can go back and forth to try both out and so each can compliment the other!
This is a sweet looking phone. I've been a long time iPhone user and tried Android. Went back to the iPhone. Android was to buggy for me. Tried WinMo and really liked it. I did go back to the iPhone just because I am so vested in the Apple ecosystem. But if I had to give up the iPhone it would be for the Windows phone. The Windows phone is the closest thing to the iPhone in terms of stabability and smoothness.
lantern20 said:
I have an HTC HD2 (no Titan yet). I started on WM6.5 with it and moved to Android (ACA Rom) loved it. I stayed primarily on Android until the end of Aug when I flashed my first WP7 Rom. It was a NODO Rom, I didn't really like it very much and went back to Android for my daily driver for a few more weeks. Yuki/XBMod's Rom was released at the end of Aug. I flashed that and have only gone back to Android just to keep it updated. When my HD2 dies, I'm probably going to go with a WP7.5 device. Even on the HD2, WP7.5 is responsive, smooth and quick. It meets my needs in almost all respects. Android is much more customizable then WP7.5, no question. There are a few things on my "wishlist". I miss Swype, I would like to be able to modify bluetooth so that I can have my BT connected for phone calls and still have the 3.5mm output for music. It's also missing internet connection sharing (right now, hopefully that will be remedied soon). No flash for WP7.5 and I can't connect to my companies webmail (both work fine on Android). You can't transfer files to the phone easily over usb and you are really tied to Zune. I think that's the one of the biggest drawbacks. I hate being tied to a computer. Another major drawback is that there is no way to back up SMS or other personal info and apps (Titanium Backup). You can backup (only when updating with Zune) if you are unlocked and can use Yuki/XBmod custom cab sender to backup (not sure about other pure WP7.5 phones though).
WP7.5 market is terribly small and limited compared to Android, but as I said I don't get crazy for apps. I've found most apps that I need. Official Netflix works great and gMaps Pro is a Google maps app, Bing maps is pretty good and Nokia maps/drive will be available in the near future. Unfortunately, no Google+.
I think my biggest difficulty was trying to use the Google Calendar & Hotmail Calendar together.
Overall experience with both Android & WP7.5 has been great. Both have limitations, both have advantages. I'm so glad I have an HD2 so I can go back and forth to try both out and so each can compliment the other!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you've got to remember though that most of android functionality are because you had it rooted! If you jail break wp7.5 it will have many other apps to support things similar to what you mentioned. However that said, we still have slower development on wp7.5 but I think one major update and 50,000 apps in just over a year is very positive news for fresh from the scratch OS!
I can connect to 6 emails and 3 social networks without any issue with contacts or sync or anything! That's where I got very impressed compared to android or iOs. In other OS you have to have atleast 3-4 apps to sync that amount of data with pictures!
No issues with work emails or work address book. We use outlook 2007.
I do have internet Sharing on this phone. It works fine! Obviously you won't find the real experience with a ported OS. Maybe Bluetooth might work if you use a real wp7.5? ;-)
I have also easily synced google, hotmail, yahoo and Facebook calenders. Not a single issue.
Best part is WP 7.5 NEVER force closes :-D
3.5 mm will be supported on Titan in near future apparently. However using connected media app its possible to link up. You can use this phone as a usb stick TRUE, but you can sync all you need via Zune so don't see this as an issue. Its rather safer knowing how easy it is to get windows corrupted if plugged as a usb.
drupad2drupad said:
you've got to remember though that most of android functionality are because you had it rooted! If you jail break wp7.5 it will have many other apps to support things similar to what you mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking of which, I understand jail-breaking WP7(.5) just got a lot easier.
https://labs.chevronwp7.com/
However, last time I logged into my account there, they were "out" of unlock tokens available for purchase.
spd_rcr said:
Speaking of which, I understand jail-breaking WP7(.5) just got a lot easier.
https://labs.chevronwp7.com/
However, last time I logged into my account there, they were "out" of unlock tokens available for purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if jailbreaking is reversible. I don't know much about it, but don't want to not be able to come back to WP standard. Because in future if updates stop coming to jailbreakon WP, then it's not good. Because Mango, Tango anything, keeps making it better and better...
It's not a jailbreak like iOS or root like android. It allows you to sideload apps from outside the market but doesn't elevate your privileges beyond that.
The Chevron WP7 Labs are done in cooperation with Microsoft and uses Microsoft's own Servers at some point to do the actual Developer Unlock on the phone. It is the same as the Developer Unlock but without the possibility to publish to the Marketplace.
Calling it Jailbreak therefore is pretty much misleading.
StevieBallz said:
The Chevron WP7 Labs are done in cooperation with Microsoft and uses Microsoft's own Servers at some point to do the actual Developer Unlock on the phone. It is the same as the Developer Unlock but without the possibility to publish to the Marketplace.
Calling it Jailbreak therefore is pretty much misleading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any links to developer unlock? Or is it not possible?
