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I currently own an iPhone 4 32GB on AT&T and I am considering a Windows Phone 7 device. Should I go ahead and sell my iPhone and purchase a device? I currently own a Zune (which I am selling) with a Zune Subscription (which I plan on keeping) and I am looking into selling my PS3 for an XBOX 360.
I have a lot of music, so that's what I do most. I also text and use the internet a lot, as well as check email. I also use Pandora quite a bit too (though with the Zune marketplace on the phone, probably not as much). I play games, but not often. I love the battery life of my iPhone. I also have an Otterbox to protect it's beauty. I am also a big fan of its screen and resolution. I use my phone as a camera too. Also, I want better navigation than what I currently get on my iPhone, which is MapQuest 4 (since the iPhone Maps sucks for navigation).
I have been considering the Samsung Focus, HTC Surround, and the LG Quantum. Are there more for AT&T I should consider? I really like the Dell Venue Pro, but it seems like it's not offered for AT&T.
So, what do you guys think? Should I jump ship? By the way, I LOVED the Zune and it's interface, if that helps.
Well really the only one who can decide is you. I'd head to a mobile store and just play with one until they kick you out. I have an LG Quantum, here are some thoughts:
-the software keyboard is. a-may-zing. I can type almost as fast on it as i can with two hands on a desktop. Bar none, the best I've ever used. If you text, this will blow you away. It just knows what you meant to type
-the zune player leaves a LOT to be desired, sound quality wise. wp7 needs an eq app soon. It'll get one, but for now, expect a flat sound. Very dissappointing.
-I don't know why I'm reading bad things about it, but the new IE is so fast it's overwhelming. It renders things very very quickly. Better than my wife's iPhone.
-the interface and UI is awesome. It's honestly the next step in smartphone software. Very impressive especially once you get used to it
-great Facebook integration. It adds all your Facebook/SIM contacts/hotmail contacts to one "contacts" app. Which at first sounds like too much. But after using it, I never want to go back. If I want to get a hold of anyone I've ever met, no matter from where, they're in my contacts hub. I can then choose to email them, post on their wall, text them, or call them. It's so quick and easy
sure haven't said:
Well really the only one who can decide is you. I'd head to a mobile store and just play with one until they kick you out. I have an LG Quantum, here are some thoughts:
-the software keyboard is. a-may-zing. I can type almost as fast on it as i can with two hands on a desktop. Bar none, the best I've ever used. If you text, this will blow you away. It just knows what you meant to type
-the zune player leaves a LOT to be desired, sound quality wise. wp7 needs an eq app soon. It'll get one, but for now, expect a flat sound. Very dissappointing.
-I don't know why I'm reading bad things about it, but the new IE is so fast it's overwhelming. It renders things very very quickly. Better than my wife's iPhone.
-the interface and UI is awesome. It's honestly the next step in smartphone software. Very impressive especially once you get used to it
-great Facebook integration. It adds all your Facebook/SIM contacts/hotmail contacts to one "contacts" app. Which at first sounds like too much. But after using it, I never want to go back. If I want to get a hold of anyone I've ever met, no matter from where, they're in my contacts hub. I can then choose to email them, post on their wall, text them, or call them. It's so quick and easy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a question on the sound. Is it comparable to the Zune, better or worse? What about in comparison to the iPhone?
I want to play with it but work and college kind of get in the way.
Like said above, go into a store and play with one. I'm gonna have to agree to everything sure said, windows phone 7 is amazing..the user interface is incredible. I've only had my HD7 for 4 days and I can't put it down. It's so smooth, the social integration with Facebook and your contacts is genius. Go play with one I doubt you'll be dissapointed
mariolopezjr said:
I currently own an iPhone 4 32GB on AT&T and I am considering a Windows Phone 7 device. Should I go ahead and sell my iPhone and purchase a device? I currently own a Zune (which I am selling) with a Zune Subscription (which I plan on keeping) and I am looking into selling my PS3 for an XBOX 360.
I have a lot of music, so that's what I do most. I also text and use the internet a lot, as well as check email. I also use Pandora quite a bit too (though with the Zune marketplace on the phone, probably not as much). I play games, but not often. I love the battery life of my iPhone. I also have an Otterbox to protect it's beauty. I am also a big fan of its screen and resolution. I use my phone as a camera too. Also, I want better navigation than what I currently get on my iPhone, which is MapQuest 4 (since the iPhone Maps sucks for navigation).
I have been considering the Samsung Focus, HTC Surround, and the LG Quantum. Are there more for AT&T I should consider? I really like the Dell Venue Pro, but it seems like it's not offered for AT&T.
So, what do you guys think? Should I jump ship? By the way, I LOVED the Zune and it's interface, if that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With that list. Go for it. Now your decision boils down to which one.
Zune player sounds just fine. He must have really bad headphones or something. But it's at the very least on par with the iPhone if not better.
However, OP, I recommend you stick with the iPhone 4 for now. Several reasons.
WP7 is currently bug infested. You should probably wait and see how and if Microsoft is going to deal with it. You also should generally wait until Mango to see whether WP7 will take off or not. It's a bit of a gamble as of right now.
If you insist on taking the chance with WP7, I recommend you wait for Nokia's WP7 phones. The current hardware is pretty good but Nokia phones will probably have nice exclusives and, if they base them on the concepts, will be the sexiest phones out there.
All signals essentially point to 'wait.'
Based on friends of mine who have made the jump, I'd say go for it. They all love the UX on Phone 7 and while the platform does miss some functionality today it's not something that you will notice on a daily basis.
In the end though, it's a question only you can answer, so I'll agree with most others here and tell you to go have a play with it in store.
