Trying to like Mango - Venue Pro General

So, after a few days with Mango, I find myself in a "Yez I do, No I don't " no man's land.
For the first part of this year I was a wp7/Dell VP guy. Then I moved over to Android with the LG G2x and the HTC Sensation. Not that I love those little Andy Rubin looking guys. The hardware is simply better. I knew Mango would be better than seven, it would it limited by hardware.
Now we have Mango. So how does it compare, IMO, to the newest androids I currently use.
Well, Mango interface, Metro, is catchy. It grows on my daily.
Android is plain, but customizable.
Things like chat, contacts, email, are all setup by a single login in android.
Mango does too, in fact the chat interface links in anything connected to windows Live.
Marketplace/apps on mango is getting better. Microsoft is pushing hard to attract devs.
Android market scares me. You can find anything you want. Start with an AV.
Navigation is supposedly a google slam dunk, but only if you actually use google maps.
I lime the Bing implementation. If you don't run back and compare gmaps to Bing feature by feature, its fine. And getting better each time.
What I miss is latitude. Microsoft has nothing to compare.
Hardware.
Google's open hardware allows for faster and more attractive phones. Windows phone is closing the gap. But there is still a gap. Lack of dual core is a head scratcher to me. Though I understand the intent. Dual core is faster, no doubt. But mango, the is, appears faster. Mango phone hardware with the newer faster chipsets and 4g, may close this gap.
So, I find myself holding a Dell VP with Mango, instead of the faster sleeker G2x, realizing the only thing I am missing is latitude.
Hmmm.....

Is dual core really needed in mango if u think it's fast enough? Personally I think dual core is a bit overkill until they do a side by side comparison with mango running single core on one device and a dual core on another to help convince me to think otherwise. Wp7 is in a league of its own. I feel it serves it purpose and does it well. Just a few things to tweak and it will be all good In my book.
Sent from my Venue Pro using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

I guess if you dont actually feel that the OS needs to be faster, dual core isnt really needed, apart from having the knowledge that it is theoretically faster/better.

My 2 cents
I have been running android for 2 years... My last device was the Steak 5. I have had an HTC, Samsung android devices and been through the bevy of overclocking, creating and using custom roms and customizing graphics and colors in android.
For work I got a WP7 and it is friggin awesome. I no longer have to worry if the phone will work, I experience no lag on the wp7 and don't have to run a task killer to kill apps like I did with android.
I am running about 50 apps now on my dvp and it is performing like a champ. I also picked up Garmin for wp7, which has its + and - compared to google navi... Although the maps are a bit cheesy, the garmin software actually tells you what the speed limit is on every road- Very important for when I travel.
On to customization - I was a huge fan of it over the iphone, however i came to anal about it changing my look every couple of days. With wp7, I got the important stuff in a tile, and the rest in an easy to read menu... It works! and works well!
Where does WP7 beat android???? EMAIL!!!
Threaded email in mango FTW!!!
only thing wp7 is missing is pandora
It is a funny thing, I am a tech guy and work for a tech company.. So when people ask me about the wp7 and hear what I have to say, they look at me like I am an idiot. How could windows be better then android?... i said, wait and see when you get one.
dvp ftw.

i absolutely love Mango too. the only thing holding me back from encouraging coworkers from buying WP7 phones is the lack of (easy) tethering. this is a crucial feature that many of our sales staff rely on when in a prospect's office and they don't allow you to connect to the internet.

937dytboi said:
Is dual core really needed in mango if u think it's fast enough? Personally I think dual core is a bit overkill until they do a side by side comparison with mango running single core on one device and a dual core on another to help convince me to think otherwise. Wp7 is in a league of its own. I feel it serves it purpose and does it well. Just a few things to tweak and it will be all good In my book.
Sent from my Venue Pro using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure, its all relative. But side by side with a dual core android, data is lacking. I would assume the new 4g mango phones will make up for much of this. Its silly to find myself missing scrabble, Starbucks scanning, and latitude...and not open source.

Google Latitude = We're In http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/f6e6c8df-1923-4f7a-a83f-f67e10908f4f
Which I think is nicer

937dytboi said:
Is dual core really needed in mango if u think it's fast enough? Personally I think dual core is a bit overkill until they do a side by side comparison with mango running single core on one device and a dual core on another to help convince me to think otherwise. Wp7 is in a league of its own. I feel it serves it purpose and does it well. Just a few things to tweak and it will be all good In my book.
Sent from my Venue Pro using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Saturday I got to test the HTC Radar. Its the low end of the new mango hardware. It was too good to be called snappy. I can only assume the 1.4's and higher will perform even better. But the public sees dual core as a requirement.
When I was deciding on a droid x2 and a samsung charge, one was dual core, one was not. Each was fast and impressive. It was very hard to make a choice. In the end, I got neither. I opted instead for a dual core LG G2x. It was by far the better of the 3. Holding an upgraded Dell VP side by side with the G2x should be a no brainer. But its not. They are very comparable in overall product. The g2x does own a slight edge in Online display of data....browsing. But with 3g, thats expected. However, while at home, on WiFi, that edge is gone. So once again it comes down to Lattitude. And, WiFi calling from T-Mobile....the G2x has it...Dell does not. Don't mention Tango or Skype...thats not the same.
Over all, I can't help but lean to the Dell....and solidly believe that Mango....and then Apollo next year, is a huge game changer.....or should be....