Related
I was quite happy with windows mobile (5 through 6.5) until I switch to HTC Desire (Android) 3-4 months back. Desire is a great machine, trust me. However since I'm a heavy user of Outlook, hotmail, messenger, Office etc. and use Windows 7 based laptop, I think I should go back to Windows plateform on my phone as well. Haven't got a chance yet to see Mozart in action so wonder if any body who has used it can give answers to some instant queries:
1- I'm with Orange, contract is due upgrade; should I get Mozart from Orange or wait until it's availalbe unbranded/unlocked form Phone4U or from Carphonewarehouse?
2- If getting from Orange is there any benefit getting Orange SatNav or Mozart can support Google maps or Bing maps with directions? (on Desire Google maps with navigation is free)
3- Hotmail connector works on Mozart?
4- Live messenger available on Mozart?
5- Mozart and Outlook sync 100% as in previous WinMo's? (i.e. email, contacts, notes, tasks)
Of any other information will be helpful. cheers...
ZeeShh said:
I was quite happy with windows mobile (5 through 6.5) until I switch to HTC Desire (Android) 3-4 months back. Desire is a great machine, trust me. However since I'm a heavy user of Outlook, hotmail, messenger, Office etc. and use Windows 7 based laptop, I think I should go back to Windows plateform on my phone as well. Haven't got a chance yet to see Mozart in action so wonder if any body who has used it can give answers to some instant queries:
1- I'm with Orange, contract is due upgrade; should I get Mozart from Orange or wait until it's availalbe unbranded/unlocked form Phone4U or from Carphonewarehouse?
2- If getting from Orange is there any benefit getting Orange SatNav or Mozart can support Google maps or Bing maps with directions? (on Desire Google maps with navigation is free)
3- Hotmail connector works on Mozart?
4- Live messenger available on Mozart?
5- Mozart and Outlook sync 100% as in previous WinMo's? (i.e. email, contacts, notes, tasks)
Of any other information will be helpful. cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
everything you said is all yes but rumors are saying in a january update copy and paste and turn by turn voice naviation ill be coming
also i have a desire and am trading it in for a moozart
that's quite encouraging and yes I think I'll move back to WinMo.
Just called Orange upgrade team and apart from my usual call plan they are charging me £149.99/- one off, unless I choose talk paln of £40+. hmm, will do some more research in the eve.
I have contacted Orange (go through customer services rather than upgrades) and they are offering great deals i.e free phone on talk plans under £35. They are out of stock at the moment but I think a little bit of pestering and not accepting their first offers you may get a good deal
Despite Orange offering me deals, I'm still torn between the Mozart and the Desire HD. Any thoughts greatly appreciated!
ZeeShh said:
1- I'm with Orange, contract is due upgrade; should I get Mozart from Orange or wait until it's availalbe unbranded/unlocked form Phone4U or from Carphonewarehouse?
2- If getting from Orange is there any benefit getting Orange SatNav or Mozart can support Google maps or Bing maps with directions? (on Desire Google maps with navigation is free)
3- Hotmail connector works on Mozart?
4- Live messenger available on Mozart?
5- Mozart and Outlook sync 100% as in previous WinMo's? (i.e. email, contacts, notes, tasks)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I'm very happy with the Orange branded one. Very little branding is present and it's easy to remove the Orange apps if you don't want/need them (although the Orange Wednesday app is awesome).
2. Bing maps is included, but not really tried it much to be honest. No Google maps as of yet.
3. Hotmail works nativly within WP7, so you just add you LIVE accont onto the device and everything is setup automatically.
4. There is NOT an official Live Messenger client that I've seen on WP7 yet, but I would be very surprised if one doesn't appear soon.
5. There is NO syncing with Outlook in WP7 via ActiveSync as in previous versions of Windows Mobile. You need to sync your Outlook with an online service like LIVE, Google or Exchange to get it on your phone.
Hmm, syncing now is different. but would it be as good and smooth as it used to be? Is this what Zune software is suppose to do. it'll be bit of exciting experience thought.
I believe Skype can be installed as well.
cheers....
ZeeShh said:
Hmm, syncing now is different. but would it be as good and smooth as it used to be? Is this what Zune software is suppose to do. it'll be bit of exciting experience thought.
I believe Skype can be installed as well.
cheers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skype is not available on WP7, and Skype have publicly stated they are waiting to see how much the OS takes off before starting development on an app.
Zune only syncs music, video and photos, it does not sync contacts, calendars, and other stuff.
ZeeShh said:
that's quite encouraging and yes I think I'll move back to WinMo.
Just called Orange upgrade team and apart from my usual call plan they are charging me £149.99/- one off, unless I choose talk paln of £40+. hmm, will do some more research in the eve.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have taken out a 18 month contract with orange with the mozat, its 30 queens heads a month with the hand set for free. they sold me orange maps but have compansated me as i called them back as i found out wp7 does not support them at the moment( been told they are hoping for them to be live late november).
Here's my opinion on the Mozart.
Got it a few days ago and i'm quite split, i've previously supported HTC and WM so naturally WP7 sounded great and the Mozart seems the best handset.