I have been a long term Windows phone user (version 5, 6.1 and 6.5). Unfortunately my current MDA Vario has developed a speaker problem and I'm forced to get a new phone (T Mobile have previously 'fixed' the problem which has now returned)
What you tend to forget is that you shouldn't buy an operating system - you purchese functionality. The key thing is whether the phone can satisfy all your requirements.
As for me, Windows 7 doesn't currently satisfy 3 key requirements:
1. No internet tethering out of the box (you have to really delve down to make this work)
2. No turn by turn navigation
4. No decent ebook reader which can read either lit or mobi format (although the Kindle application has been issued, there is no easy way to load my old books which I haven't purchased from Amazon). All in all I'm very disappointed that MS Reader has not been upgraded
As a mainly business user, I'm not really too interested in Zune or Games and am a bit unhappy about syncronisation via the cloud. As a haooy Napster user (supported in 6.5), I would have to swop to Zune
So what have I decided. I have gone ahead and purchased a used HTC Diamon Pro 2 running 6.5. This will do everything I want and I will wait until Windows 7 finally catches up.
sandravale said:
1. No internet tethering out of the box (you have to really delve down to make this work)
2. No turn by turn navigation
4. No decent ebook reader which can read either lit or mobi format (although the Kindle application has been issued, there is no easy way to load my old books which I haven't purchased from Amazon). All in all I'm very disappointed that MS Reader has not been upgraded
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. While I understand what you're saying it really doesn't ring true with me. If you own a Samsung you can enable tethering in 15 or so taps (including entering all the numbers).
2. Really? I have turn-by-turn on my Omnia7. Works great too. AT&T also seem to be offering some sort of navigational package, as does several other carriers around the world.
I can't comment on the ebook reader situation as I find the phone too small to read large chunks of text on anyway, but your point seems valid enough.
sandravale said:
As a mainly business user, I'm ... a bit unhappy about syncronisation via the cloud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? What's your problem with the cloud exactly? Not being confrontational here, just wondering what, if any, gripes you have about using a secure always available filestore. I can understand some people not wanting to store their confidential documents on a random SkyDrive, but as a business you can run a locked down Sharepoint server locally.
I moved from a 32gb iPhone 4 to a Samsung Focus on the basis of the strength of the Zune platform. There have been drawbacks to moving over to such a new platform (marketplace bug being one main one, lack of apps being another) but also benefits such as the close facebook integration, UI, live tiles and above all, the zune integration.
I've had no sense that the zune player quality is worse (nor better) than the iphone. The desktop client and zunepass blow iTunes away. There really is no comparison.
I would play around with current phones, but as someone above said, you may want to wait and see if they announce any Nokia phones in the April timeframe (MIX 11). Although I guess the resale value of the iP4 will decline after the iP4s/5 gets released this summer.
mKTank said:
Zune player sounds just fine. He must have really bad headphones or something. But it's at the very least on par with the iPhone if not better.
However, OP, I recommend you stick with the iPhone 4 for now. Several reasons.
WP7 is currently bug infested. You should probably wait and see how and if Microsoft is going to deal with it. You also should generally wait until Mango to see whether WP7 will take off or not. It's a bit of a gamble as of right now.
If you insist on taking the chance with WP7, I recommend you wait for Nokia's WP7 phones. The current hardware is pretty good but Nokia phones will probably have nice exclusives and, if they base them on the concepts, will be the sexiest phones out there.
All signals essentially point to 'wait.'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A) No, my headphones are good quality. The PSP (generation ONE), and Samsung Omnia 2 blow it out of the water. They sound EQ'd, with presence and body. My Quantum just sounds flat.
B) After reading your post, you sound like a hater. So OP, please disregard his comments. Wp7 is not "bug ridden", it works just fine. Not sure why you insist on claiming getting a wp7 is "taking a chance". I think that description would be more apt to an Android phone, as the fragmentation has assured no one can tell which device will actually be good. As for wp7, there are hardware minimums across the board, and the software is smoother than silk. Haters gonna hate I suppose.
mariolopezjr said:
I currently own an iPhone 4 32GB on AT&T and I am considering a Windows Phone 7 device. Should I go ahead and sell my iPhone and purchase a device? I currently own a Zune (which I am selling) with a Zune Subscription (which I plan on keeping) and I am looking into selling my PS3 for an XBOX 360.
I have a lot of music, so that's what I do most. I also text and use the internet a lot, as well as check email. I also use Pandora quite a bit too (though with the Zune marketplace on the phone, probably not as much). I play games, but not often. I love the battery life of my iPhone. I also have an Otterbox to protect it's beauty. I am also a big fan of its screen and resolution. I use my phone as a camera too. Also, I want better navigation than what I currently get on my iPhone, which is MapQuest 4 (since the iPhone Maps sucks for navigation).
I have been considering the Samsung Focus, HTC Surround, and the LG Quantum. Are there more for AT&T I should consider? I really like the Dell Venue Pro, but it seems like it's not offered for AT&T.
So, what do you guys think? Should I jump ship? By the way, I LOVED the Zune and it's interface, if that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You shouldn't, especially if you already have a Zune.
That's just my opinion.
I had almost the same exact decision to make a few weeks ago. I was going to upgrade and it was either the iPhone 4 or the Samsung Focus. I went with the Samsung Focus because I already have an iPad, but it truly is a great device. Theres some bug's with it, but I'm counting on Microsoft to fix them.