MJCS said:
Google Latitude = We're In http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/f6e6c8df-1923-4f7a-a83f-f67e10908f4f
Which I think is nicer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is NOT the same. This requires a separate install and invite to be active. If this was built into Bing Maps and activated by a single click and used the Windows Live Log in as its way in...then yes...this would be fine.

Related

Android on samsung focus?

Hello all.
I wonder if it's possible to install dual boot on samsung focus, with
Windows Mobile 7.
Thanks.
^^ someone get hot on this. WP7 is just terrible. I wasted money on this phone.. Need android now lol.
If you don't like WP7, get urself a Captivate. They even share a same battery. I'm out of laggy, battery draining Android.
afriedguy said:
^^ someone get hot on this. WP7 is just terrible. I wasted money on this phone.. Need android now lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can understand people wanting both OSes, but if you just want Android, you should just sell your Focus and buy the Captivate. The latter is a better looking device (I have one).
I go back and forth between the two, and each has clear advantages and disadvantages over the other. If I had to pick ONE, I would probably go with the Captivate (custom ROM), but the Focus isn't very far behind, which is saying a volume about the first execution from Microsoft.
I am no MS fanboy (and is there such a thing?), but I think WP7 is something MS got mostly right first time around. There are clearly issues with WP7, but nothing compared to the first incarnation of Android (just ask people who had to endure through the early devices -- e.g. HTC G1 -- and their subsequent updates). Android prominence didn't materialize until 2.0 (Eclair) with Motorola Droid and a flurry of subsequent 2.x-based devices from Motorola, Samsung and HTC.
enigma00 said:
I can understand people wanting both OSes, but if you just want Android, you should just sell your Focus and buy the Captivate. The latter is a better looking device (I have one).
I go back and forth between the two, and each has clear advantages and disadvantages over the other. If I had to pick ONE, I would probably go with the Captivate (custom ROM), but the Focus isn't very far behind, which is saying a volume about the first execution from Microsoft.
I am no MS fanboy (and is there such a thing?), but I think WP7 is something MS got mostly right first time around. There are clearly issues with WP7, but nothing compared to the first incarnation of Android (just ask people who had to endure through the early devices -- e.g. HTC G1 -- and their subsequent updates). Android prominence didn't materialize until 2.0 (Eclair) with Motorola Droid and a flurry of subsequent 2.x-based devices from Motorola, Samsung and HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same back and forth here
For most of the time my SIM is in Focus cause the long-lasting battery life and better working GPS. My captivate usually cannot last longer than 18 hours without flight mode. But when I'm out of town I switch to Captivate. Bing map has too little information.
amtrakcn said:
Same back and forth here
For most of the time my SIM is in Focus cause the long-lasting battery life and better working GPS. My captivate usually cannot last longer than 18 hours without flight mode. But when I'm out of town I switch to Captivate. Bing map has too little information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Similar here...
Captivate +'s:
+ Tons of apps
+ Better market/shopping experience
+ Better search + voice recognition
+ Better Google service integrations (e.g. Google Voice, Books, etc.)
+ Better maps (including Navigation)
+ Flash support
+ Better looking (subjective but the textured backcover looks 100x better than the plastic one on the Focus)
+ More ways to customize (e.g. change the launcher)
+ Multitasking
Focus +'s:
+ Better Exchange integration
+ Better MS Office support (e.g. very accurate view of pptx files)
+ VERY fluid UI (try smooth pinch to zoom on Android)
+ Better music player + PC sync (Zune is second to none)
+ Better international roaming support (e.g. adjusting to timezone in Calendar)
+ Better battery life by a long shot
+ Better GPS signals and faster fixes
+ Dedicated Camera button + LED
I'm very disappointed because I wanted the focus samsung also bear
the android.
I see many applications for it, and everyone says that the android is better.
I'll probably sell because I like to take advantage of the phone and not
I think that having the wm7 possible.
Thank you all
Android is complete trash. They only good cuz they open source. Most of the Apps are completely garbage. Some of them are useful. Very laggy horrible UI. It will never be like Windows Phone 7. Just few updates on the Windows Phone and Android is done.
Freddy2Fred said:
Android is complete trash. They only good cuz they open source. Most of the Apps are completely garbage. Some of them are useful. Very laggy horrible UI. It will never be like Windows Phone 7. Just few updates on the Windows Phone and Android is done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am quite speechless but we all have our opinions...
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