Overall the winning feature has to be the sound quality, with a 3.5mm jack for headphones and SRS enhancement available in an app, the sound quality is amazing. One bad point is teh shoddy handsfree kit provided with it, seems to be quite low quality for listening to music, does calls just fine though.
The camera is a high point, 8MP - more than enough quality there for my uses, unfortunately it comes with a flash, that doesn't sound like a bad feature but heres why - without the flash images are blurry, dark and as bad as they were on previous HTC devices, with the flash it takes about 5 seconds to actually take the picture, so forget about any kinda of quick snaps, the flash is also far too powerful, making shots look too dark without and too bright with, i'm sure an update will bring a little bit of control to the flash eventually though.
HD Video, great idea, great quality... that is if your target isn't moving, the autofocus is slow, exposure adjustment is the same, making the whole thing look cheap, uploading movies is also impossible without syncing to zune, no facebook upload like in WM6, again something that will be sorted in time hopefully.
Onto the programs. Unlike the camera tools, everything else is light and snappy, the Mozart opens programs quickly and effortlessly, making use of the lack of multitasking and heavy UI of WM6, WP7 is a completely differente experience. Live tiles are so so, some tiles are large and some are small with no way to switch between them, some are blank and give no information wheras teh built in ones are great. I think given time, live tiles will become a lot more custom built.
Internet is provided with good old IE, no opera yet, but given time i'm sure tjhat will change. The lack of flash is a bit annoying, needing a seperate plugin for youtube and no way to streaming any other kinda of flash video. I know windows believe HTML 5 is the future but it would be worth considering teh present, flash is a necessity pulled from under my feet. Altogether teh broswer is amazingly smooth, custom built for WP7 offereing many features like capturing a page for the live tiles. No copy and paste does cause issues but the January update will take care of this.
The marketplace is well equipped, more so than I thought it would be, with about 20 different apps for a flashlight (unfortunately those that use the camera flash do not work on the mozart for some reason), about 10 different apps to fake a phone call should you ever want it, all these range from free to about £2, the more expensive apps are mainly games, these run smoothly on the Mozart and give a nice touch to the new OS.
The major downsides to teh Mozart are the following:
Lack of ringtones, a few default boring chimes that you'd expect your dad to use, but no way to use mp3s, its just painful for me.
Battery life varies, I've been wuite impressed at times with it lasting me about 2days with light use, but everyday tasks like phone calls and wifi takes its toll.
Outlook doesn't combine emails or thread them, this may seem like somethign you don't need but WM6 had it, why doesn't WP7?
The marketplace is lacking many programs I would like such as a GPS program, bing maps is a poor substitute for Googlemaps, with very few inviting features, though i'm sure this will change.
Overall I'm impressed with the device, almost everything is snappy, the screen is great, devices are nice looking, but unfortunately with a new OS with no backward compatibility, it will take a while for things to pick up, whether the limited APIs and pricey edevelopers licence with hinder the growth of WP7 only time will tell.
My opinion of the Mozart is that although the camera puts it above the other, its software just brings it back down to the same level, theres almost no difference in the devices, maybe the Omnia 7 might push ahead with the super AMOLED screen, but as far as i'm concerned, and extra 3 megapixels on the camera makes no difference given the software.
I've been mainly distracted due to me having to switch back to Orange to get this phone. I live in North East England, and after orange and T mobile merged signals, I found t-mobile to have a constant 3G signal, cracking out speeds up to 2 meg (which is odd since only the 2G signals were merged). After having super fast mobile internet for the past few years I've moved to orange which seems to struggle to give me any form of mobile internet, I measured a mighty 13kb/s next to a 1800kb/s on my t-mobile, lets hope it improves or i won't be keeping the Mozart, after all a PDA is pretty useless without internet...
Hi All,
Thanks for you feedbacks, I'm quite convinced that I should move from Desire to Mozart. I'm really enjoying Desire as well but due to home / work on windows plateforms I think I should remain on windows plateform for my mobile as well, as I always used to be since 2006.
Orange UK is out of stock on Mozart at the moment but hoping to get it within November. cheers...
ZeeShh said:
1- I'm with Orange, contract is due upgrade; should I get Mozart from Orange or wait until it's availalbe unbranded/unlocked form Phone4U or from Carphonewarehouse?
2- If getting from Orange is there any benefit getting Orange SatNav or Mozart can support Google maps or Bing maps with directions? (on Desire Google maps with navigation is free)
3- Hotmail connector works on Mozart?
4- Live messenger available on Mozart?
5- Mozart and Outlook sync 100% as in previous WinMo's? (i.e. email, contacts, notes, tasks)
Of any other information will be helpful. cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what it's worth I'm sending my Mozart back as much preferred my Desire so will get a Desire HD.
But to answer your questions
1) Your call... cheaper on Orange and then pay £20 to unlock it
2) Orange Sat Nav doesn't work yet. Bing does support directions but is not a Sat Nav replacement.
3) Yes
4) Not that I've seen but sure it would be soon
5) Yes but as far as I could tell only email, contacts and calendar. Not tasks or notes. The outlook syncing (at least for me via exchange) has been flawless and enables you to sync multiple accounts.