Things I like:
1. Camera button
2. Interface (duh)
3. Facebook integration (I like being able to add a contact and have it automatically pull in all that users information for me)
4. Nice keyboard (like it better than the iPhones, but it still has its gripes)
5. Zune Software instead of iTunes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. Bigger screen (Focus has a 4 inch screen and it is a big difference from the iPhone's small 3.5 inch screen)
7. Bing voice search (this is something I show all my friends. I can just say "hamburger" and it finds all the local hamburger joints around me wicked fast)
8. Flash support is coming (http://wmpoweruser.com/flash-10-2-incoming-but-no-wp7-date-announced/)
Things I don't like:
1. Marketplace is very slow, laggy, and unstable
2. Battery life isn't quite as good as the iPhone 4
3. Camera settings reset (this is not a feature Microsoft...)
4. Not as good browser (no html 5, different format that isn't quite as mobile friendly, no reordering of bookmarks).
5. Apps need PERMISSION to run under the lockscreen. If they don't even have this option they must be relaunched after you unlock your screen (why?!?!?!)
6. Less API support
7. No multitasking (will be coming this year though)
All in all make the jump as you have a 30 day period to return it (I'm still debating). If you keep it and you end up not liking it after awhile you will be just in time to upgrade to the iPhone 6 when it comes out in 2013 (possible benefit?)!
mariolopezjr said:
I have a question on the sound. Is it comparable to the Zune, better or worse? What about in comparison to the iPhone?
I want to play with it but work and college kind of get in the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never used a Zune so I can't comment, but see my other post about comparing it to other devices. My wife has an iPhone, but I've never tested them side by side (that would include hooking each one up to itunes/zune and transferring the same song, etc... I'm just way too lazy for that, sorry, at least I'm being honest)
ErikWithNoC said:
4. Not as good browser (no html 5, different format that isn't quite as mobile friendly, no reordering of bookmarks).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See, there it is. I've been surfing on my phone since I got it... never had a problem rendering any site. Unless you're going to some flash-laden bloatfest, I don't understand how you can't think that this IE is fantastic.
emigrating said:
1. While I understand what you're saying it really doesn't ring true with me. If you own a Samsung you can enable tethering in 15 or so taps (including entering all the numbers).
2. Really? I have turn-by-turn on my Omnia7. Works great too. AT&T also seem to be offering some sort of navigational package, as does several other carriers around the world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. That's one phone on one carrier. That doesn't work. If you have T-Mobile the Samsung hack will not work. It's an outliar, and non-factor in the grand scheme of things.
2. No one in their right mind pays for Turn by Turn on a smartphone unless they need offline maps. Why pay $10 a month for Navigation when an HD2 can do it for free in Windows Mobile with the Bing App? Or an Android phone with Google Maps? $10 a month is a lot to pay just for Navigation.
The only carrier that makes sense for is Sprint, since they give away their Navigation features for free if you have their $69 (soon 79) plan. But Sprint currently has no WP7 devices.
I can't comment on the ebook reader situation as I find the phone too small to read large chunks of text on anyway, but your point seems valid enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's your opinion, but you have pinch to zoom and automatic text restructuring in these apps that make it trivial to read. This wouldn't be a big issue if Microsoft had decent Skydrive integration in the phone. In that case you'd just need to upload them to you skydrive and find an app that can read that file format. But that isn't coming for over 6 months...
Really? What's your problem with the cloud exactly? Not being confrontational here, just wondering what, if any, gripes you have about using a secure always available filestore. I can understand some people not wanting to store their confidential documents on a random SkyDrive, but as a business you can run a locked down Sharepoint server locally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people just like to have better control over their stuff. There's nothing wrong with it and he doesn't have to have a problem to have this specific qualm with any smartphone platform. They are all a bit too cloud-centric, IMO.
sure haven't said:
See, there it is. I've been surfing on my phone since I got it... never had a problem rendering any site. Unless you're going to some flash-laden bloatfest, I don't understand how you can't think that this IE is fantastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are HTML5 Mobile websites that are much better to use than their desktop (or WAP) counterparts on a smartphone browser.
touch.facebook.com >>> facebook.com or m.facebook.com on a mobile browser - by far. That is just one example. There are dozens if not more. HTML5 support being missing is a strike. NOt saying they need to implement the entire HTML5 Draft Spec tomorrow, but launching with basically no support for it was not a good idea, IMO.
With Multi-Tasking and third party browsers this would not be an issue, though, since we'd probably have Opera or some other Mobile Browser (probably WebKit) ported to it. If Microsoft had implemented a dual (Trident + WebKit) rendering engine, that would have been a killer feature... With the ability to set defaults on a site by site basis, of course.
N8ter said:
1. That's one phone on one carrier. That doesn't work. If you have T-Mobile the Samsung hack will not work. It's an outliar, and non-factor in the grand scheme of things.
2. No one in their right mind pays for Turn by Turn on a smartphone unless they need offline maps. Why pay $10 a month for Navigation when an HD2 can do it for free in Windows Mobile with the Bing App? Or an Android phone with Google Maps? $10 a month is a lot to pay just for Navigation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I disagree as it's not only achievable on the Samsung handsets (of which there are actually 2 available), the LG ones are just as easy. HTC handsets can also tether but IIRC, yes, you do have to dwelwe a little deeper. Point is, out of the 9 launch handsets, 4 can tether by entering a few numbers onto the phone - so do what people did way back when, chose a device based on functionality rather than looks. Also, as a business user, get yourself an off contract device - it costs the same (or in many cases less) in the long run, but gives you more choice. Also, don't forget the world is a lot larger than the US, the Omnia7 can be had on pretty much any network you like in Europe - on-contract if you so please.
2. I don't pay. Navigon came free with my off-contract Omnia7. Sure, I had to spoof the Navigon http server for map downloads other than Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, but there is no monthly fee. I realize some of the other carriers do charge you (ATT being one), but the point here is that there are options available to you. Regarding paying for navigation, as much as I love Bing (or even Google) maps due to its satellite imagery it's not, IMO, a replacement for a dedicated navigational tool ... yet, and looking at the sales statistics for these apps on the iPhone, most people seem to agree with me.
I'm not condoning the fact Bing did not have turn-by-turn out of the box, far from it, but to broadly say "No turn-by-turn" available and use that as one of three reasons for dropping the OS is just wrong.