Hope that helps.
I hope no-one minds but I got my Mozart yesterday and the only link that seems to talk about what is good and bad about it (here) hasn't had a new entry since November.
I also reckon that the Microsoft Developers know that xda-developers is the only place to go for sensible smartphone discussions and hopefully they will read this and make some changes.
I wasn't convinced that the Mozart would be better than my HD2 but actually....
Good:
Great Screen Resolution
Fast
Internet Explorer is better than I expected and the Pinch to Zoom is great
I like the start screen and the way the 3G signal gets out of the way
Bad:
No Comm Manager - switching on WiFi, Bluetooth, Flight Mode is a real pain
No Internet Sharing - AARRRRGGGHH!
Can't find my WiFi with hidden ESSID - GGGRRRRR!
No MyPhone Sync
I'm not sure I'm keen on the lock-down on apps - it's probably the only thing that will force me to Open Source Android.
I used gyrator2 to switch the screen off when I turned the HD2 vertically down - it saved on battery.
Thank goodness MS don't seem to have made WP7 into a steppingstone to a proper OS (like vista was to Win7!). The way I'm using it, it's the almost finished.
I'm hoping that someone will come up with a Comm Manager App. But I don't know about the other stuff.
Has anyone else got anything to add? What would make WP7 work better for you?
PS Please move this if it's duplicated elsewhere.
Thanks for the heads-up, just brought a Mozart today expecting delivery on Tuesday, I've come from the Android phones Galaxy S & X10 Mini, will be interesting to see how this shapes up against them.
anoyances
i also bought one and generally i think they realy solved the job doing a MS based phone that works. (i moved from a diamond2 with os6.5)
but what realy makes me angry is that i read in the commcersials and specs that i could use mp3 for ringtones (wich phones cant today anyway). but even if being a trivial requerent i would not go with out it.
now i realize that i can use mp3 - BUT ONLY IF I BUY IT FROM ZUNE WTF!!!!!
are they trying out the apple business plan?
im aware that i can "jail break" (where did i last hear about this.. og iPhone/apple) .. but i risk brick´ing my phone and thats a bummer.
still realy nice phone.
a file handler would be nice though and some grouping functionality. the start screeen cannot collect all your messaging and mail in a single icon for access. you have to add evry single one of them in the shortcut list for ease of access.. thats anoying if you have 4 mail and text messaging like me.. grouping would rock..
another thing is "People" its a looker if you want to see contratct and facebook updates, byt anoying for phone contact list
and whats it with the contact list? you cannot sync with outlook only exchange serveres. otherwise you have to expose your full contact list on windows live or facebook to get it synced to your phone.
now i believe i should be paid for using my phone then.. they get to know me and all of my friends including phone info, full name, job detaisl address etc etc. thats something that valueable.. and i dont get to choose if i want to take part.. i want money Zune/HTC and Microsoft!
im semi pleased .. nice phone but realy creapy business methods
A week later....an update
I can see what you're saying js0937.
I'm not really into changing the ringtone but I did notice that you couldn't do it. I can't believe that it has to come from Zune - it does make Android seem very attractive!
I've coped with the Outlook / Live syncing by having a separate account for my contacts but it is a bit long-winded.
I'm waiting for the update (due in Jan 2011 but when??? we're already two-thirds through!) to see whether these problems get solved.
Given that I worked with winphone 6.5 for so long, winphone7 is still much, much better but I still want Internet Sharing and a Comm Manager
tony_wh said:
I'm waiting for the update (due in Jan 2011 but when???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update whill be soon (7 feb.?)
h..p://microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/features/update-info.aspx
Hoping the update sorts the voice dialing out as its rubbish compaired to 6.5. This is a big step back. Be nice to get more info of what the update will bring. Roll on the 7th, fingers crossed.
My 2 cents
Ye, here you have the list:
MUSTS (otherwise I will NOT use the phone for my business):
- Network sharing
- People view by company OR search by company
- copy paste OR use selected text as signature
- outlook categories (seriously!) sort/show calendar, ppl, by category
- tasks list
WANTS (It would be nice to have it):
- activesync with desktop (mailny notes, and such)
- messaging hub (it is enough to group it together in one tile displaying summary of all unread messages, no matter from where they come. It can link to selection screen, where I can pick the mail/messaging account).
- connect tasks with SharePoint lists
- see Active Directory coleagues callendars (or at least simple meeting assistant that shows free/busy for attendees)
- Remote Desktop Connection (it is a pity that having that screen I cannot connect to my virtual desktop if needed)
I am business guy, and always used WinMo as a nice tool. Now... I have waited so long for WP7 and I cant use it for work. I gave it to my Woman, and now I am considering other OSes...
Microsoft, you are pissing on your most loyal customer segment!
just curious if anyone switched back to WM6.5 after trying android on HD2 ? any particular reasons ?
After being an exclusive Windows Mobile user from the Pocket PC days in 2001, I tried Android on my HTC HD2 with great fear and trepidation. After 2 months i am VERY satisfied with Android and can't imagine ever going back.
Good luck with your decision.
never left WM, just run android on SD card
here more statements
I only tried one rom, it didn't work that well, and I hated not being able to customise it how I liked.
I absolutley hate sense/titanium/spb mobile shell... none of them work as well as my setup, I have my phone doing exactly what I want, when I want, and everything I use or need to see at all times is on my today screen. No other UI can currently give me that.
Every OS upgrade has brought less usability at the expense of 'looking nice', I hate having to go through multiple screens to do something as simple as turn on bluetooth and start a media player, one click for me and it's done. Same for many things.
I tried American Android on my HTC HD2. Battery life on all android sucks, so I am back on WM6.5. I am very sad Microsoft switched to WP7 after 6.5 is so cool.
Android must take care of battery management before releasing OS as now it just ruins the pleasure of Android OS. My WinMo6.5 lasts more than 4 days on one charge. I wanna see Android doing this
bbobeckyj said:
I only tried one rom, it didn't work that well, and I hated not being able to customise it how I liked.
I absolutley hate sense/titanium/spb mobile shell... none of them work as well as my setup, I have my phone doing exactly what I want, when I want, and everything I use or need to see at all times is on my today screen. No other UI can currently give me that.
Every OS upgrade has brought less usability at the expense of 'looking nice', I hate having to go through multiple screens to do something as simple as turn on bluetooth and start a media player, one click for me and it's done. Same for many things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I particularly like Spb Mobile Shell. But if you've got something that works better for you than it does, I'd be interested to know what that might be. Can you tell me what makes your WinMo 6.x work so well for you?
FWIW I've never tried Android and don't anticipate doing so for quite awhile. Same for Windows Phone. I have too much invested in Windows Mobile Apps to move off it, especially since they do what I need them to do so well.
I came from using the original HTC Touch for nearly 4 years with WM6.5 and promptly went to try Android when I first got my HD2. The 2 most important thing to me on my phone is the email client and the web browsing. I couldn't get used to the native email app or K9 in Android and came back to WM6.5 for about a week.
I then took the dive to go to WP7 Mango and I love the email integration there. The web browsing is not very nice and Microsoft pushing the use of Bing is very frustrating, but the browser itself is decent. So while the battery life is absolutely horrible in WP7, it can still get me through the day on light usage.
So, I tried coming back to WM6.5 but there certainly are many things to like about the current generation operating systems. WM6.5 just feels sluggish comparatively because everything seems several more clicks away for me. There are various things I miss though. Apps I had purchased are a big one, but I can live without it for now. The other is the task manager. The automatic task management concept is a nice idea in Android but I like quick access and control over it (something ICS possibly has addressed). WP7 its not an issue for now because non-native apps don't run in the background.
Overall, I think you at least owe yourself to try Android since it can run alongside WM6.5. Give it a real shot because there are only going to be more and more things that are available to current gen OS that won't be ported to WM6.5
Tref said:
I particularly like Spb Mobile Shell. But if you've got something that works better for you than it does, I'd be interested to know what that might be. Can you tell me what makes your WinMo 6.x work so well for you?
FWIW I've never tried Android and don't anticipate doing so for quite awhile. Same for Windows Phone. I have too much invested in Windows Mobile Apps to move off it, especially since they do what I need them to do so well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that to me the essence of these new OS, and SPB Mobile Shell is that it puts form over function, to perform any action with those requires a lot more effort than it does with how I've set my phone up, it also seems to work slower.
For a start, I have on my Today Screen the things which I want to use or see most often. SPB Diary, easy today launcher, and alarmToday. I also use wkTask task manager for the tabs. My two soft keys are also customised, one runs WM5NewMenu (which is also run by long hold of the send key), the other runs a script I made with mortscript which closes all open programs, and resets the system settings to my default preferences, such as screen orientation and brightness.
In my WM5NewMenu popup menu, I have shortcuts to all the other things I use most frequently, such as messaging, not to open my inbox, but to open a text or email with the person I'm sending it to pre-defined. So for example if I want to text my wife, it's only 3 clicks from any screen. Note that WM5NewMenu is as quick as pressing right click with your mouse on your desktop, and each submenu is just as quick. I also backup my PIM data every day automatically have a script which sends it via email to myself, so if I have lose my phone or have to hard reset and my storage card get corrupted (or any other worst case scenario) I'll never be without the information I really need.
I also have google mobile in the launch menu, a couple of scripts to start/stop my media player, which will turn on bluetooth, allow me to connect my headset, then set the volume to maximum, offer a playlist selection and then lock the screen etc.
There are quick links to toggle WiFi and BlueTooth and start menu (the hardware buttons are too low for one handed use). I have one which opens my file explorer (apparently missing on WM7) to my IE favourites folder, and after I pick one it will close the file explorer again.
My lock screen is customised with the slider exactly where I find it the most comfortable to use, and the message is my phone number, in a different font, so I can show people easily when they ask and I've forgotten it.
A few other things without dragging on forever -
A Script which programs my work schedule into my diary with as little as 2 clicks for each day's work.