N8ter said:
That's your opinion, but you have pinch to zoom and automatic text restructuring in these apps that make it trivial to read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it's my opinion. Pinch to zoom or text reflow makes no difference to me, I still don't like reading books on a 4" display. That's what tablets are for IMO. Like I said though, I wasn't really commenting on it and agreed that his point was valid.
N8ter said:
Some people just like to have better control over their stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better control? How can you have better control than a correctly configured and secured Sharepoint server hosted by yourself? Sure, you could live in the old days and manually copy files on and off your phone, forever wondering if that really was the final version or the second to last draft or whether your colleague had amended it between your last sync and the presentation, but really. Are you serious?
Using your phone as a mass storage device was never a good idea - it was a stop-gap measure because at the time it was invented/popular we didn't have S3 or properly configured corporate networks that allowed users access on-the-go.
sure haven't said:
See, there it is. I've been surfing on my phone since I got it... never had a problem rendering any site. Unless you're going to some flash-laden bloatfest, I don't understand how you can't think that this IE is fantastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying its a bad browser, it is in fact very good, but not quite as polished as iOS's Safari browser. I like to organize my bookmarks from most used -> least used, but WP7 only organizes them alphabetically. iOS use's WebKit for its browser which is more supported than IE's rendering engine (what is it?). If you go to gmail for example you will get a hampered down dump phone mobile view (this is simply for example, other sites do this as well).
Yeah, ironically IE renders mobile sites way worse than Android or iPhone. The websites are partly to blame because of course they have had lots of time to optimize for those platforms. I don't mind the rendering of full sites... sometimes the font sizes are way off, but overall not bad and at least it's quick.
All in all the browsing experience is not as good as the other mobile platforms. I've got high hopes that IE9 fixes that.
Sent from my GT-I9000M
Hi,
I've two questions.
1. Which navigation sofware can I use offline with phone 7 (alternative to the t-mobile dongle).
2. Which smartphoneholder is good for using in Car. Im looking for a aktive solution so that it's not nessesary to plug in cable in the smartphone if i plug in the phone (same principle as the becker navigation holder)
Thanks for your feedback
alexander555 said:
Hi,
I've two questions.
1. Which navigation sofware can I use offline with phone 7 (alternative to the t-mobile dongle).
2. Which smartphoneholder is good for using in Car. Im looking for a aktive solution so that it's not nessesary to plug in cable in the smartphone if i plug in the phone (same principle as the becker navigation holder)
Thanks for your feedback
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I have given up on Getting any GPS software for WP7 and use a Dedicated GPS for all my Navigation in Malaysia and Singapore. There is no company supporting WP7 for of line use of GPS maps that I could find.
If you purchase a dedicated GPS unit with Bluetooth it is possible to use it as A hands free device as well. Most dedicated units also come with a mount.
I have a Nokia phone that I use for GPS when traveling as all the maps and turn by turn navigation are free.
I'm using the AT&T Navigator software on my AT&T focus and its turn by turn directions work great. It cost a few buck per month, but its worth it. The only downside is that with no multitasking, you can't monitor emails while using it, but calls still work.
randude said:
I'm using the AT&T Navigator software on my AT&T focus and its turn by turn directions work great. It cost a few buck per month, but its worth it. The only downside is that with no multitasking, you can't monitor emails while using it, but calls still work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much data per hour or so does that pull in?
alexander555 said:
1. Which navigation sofware can I use offline with phone 7 (alternative to the t-mobile dongle).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your operator doesn't provide a navigation solution, basically your only option is to find Navigon and sideload it on your phone - search xda for hints on how to do it.
Rumor is that Navigon has an exclusive deal with T-Mobile Germany until summer, so it won't be available on Marketplace until then.
alexander555 said:
2. Which smartphoneholder is good for using in Car. Im looking for a aktive solution so that it's not nessesary to plug in cable in the smartphone if i plug in the phone (same principle as the becker navigation holder)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On xda, there are device-specific forums with "Accessories" sections, check out the forum for your device.
I think every WP7 user should get A to Z. It's in the marketplace and its free. It's amazing, but I'm not sure if it only works in the states... It has turn by turn directions!!!
thealanshow said:
I think every WP7 user should get A to Z. It's in the marketplace and its free. It's amazing, but I'm not sure if it only works in the states... It has turn by turn directions!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually called A to B but yes, it is pretty sweet.
I'm with the OP on this. I need a map based turn by turn GPS software such as Garmin, Tomtom, iGO or Navigon. Using bing or A to B doesn't cut it. The last thing I want is to be lost in a dead zone. For me this is a deal breaker and one of the many reasons why I am still with WinMo.
alexander555 said:
Hi,
I've two questions.
1. Which navigation sofware can I use offline with phone 7 (alternative to the t-mobile dongle).
2. Which smartphoneholder is good for using in Car. Im looking for a aktive solution so that it's not nessesary to plug in cable in the smartphone if i plug in the phone (same principle as the becker navigation holder)
Thanks for your feedback
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Since you're from Germany, your best bet if you need navigation now is to simply get a T-Mobile device as they come pre-loaded with Navigon.
2. Depends on the device you get. We have Omnia7's and purchased the active Brodit holder for it, great holder. Only downside is that it doesn't play nice with the phones once you put gelaskins on them.
AT&T Navigator costs $10 a month. That is NOT cheap...
10% (maybe more) of your phone bill per month, or $240 over a 2 year contract. You're better off buying a $100 GPS system with offline navigation with updatable maps...