And I don't profess anything but a superficail knowledge of other OS, but the ability to use the same .LNKs and parameters as on my PC is extremely useful. For example, I can make a .LNK to the messaging .EXE, and include any or all of the following, To, CC, BCC, Subject, Content, and attatchments. Examples of use can be if you text the same thing each day, like 'I'm on my way home' would take a maximum of four clicks to send from any screen.
A coreplayer link which also sets the sreen brightness to max.
A lot of my .LNKs have different icons to the default program's
I've removed as much of the HTC customisations as I could find out how to, such as the HTC messaging.
I have a basic keylogging system in place (not a true keylogger, but it logs every time I use any program) so I can check when I did things. This sounds really anal or obsessive but, for example, it's usefull for when I take a break at work and forget when I started my lunch hour, I can just check what time I turned my phone on.
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:23 AM ----------
Gastaroll said:
I tried American Android on my HTC HD2. Battery life on all android sucks, so I am back on WM6.5. I am very sad Microsoft switched to WP7 after 6.5 is so cool.
Android must take care of battery management before releasing OS as now it just ruins the pleasure of Android OS. My WinMo6.5 lasts more than 4 days on one charge. I wanna see Android doing this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an external battery charger and have often managed to deplete one battery before the other has been charged, but this is while watching a film with a bluetooth headset and the screen brightness at maximum.
Tried Android on HD2 & native device, HD2 soon went back to WM6.5.3 because:
-Better battery life & charging control
-Customization of WM is unbeatable
-Every icon, position, text, background can be what I want
-Fast access to all daily tasks (wifi,tethering,BT,SIM switching,email) all handled within 1 or 2 touches & all status easily viewable
-Better Asian language support
-Better Language suite applications
-Better Office applications
-Excellent Video & music players.
-OS file system is easily handled & integrates & shares better with my Notebook files.
-Stability of my WM custom rom is faultless & backup/contact/file integration to Windows applications I use are not wanting replacing due to cost & time of setup.
bbobeckyj said:
...
A coreplayer link which also sets the sreen brightness to max.
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you do that? I haven't checked, but does Coreplayer have command line options that will allow you to start with max screen brightness?
Tref said:
How do you do that? I haven't checked, but does Coreplayer have command line options that will allow you to start with max screen brightness?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mortscript.
I thought that might be it. I haven't messed with mortscript for a couple of phones now. I once wrote a long script I used to report on calls, minutes and data, but it's been awhile.
Thanks
u can always boot Android from SD card and be certain that it won't mess up your WM...i've successfully ported gingerbread, froyo, honeycomb and ics on my HD2 and i'm very satisfied...have fun!
though, NAND versions are faster, more stable and have better development
no , but we wish that we can boot wm6.5 from nand / dual boot winmo and android like wph7 and android in that way maybe we boot winmo because i miss some apps there
..
When I able to do this from my HD2 on android will switch on it until then wm 6.5 is my love hehe. Stupid microsoft and metro sh...t!!!!!!!!
Do not want to miss my tethered sync with Outlook
rabilancia said:
After being an exclusive Windows Mobile user from the Pocket PC days in 2001, I tried Android on my HTC HD2 with great fear and trepidation. After 2 months i am VERY satisfied with Android and can't imagine ever going back.
Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep with WinMo6.5 because I want to do everything locally. I just don't like the buzz about putting everything on third party servers and airtime communications.
My mails are on my own servers and those of my company. When I sync my mails& contacts I use only my own electrons flowing through my private USB cables.
Neither Apple, nor Google, nor Microsoft need to know what I am doing, who i have as contacts and where I curently am located.
Additionally I am traveling frequently abroad and don't want to pay horrid sums per MByte on roaming fees.
I don't like androids behavior to start applications without asking me and there is no way to stop that, so I will keep using WM. Suck it android!
Yes and No
I got my phone in July 2010 and loved it. Battery life was bad and a lot of tweaks had to be done (thanks XDA). I got the courage to flash a custom WinMo rom by November 2010. Heard so many things about Android and tried it in 2011 and hated it. It was still shabby with Gingerbread and I missed Microsoft Office on the phone and exchange services. I ran back to WinMo after some days and didn't look back.
The world seemed to pass by and with no interest in Winmo, app development ceased (except here). WP7/7.5/8 just looked like a giant leap backwards and never tickled my fancy. Blackberry was a no. Iphone seemed overpriced. Ubuntu not out yet. That left Android, the most like the WinMo we all love. I don't like being stuck in the past, and my phone will be changed as soon as I see a decent one. The great phones now are all android. Why not seize the opportunity the HD2 afforded us to try everything?
Feb 2013, I flashed Android on NAND with Jelly Bean 4.1.2. It really has matured as an OS and I found out the best things about my Winmo UI are almost all incorporated into the ROM without much modding/tweaking. Since then, I have been happy with the phone. It can once again do things 95% percent of phones can't do. Battery life is still bad, thanks to Google syncing the lives of millions needlessly.
I really prefer avoiding storing personal information on Google servers like someone noted. There should always be options for offline methods as a backup. Maybe I am getting old and should follow the trend?