Those GPS services preloaded on these phones are a joke. That's why Google Voice Navigation (and later Bing Voice Navigation) was such a big deal...
deeken said:
I'm with the OP on this. I need a map based turn by turn GPS software such as Garmin, Tomtom, iGO or Navigon. Using bing or A to B doesn't cut it. The last thing I want is to be lost in a dead zone. For me this is a deal breaker and one of the many reasons why I am still with WinMo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you guys here. I'm only on a 200mb plan. Why would I pay $10 per month for Navigator when it'll probably end up going over my limit and overcharge an extra $15 for data? I would have no problem paying a good price for an offline map based GPS.
N8ter said:
AT&T Navigator costs $10 a month. That is NOT cheap...
10% (maybe more) of your phone bill per month, or $240 over a 2 year contract. You're better off buying a $100 GPS system with offline navigation with updatable maps...
Those GPS services preloaded on these phones are a joke. That's why Google Voice Navigation (and later Bing Voice Navigation) was such a big deal...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
totally agree, "a few bucks" is maybe 2-3, but 10 is dead-end. same with their family tracker. I use my Garmin and a few times sideloaded Navigon.
derausgewanderte said:
totally agree, "a few bucks" is maybe 2-3, but 10 is dead-end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are, of course, entitled to your opinion, but from my experience (I use Navigator, and I've owned two different dedicated GPS units) you are dead wrong. $10/month for Navigator is quite reasonable compared to what I would have to spend to get a GPS unit with comparable features and quarterly map updates.
RoboDad said:
You are, of course, entitled to your opinion, but from my experience (I use Navigator, and I've owned two different dedicated GPS units) you are dead wrong. $10/month for Navigator is quite reasonable compared to what I would have to spend to get a GPS unit with comparable features and quarterly map updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my GPS for 120 and it was a good quality Garmin. A year in and you're already paying that for Navigator with less features... and that's if you're already paying for unlimited data.
derausgewanderte said:
totally agree, "a few bucks" is maybe 2-3, but 10 is dead-end. same with their family tracker. I use my Garmin and a few times sideloaded Navigon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that WP7 has FREE tracking built in, there is absolutely no need for the ATT Family Tracking. iPhone and Android Both offer Free Tracking also. I hate to admit it, but iPhone does the best tracking. It pinpoints down to within 20 feet.
I feel both ways on the GPS functions. Personally, I prefer a good GPS unit over GPS on my phone. But, it is nice to get the extra features found on the connected GPS devices. ATT Navigation is actually quite a nice program to use. I used the free trial and was quite impressed, even though I've been a LONG time user of TomTom and Navigon. ATT held it's own, but as others have mentioned, being left without connection, thus no Navigation is just not acceptable for me either.
TomTom, with map updates does end up costing just about the same as ATT Navigator, with the exception of the Data. If you don't use much data, it's probably a wash, but if you go over your data plan, I'm sure ATT will end up being much more expensive. Being able to search for ANY Point of Interest is a big plus on the Connected Navigation. TomTom and Navigon occasionally don't have all the POI's needed.
The newer TomTom's now have the best of all worlds. Free Lifetime Map Updates, Offline Navigation, Online Search, etc... Problem is, they cost around $300-400 for all that.
I'm holding my breath that TomTom will support WP7, especially now that Microsoft has opened up the Dev a bit for them. TomTom on iPhone is really nice to use, so it should be that much better here.
SuperSport said:
Now that WP7 has FREE tracking built in, there is absolutely no need for the ATT Family Tracking. iPhone and Android Both offer Free Tracking also. I hate to admit it, but iPhone does the best tracking. It pinpoints down to within 20 feet.
I feel both ways on the GPS functions. Personally, I prefer a good GPS unit over GPS on my phone. But, it is nice to get the extra features found on the connected GPS devices. ATT Navigation is actually quite a nice program to use. I used the free trial and was quite impressed, even though I've been a LONG time user of TomTom and Navigon. ATT held it's own, but as others have mentioned, being left without connection, thus no Navigation is just not acceptable for me either.
TomTom, with map updates does end up costing just about the same as ATT Navigator, with the exception of the Data. If you don't use much data, it's probably a wash, but if you go over your data plan, I'm sure ATT will end up being much more expensive. Being able to search for ANY Point of Interest is a big plus on the Connected Navigation. TomTom and Navigon occasionally don't have all the POI's needed.
The newer TomTom's now have the best of all worlds. Free Lifetime Map Updates, Offline Navigation, Online Search, etc... Problem is, they cost around $300-400 for all that.
I'm holding my breath that TomTom will support WP7, especially now that Microsoft has opened up the Dev a bit for them. TomTom on iPhone is really nice to use, so it should be that much better here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Integrating WP7 with Windows Live Family Safety and introducing Bing Maps Navigation and a service similar to Latitude would work, and you wouldn't have to pay AT&T for it.
And for the poster above talking about Navigator: Who cares. Navigator subscriptions are a scam and the only carrier that has a good deal is Sprint because they give it for free with their $69 (not 79) plan. I'm just aghast that people pay these prices for a Navigation app with no offline capabilities on a subscription when GPS hardware is so cheap and actually quite attractive these days (not to mention lots of new cars are coming with them built-in).
You can spin it any way you want, but they make no monetary sense to consumers when you can either get a phone that has it for free, or get a GPS unit that costs half as much as Navigation costs over the course of a your cell phone contract.
One of the reasons Android took off so well is cause of the free Navigation, and even WP7 has this. Microsoft just needs to get off their asses and bring Voice-Guided Navigation to WP7.
I wish I could just buy Ovi Maps for a flat fee or something, for WP7. But in the meantime, I just carry my Vibrant everywhere and use it for that purpose instead.