This ended up quite long, but bottom line is Android on my HD2 is a necessary step in the evolution of technology for me. Thank you and God bless.
As a long time android user (since the T-Mobile G1 so about 5 years) i decided to try the Lumia 920 a few days ago and so far i`am loving it, so here are my first thoughts :
- The speed and lagless performance of the OS powered by a dual core cpu instead by a quad- or octocore cpu that is required for android. Clearly the OS and hardware are far better optimized than android. Also i had no reboots or fc`s so far.
- Many specific Nokia apps like Drive that enables navigation without a data connection required as you can download and install maps from the country`s you need.
- Seemless integration and synchronisation with Google and great data/contacts/calender transference when setting up the phone.
- Though there are obviously less apps available than with iOs and android there are many more than i initialy thought and most good and important apps are available. Only Dropbox is limited imo as it doesn`t sync and add automaticaly.
- Great camera and speakers.
- Good call quality.
I didn`t think it was going to be as good as it turned out so far but atm i don`t miss android at all and so i might stick with WP8 for a long(er) while than i anticipated.
Hope the coming update planned for July will bring some more goodies
if any problem with Google sync, simple set Google account via advanced setup
settings - email+accounts - add an account - advanced setup
- add your account info
- select Exchange ActiveSync
- add other data (dont forget to enter full email address for username), for server use m.google.com
- Sign in.... that's all
for calendar's problems look Microsoft advises
http://microsoft-news.com/sync-google-calendar-events-to-windows-calendar-app-via-outlook-com/
P.S.
Also must have app for WP is Store Deals to check latest discounts and occasional free periods for pay apps
Don't know what you mean about seemless integration with Google Calendar. Can't edit it at all. I had to follow Microsoft's tip and subscribe to it via Outlook.com but you can't edit the Google calendar that way as it is read only. Email and contacts are great. Hopefully the update that includes CalDAV support will fix the calendar issues.
Spectre51 said:
Don't know what you mean about seemless integration with Google Calendar. Can't edit it at all. I had to follow Microsoft's tip and subscribe to it via Outlook.com but you can't edit the Google calendar that way as it is read only. Email and contacts are great. Hopefully the update that includes CalDAV support will fix the calendar issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use Google calendar which i don't changes you make on the regular calender on the phone will sync to the google calendar and vice versa if you change google calendar on the PC. Just use the normal calendar on the phone and it should sync with your other calenders linked through google or hotmail.
Solarenemy68 said:
If you use Google calendar which i don't changes you make on the regular calender on the phone will sync to the google calendar and vice versa if you change google calendar on the PC. Just use the normal calendar on the phone and it should sync with your other calenders linked through google or hotmail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I was getting my windows devices mixed up.....It is working for me on WP8 just not Windows 8
Agreed in everything.
worst problem I found in WP8? Whatsapp...not always updating, got the notification but not the message....and we really need a good video player with mp4, avi and srt support.....and a notification center.
Any MS guy ever read this forum?
ramping said:
Agreed in everything.
worst problem I found in WP8? Whatsapp...not always updating, got the notification but not the message....and we really need a good video player with mp4, avi and srt support.....and a notification center.
Any MS guy ever read this forum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whats app working fine for me... no missed or late notification....
also avi and mp4 files work fine... and dont except or hope for srt (or any other subtitle) player... f you hope for this, you not learn anything about WP....
dxdy said:
whats app working fine for me... no missed or late notification....
also avi and mp4 files work fine... and dont except or hope for srt (or any other subtitle) player... f you hope for this, you not learn anything about WP....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YXPlayer can play videos with srt subtitles....but it´s a crappy app.
Still waiting for the VLC official app.
Anyone expiriace any problems with whatsapp?
Mobtel063 said:
Anyone expiriace any problems with whatsapp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use it; I use Skype and MetroTalk. Skype's not free but I'm not going to worry about paying on average $60 a year; $5 a month. It doesn't require my universe to have the identical app on the other end.
Quick question...
I really, really, really detest my Xperia S now, like really detest it.
The lagging, god-awful camera, the freezing, everything.
I would try to install a custom Rom, but my Bootlocker unlocked allowed is: no.
I'm really not a high-end user. No interest in games, or intensive apps.
Camera, browsing, travel apps are the main interest for me.
I can get rid of it and pay approx £60-£100 to get the Lumia 920
Would you guys advise it?
steevio_uk said:
Quick question...
I really, really, really detest my Xperia S now, like really detest it.
The lagging, god-awful camera, the freezing, everything.
I would try to install a custom Rom, but my Bootlocker unlocked allowed is: no.
I'm really not a high-end user. No interest in games, or intensive apps.
Camera, browsing, travel apps are the main interest for me.
I can get rid of it and pay approx £60-£100 to get the Lumia 920
Would you guys advise it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the 920 to replace the xperia t I had, best thing I ever did
It's fast, fluid, no freezes or hangups, battery life is great for me, the camera is awesome and I love the wireless charging.
If you can live without the modding and just use your phone for what it is then I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Sent from the event horizon of a quantum singularity
steevio_uk said:
Quick question...
I really, really, really detest my Xperia S now, like really detest it.
The lagging, god-awful camera, the freezing, everything.
I would try to install a custom Rom, but my Bootlocker unlocked allowed is: no.
I'm really not a high-end user. No interest in games, or intensive apps.
Camera, browsing, travel apps are the main interest for me.
I can get rid of it and pay approx £60-£100 to get the Lumia 920
Would you guys advise it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been an iPhone user and then a multitude of android phones user (Samsung) before embracing WP8.
My opinion: iPhone is fine if you just want a phone that works - although Apple lost me after the release of the iPhone 4: I was obviously holding it wrong when I wanted to make a call so it mostly wouldn't iOS is simple to use and has lots of apps, but is a walled garden.
Android, while open and extremely customizable, really annoyed me: at first the phones were fine, then became laggy over time. I also found I was frequently rebooting the phones daily. You shouldn't have to install a custom ROM for it to work smoothly. While there are a lot of apps, they are mostly poor quality compared to their iOS counterparts.
So I decided on trying out WP8 around 4 months ago and bought a Lumia 920. First off the build quality is excellent, it's a solid lump of a phone, not tacky plastic feeling like the Samsungs I had. The operating system has NEVER lagged on me...EVER. I only found out a few weeks after I'd had it how to reboot it, and I only did that to find out how to, not that it needed it. Although not nearly as customizable as the androids, I personally got bored doing so with the Samsungs anyway. I love the Live Tiles on the Lumia 920. Again there are nowhere near the amount of apps as iOS or Android, but those there are I find to be as good as iOS apps.
The camera is excellent. So good in fact that when my other half wants pictures taken she asks me to do so - she has an iPhone 5.
At first I was worried by the fact you cannot use a memory card, but honestly I find the 32gb onboard to be plenty - never had to go through and delete stuff to make more room. An added bonus is the wireless charging - I still think it's witchcraft :laugh: no idea how or why it works but it does lol
So in summary, yes - I thoroughly recommend the Lumia 920 for your needs: the camera is great, the stock browser is quick and I never had a problem with it and navigation is top notch.
Thanks so much for your replies.
I have had the phone for 4-5 days now and I am absolutely delighted by the decision. Possibly the best hardware change/update I've ever made.
I am finding excuses for taking pictures, such is the quality of the camera, enjoying getting to grips with the new layout and O/S, trying to find decent apps for certain things I used on Android, the main one being the notes app, which was sat on my Android home screen and I used regularly as a 1 click solution to add a note and remind me of things.
Something like that, as a simple live tile would be great, but haven't found such an app yet. (Any you guys suggest?)
I was initially very concerned by the battery life. I took it out with me after an initial charge and found the battery draining away at an alarming rate, even with it in my pocket!
But as I'm sure you're well aware, there's the changes to remedy this;; turning NFC off, location, background apps, getting used to exiting an app with the back button etc.
Great battery life now.
Just ordered a case and I'm one happy bunny!
My god, the Xperia S seems like a distant nightmare now! :victory:
Hey guys and girls,
I am a long term Windows Phone / Windows Mobile user and am thinking about switching to android... The reason is the app gap that is getting bigger every day with more and more companies shutting down their WinMo apps... And at the end of the day apps are the core of smartphones...
Nevertheless, I really love the WinMo experience itself...
- the live tiles,
- the snappy performance,
- the concept of the home screen on the left and all apps in a list on the right...
- the integration of social media in the contacts,
- Cortana,
- Offline navigation with Windows maps,
- the interaction between my phone and my destop PC (synchronization of messages in the message center etc.)
- and much more
Regarding android I am mostly sceptical regarding security issues and stability. On the other hand I heard and read that nowerdays stability is not a big issue anymore with android...
Long story short... Are there some guys here that made the step from WinMo to android and did never regret it?? Maybe you guys can even say sth. to the points I listed above and how these look in android. I think there is even a launcher that "emulates" the WinMo experience on android...
Thanks in advance.
Greetz Ric
Did you find a sweet phone and how was the transition?
I am wondering about the same - been an Insider since day one, but tired of the app gap
Forgot10Concept said:
Did you find a sweet phone and how was the transition?
I am wondering about the same - been an Insider since day one, but tired of the app gap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I bought the Honor 8 about a month ago. So far I am more than happy with that purchase. And so far I dont miss Windows at all.
Maybe the only thing that I miss a bit are the live tiles, but other things on my new phone make up for this.
- Performance and stability are better than on WP
- Google maps offers muc more information and information are easier to find than on MIcrosoft Maps
- I found a launcher that is completely customizable (total launcher) With this launcher I did kinda rebuild the vertical scrolling of the WP home screen (only better)
- I think I dont have to mention the apps...
- Only thing is the Office sync. I had to buy an app (called nine) for a perfect Outlook desktop sync. The Microsoft Outlook app doesnt let you edit contacts / create new contacts....
So for me the decision was the right thing.
Greetz Ric