Hell, even MapQuest has a Voice Guided Nav app for Android now: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mapquest.android.ace&feature=search_result
Microsoft either needs to work with some company like MapQuest, another third party (TomTom, etc.), or get Bing Navigation up to par.
thealanshow said:
I think every WP7 user should get A to Z. It's in the marketplace and its free. It's amazing, but I'm not sure if it only works in the states... It has turn by turn directions!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A to B do not work here, i am using dedicated GPS nav device fast and cheap... SGD300/-
cgibsong002 said:
I got my GPS for 120 and it was a good quality Garmin. A year in and you're already paying that for Navigator with less features... and that's if you're already paying for unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's disingenuous to try to lump your data plan into the "cost" of GPS navigation, unless that is the only reason you have the data plan. Since almost no one falls into that category, the cost is obviously amortized (I use my data connection for email, YouTube, weather updates, downloading apps, and about 20 other purposes).
As for your experience with your $120 Garmin, we'll just have to agree to disagree. My experience has been very different.
RoboDad said:
It's disingenuous to try to lump your data plan into the "cost" of GPS navigation, unless that is the only reason you have the data plan. Since almost no one falls into that category, the cost is obviously amortized (I use my data connection for email, YouTube, weather updates, downloading apps, and about 20 other purposes).
As for your experience with your $120 Garmin, we'll just have to agree to disagree. My experience has been very different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it's not. It can change your data requirements. If you use the GPS apps a lot on your phone, a 200MB data plan may not be enough. With a dedicated GPS system, you may be able to just use a 200MB data plan. Some people are like that.
So in the end you end up paying a ridiculous amount of money for the GPS services and the data plan to facilitate it, than just getting a dedicated GPS device.
truffle1234 said:
A to B do not work here, i am using dedicated GPS nav device fast and cheap... SGD300/-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree.
1. It doesn't work (as in, I've never gotten it to work).
2. It has that banner on the screen at all times, which is a waste of useful screen real estate in this type of application.
Today IM+ announced that their IM+ app for Windows Phone is submitted to Windows Phone Marketplace for approval. So we can expect the app in 3-5 days. If you have a developer device, you can download the XAP file to test out the app before it get published in the marketplace
Enjoy!!
http://www.shapeservices.com/freedownload/wp/implus_wp_1_0_PROMO.xap
The XAP
Link won't work for me.
Too bad it won't have support for Windows Live Messenger
http://pocketnow.com/windows-phone/im-wp7-app-submission-pending-wont-support-windows-messenger
I had to reinstall my cert, but this works great! Thanks for the preview!
How much is going to cost ?
Sent from my HD7 T9292 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
corlygunnz said:
How much is going to cost ?
Sent from my HD7 T9292 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too much... hopefully 5 bucks, but I expect at least 10.
Hopefully they will have fixed the caching issue of profile pics of users in the contact list. It made the entire application very slow, especially when you go over 50 online users with offline users invisible.
Avandor said:
Too bad it won't have support for Windows Live Messenger
http://pocketnow.com/windows-phone/im-wp7-app-submission-pending-wont-support-windows-messenger
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why bother with WLM support when Mangro brings WLM already built in? oO
waiting for it.They said there will be a free version with adds.
dkp1977 said:
Why bother with WLM support when Mangro brings WLM already built in? oO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have Mango? No?
That's why!
corlygunnz said:
How much is going to cost ?
Sent from my HD7 T9292 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$9.99 Apparently according to WPCentral. Why anyone would spend ten dollars on what should be free in the first place is beyond me. Messaging apps should never cost more than the app they mimic on the PC.
$12.50 on the Australian store.
You have got to be kidding me.
Wheezle said:
Do you have Mango? No?
That's why!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course not. But I haven't had Mango ever since I bought the device. So I didn't have a good WLM client. Besides Miyowa, which isn't bad after the last update, but still doesn't come close to WLM on WM 6.5. So I'm living without a decent WLM app since I bought the device and I can definitely wait the next few months until Mango will be released.
dkp1977 said:
Of course not. But I haven't had Mango ever since I bought the device. So I didn't have a good WLM client. Besides Miyowa, which isn't bad after the last update, but still doesn't come close to WLM on WM 6.5. So I'm living without a decent WLM app since I bought the device and I can definitely wait the next few months until Mango will be released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're happy to wait, that's all well and good for you personally. All I'm saying is that it's not an acceptable reason for Microsoft to block WLM apps, because we are definitely not going to be seeing Mango for a good while yet.
Unfortunately the Miyowa app is absolutely awful, so intentionally preventing us from gaining a decent alternative is a ridiculous move by MS.
Wheezle said:
If you're happy to wait, that's all well and good for you personally. All I'm saying is that it's not an acceptable reason for Microsoft to block WLM apps, because we are definitely not going to be seeing Mango for a good while yet.
Unfortunately the Miyowa app is absolutely awful, so intentionally preventing us from gaining a decent alternative is a ridiculous move by MS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that Miyowa is not the best IM out there, but what makes it so aweful for you? And if your device is developer unlocked, there's still Li' Messenger for you to deploy and use.
The app was working good earlier today, but it has stopped connecting for me. Probably just temporary, but the toast notifications are still coming through and I can't get back into the app to turn them off lol
A very over priced app. Will never buy it on this price, rather download different messengers for yahoo, msn and others. If this was android it would have been free.
COmpetition hasnt started yet, you are losing your customers before even getting them. Please do something before some other intelligent developer takes this opportunity from you. Anyways great work! it is appreciated.
in attachement there is the full application
(not the promo version)
dkp1977 said:
I agree that Miyowa is not the best IM out there, but what makes it so aweful for you? And if your device is developer unlocked, there's still Li' Messenger for you to deploy and use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find it awful because it crashes constantly, and does not support a feature as basic as multi-location sign ins, which is a dealbreaker for me.
I used to use Li'Messenger, but it doesn't seem to work anymore.
Wheezle said:
I find it awful because it crashes constantly, and does not support a feature as basic as multi-location sign ins, which is a dealbreaker for me.
I used to use Li'Messenger, but it doesn't seem to work anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had constant crashes too, when I used an SD card that was not supported on my HD7. After I replaced it, Miyowa worked like a charm. It's still not the most satisfying WLM app, I agree. But it's better than nothing.
Apparently finally an end to the crippled Zune experience in Canada it seems..
http://wmpoweruser.com/microsoft-drops-zune-pass-price-in-us-and-expands-it-to-canada/
Sent from my T9295 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
You're gonna love this as Zune Pass was the main reason I even considered WP7.
lbp775 said:
You're gonna love this as Zune Pass was the main reason I even considered WP7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed. Been waiting for it. I've even got a ZuneHD. Lol im looking forward to the dam artist backgrounds etc on my WP7. My Zune does it and its nice eye candy. I imagine I'll subscribe and try it out. I use my phone for Bluetooth music in my car and at work.
In addition to that, if you don't have it by that date, the price will be only $9.99 and you won't get any 10 free tracks every month.
Good and Bad.
N8ter said:
In addition to that, if you don't have it by that date, the price will be only $9.99 and you won't get any 10 free tracks every month.
Good and Bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I see that...the free tracks would've been nice but at least the neighbours up north are finally getting it. Long time coming.
N8ter said:
In addition to that, if you don't have it by that date, the price will be only $9.99 and you won't get any 10 free tracks every month.
Good and Bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, that's great for people who don't want to spend the extra five, although I do. Considering Spotify, Zune needed a cheaper option. Wonder if they could do a streaming only option for free?
Great, now I can use my real Windows Live ID, unfortunately I bought a bunch of games on this US based account.
But this problem with messenger integrated to your primary ID is total bullcrap.
My mind is spinning to decide what the hell to do.
Wyn6 said:
Actually, that's great for people who don't want to spend the extra five, although I do. Considering Spotify, Zune needed a cheaper option. Wonder if they could do a streaming only option for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a worse deal. They're basically giving you $9.99 to spend however you want every month with the current pricing structure, so you only pay a net $4.99 per month for Zune Pass. With the change, it's a worse deal - through and through.
There's no reason to now pay an extra $5 per month for $10 worth of tracks. Any Chimp can see this.
If you cannot afford that, then you can't afford to have a smartphone with a data plan, either, IMO
---------- Post added at 02:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:50 PM ----------
bmazloum said:
Great, now I can use my real Windows Live ID, unfortunately I bought a bunch of games on this US based account.
But this problem with messenger integrated to your primary ID is total bullcrap.
My mind is spinning to decide what the hell to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use one ID and stop tying purchases to one account while trying to use another for this and that. You can always use a different IM application and/or service if you wish to be incognito.
Having this use this account and that using that account can be confusing for users, since apparently the context sensitive search button was removed due to "confusion."
I just received an email that the same plan will be forced on new users in America as well. No more 10 song downloads for new subscribers. Existing subscribers may keep the $14.99 plan as long as your subscription is maintained.
This change also takes effect on Oct 3rd.
N8ter said:
Use one ID and stop tying purchases to one account while trying to use another for this and that. You can always use a different IM application and/or service if you wish to be incognito.
Having this use this account and that using that account can be confusing for users, since apparently the context sensitive search button was removed due to "confusion."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's the only solution if I want messenger integration. I picked up all the XBL games when they were deals of the week, so that kinda sucks. Achievements will all be gone now too.
It's not confusing, it's more of a thing that pissses me off. The current Live Messenger app is horrible and would rather use the integrated one, along with being organized once and for all.
Yeah, the search button change pissed me off as well. Was so much faster when searching for emails and contacts. Should've made it "hold for 2 seconds to get bing"
I am sorry for posting this here as I didn't see a Q&A section. Now that MS has killed Spotify + Groove Music, what exactly is going on? IN fact, I just want to know if anyone else is, like me, thinking of letting Windows 10 Mobile go? I am frankly tired of them stalling all the good things that are actually freely available on other platforms. I am talking about apps like Flipboard etc.
What's next? Insta? WhatsApp? It has now come to a point where even an expensive flagship is nothing more than a paper-weight.
When you ask that arrogant Nawzil on FB, the smart-ass laughs at you and sinkers at you as if holding some precious information that is going to magically transform your life.
Anyways, I will not make this a hate-thread and want to focus on the way ahead. Is it a kill and abandon mission? Or walk on and see?
Windows 10 Mobile is clearly facing the same fate as Windows RT. No offical statement from MS that it will be abandoned, but no new devices is coming, no new apps and current apps is losing support. And the OS itself has not seen any new features for a long time, still missing night mode and bluetooth has been buggy for years.
dape16 said:
Windows 10 Mobile is clearly facing the same fate as Windows RT. No offical statement from MS that it will be abandoned, but no new devices is coming, no new apps and current apps is losing support. And the OS itself has not seen any new features for a long time, still missing night mode and bluetooth has been buggy for years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forgot to add to this list: Bill Gates told to the Fox News reporter, he switched to Android
Looks like it's time to say "Bye bye, Windows Mobile"...
sensboston said:
You forgot to add to this list: Bill Gates told to the Fox News reporter, he switched to Android
Looks like it's time to say "Bye bye, Windows Mobile"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha..I read that too. I don't care much about what Billy uses. I need to know if it is time to jump ship? Or is something really remarkable just round the corner. Which I honestly doubt. But the devs here at XDA were making some really good progress hacking Lumia. But this too has been a silent room for a long time. So are the senior devs here too given up?
My next phone OS definitely will NOT be from Microsoft.
P.S. I've got free LG X charge from Xfinity Mobile (also with free unlimited calls/SMS) and now I understand what I really need (I mean incredible battery life). Unfortunately this X charge has an awful camera (like most of LG budget handsets). So, I hope, someone will release similar phone with good modern camera(s) and same (or more powerful) battery, with similar power savings.
X0LARIUM said:
... But the devs here at XDA were making some really good progress hacking Lumia. ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So point it. There is no progress, there is no need for it because no new OS futures or system capabilities. OK, I will pay someone to make 950 bootloader unlocked and change the system font...nothing more. Give a break
X0LARIUM said:
Anyways, I will not make this a hate-thread and want to focus on the way ahead. Is it a kill and abandon mission? Or walk on and see?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, the choice is sad but easy: I like Windows phones and dislike Android and iOS. I expect to stay until they no longer provide security updates.
I'm not optimistic about the future of Windows on phones yet the options I know of seem worse.
Your responsibilities are to yourself and it's not as if you are only allowed to switch once. What works best for you at this time?
winphouser said:
For me, the choice is sad but easy: I like Windows phones and dislike Android and iOS. I expect to stay until they no longer provide security updates.
I'm not optimistic about the future of Windows on phones yet the options I know of seem worse.
Your responsibilities are to yourself and it's not as if you are only allowed to switch once. What works best for you at this time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply my friend. Something very strange happened yesterday. I shifted to my Nexus 6 after 2 weeks of usage of my Lumia 950XL. And the moment I turned it on, something hit me hard. I missed my Lumia. I dragged my feet through the day with my Android device. And what did I do the moment I reached home? I ripped open my Lumia, put my SIM in and fired it on immediately.
This has never happened before. I used to have cravings for using my Lumia in the past. The simplicity, the speed, the security. All of it. I however never swapped my SIM in a day's time ever before. And now I don't feel like going back to my Nexus at all. Though it isn't laggy in anyway with (Stock 7.1.1). I just felt a kind of aversion to it.
What works for me? Lumia hands down. However, what worries me is the fact that slowly and steadily, every app will go quiet. It has already started. Flipboard is gone and so are a bunch of others with it.
Feels like MS is on some kind of suicidal mission with WP.
Recent tweets by Joe Belfiore:
https://twitter.com/joebelfiore/status/917071857370595328
We have tried VERY HARD to incent app devs. Paid money.. wrote apps 4 them.. but volume of users is too low for most companies to invest.
https://twitter.com/joebelfiore/status/917071399541391360
Of course we'll continue to support the platform.. bug fixes, security updates, etc. But building new features/hw aren't the focus.
winphouser said:
Recent tweets by Joe Belfiore:
https://twitter.com/joebelfiore/status/917071857370595328
We have tried VERY HARD to incent app devs. Paid money.. wrote apps 4 them.. but volume of users is too low for most companies to invest.
https://twitter.com/joebelfiore/status/917071399541391360
Of course we'll continue to support the platform.. bug fixes, security updates, etc. But building new features/hw aren't the focus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I read. All the news blog channels are declaring the OS dead, RIP and what not. However, as long as the basic apps like WhatsApp and Insta work, we are good. Otherwise it would be seriously crippling. Even then, I don't think I would sell my 950XL.
Same here. Will stay with my Lumia 730 until basic apps are alive. Just feels so bad to move to other platforms after using windows mobile
Even planning to upgrade to an used 1520.
(Have a Nexus 5 for backup)
hold , windows phone 10 still works good and bug fixes on the way .
X0LARIUM said:
Yea I read. All the news blog channels are declaring the OS dead, RIP and what not. However, as long as the basic apps like WhatsApp and Insta work, we are good. Otherwise it would be seriously crippling. Even then, I don't think I would sell my 950XL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The UWP apps with mobile support should continue to get updates and work on mobile for a while (2+ years or more) unless a developer pulls the app. The legacy apps will eventually expire off...So unless you are gung-ho crazy over certain media apps (because Groove is dying) or want a Google store experience for some reason, there is no need to move to another hand set platform over apps. However folks should do what works best for them...I personally still find Android somewhat unintuitive so even though the huge amount of apps is there I still only use a handful. I am planning on buying a VZW Elite X3 soon and use that while waiting to see if Microsoft is really aiming for an Andromeda device with Windows Core OS.
nate0 said:
The UWP apps with mobile support should continue to get updates and work on mobile for a while (2+ years or more) unless a developer pulls the app. The legacy apps will eventually expire off...So unless you are gung-ho crazy over certain media apps (because Groove is dying) or want a Google store experience for some reason, there is no need to move to another hand set platform over apps. However folks should do what works best for them...I personally still find Android somewhat unintuitive so even though the huge amount of apps is there I still only use a handful. I am planning on buying a VZW Elite X3 soon and use that while waiting to see if Microsoft is really aiming for an Andromeda device with Windows Core OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well. I will be honest. I've jumped ship. I've got myself a Xiaomi Mi Note 2. I am honestly very happy. This is just not done. They have a history of abandoning products and I should have known it. My bad Microsoft.
So much bluetooth problems with Windows 10 Mobile, since the it was released. I can't understand that Microsoft never have and never will fix it.
I have no problem at all-
augustinionut said:
I have no problem at all-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Bluetooth? If I stream music from Spotify or Groove with Bluetooth and try to use the device at the same time, like open the Maps app, the sound will start to stutter or the sound quality will turn bad. Sometimes it also just stops playing, and I have to wait for the music app to reload before it opens.
Sometimes Bluetooth does not auto connect, sometimes it can't connect at all and I have to restart phone.
Reading the MS feedback forums it seems like the Bluetooth problems affect all devices and all versions of W10M.
On witch phone? Mine is 640 xl.
augustinionut said:
I have no problem at all-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
augustinionut said:
On witch phone? Mine is 640 xl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its great if what you are saying is true. I still have Bluetooth issues with my Lumia 730
augustinionut said:
On witch phone? Mine is 640 xl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I have 950XL.