I'm currently running both (Focus and Captivate) as stock. Focus is very slick with the UI and very it's very fluid with no lag. Captivate has nice WiFi hotspot capability, no MMS issues and no SD card issues. And yes swapping the battery is simple since it's the same battery for both models. Sometimes one phone can't do it all. If Apple had a user replaceable/swappable battery, and changed to a Micro or Mini USB type connection to PC, had SD card slot, they would have a clear winner. But they don't hence the WP7 phone. I'm actually glad to be back on the MSF platform after many WinMo phones, and can't wait for the updates. I would say out of the gate, MSF and Google have good phones and same with Apple. It just might be that no one will build an ultimate phone as then we would have no incentive to buy the latest model as quickly as we do now. That would affect everyone's bottom line (sales revenue $) but eventually the device is not where the money will be with these phones. It will be services and the "cloud" and that is where Microsoft will win. So for now we all live half decent phones. Eventually some one will build a great phone, to equally match the sevices from the cloud. What Microsoft did with the PC OS they will do with their phone platform. So hang onto those Samsung Focus devices because it will be a pleasure to own.
lol, i switched from iPhone 4 to WM7, besides less app selection, the phone performs equally well in terms of speed and UI transition.
Played with android in stores as well, slow UI and from what i heard... battery die quick.
goncasmc said:
I'm very disappointed because I wanted the focus samsung also bear
the android.
I see many applications for it, and everyone says that the android is better.
I'll probably sell because I like to take advantage of the phone and not
I think that having the wm7 possible.
Thank you all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No phone on earth got dual system support so far.
Focus is a WP7 device, even if someone put Android on it by chance, it's going to buggy and unusable.
Stop everyone says. U should say urself.
Isn't u that using ur own phone?
Many people think WP7 is superior to Android, I agree with them.
amtrakcn said:
No phone on earth got dual system support so far.
Focus is a WP7 device, even if someone put Android on it by chance, it's going to buggy and unusable.
Stop everyone says. U should say urself.
Isn't u that using ur own phone?
Many people think WP7 is superior to Android, I agree with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should try the HTC HD2, i got one and i have run all Windows Mobile 6.5, Android and WP7 in it. I got a focus now because i switched to AT&T for work reasons, but i still have my HD2 as a backup. If you want to be able to switch between OSs, that is the phone for you.
ZaidSenall said:
You should try the HTC HD2, i got one and i have run all Windows Mobile 6.5, Android and WP7 in it. I got a focus now because i switched to AT&T for work reasons, but i still have my HD2 as a backup. If you want to be able to switch between OSs, that is the phone for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have mine setup that way and i love it . I am on WM7 most of the time though, unless i go out of town and I need navigation. I have a Focus as well but had to give it to my younger sister because she lost her Captivate, but she did like the Focus much better due to better battery life, fb integration and overall very fluid ui.
check out AtoB app on windows phone 7.
it has turn by turn navigation. not perfect, but, pretty usable
I fell victim to the WP7 promise
I purchased a Focus within a week of it being released. I knew there were shortcomings but really did believe all the Hype of a quick update process to get some of the missing features in. Now that the update process has been completely botched with "Copy / Paste" being the only apparent "feature" added. Even worse now knowing the [email protected] controls the release of the updates I doubt I'll see the things I really need until sometime next year.
I can't wait that long. I travel and need a real navigation program. I use Pandora and Sirius XM and I miss having that on my phone. Also my banking App and all the websites that use flash and do not work.
Last week after learning the "official" update is no where in sight for this phone (I don't think I should have to screw around trying to force an update) I went and bought a Motorola Atrix. This is my first Android and my first non-WinMo phone in something like 12 years.
Now I have what I need. The Motorola is pretty slick and with all the little "widgets" you can get more info up front than the live tiles provided.
I am a die hard MS fan but I truly think they blew it with WP7. I even considered going back to my old Rhodium because it did more than the Samsung, it was just underpowered and therefore constantly crashing. I think I'll be happy with this Atrix though.......so far it has it all.
kjdinoc said:
Now I have what I need. The Motorola is pretty slick and with all the little "widgets" you can get more info up front than the live tiles provided.
I am a die hard MS fan but I truly think they blew it with WP7. I even considered going back to my old Rhodium because it did more than the Samsung, it was just underpowered and therefore constantly crashing. I think I'll be happy with this Atrix though.......so far it has it all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like the features you need currently works better on Android, but I think Atrix is still not a great choice.
I'll be one happy person if they ever port Gingerbread to the Focus.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
yup i totally agreed that android is completely trash, google buy back android and claimed that its theirs which so shame of them , laggy , bad battery life and so on are something which not necessary to mention anymore as this is so well known, horrible UI , stupid browser without gpu accel, it suck really..if you think android is that good , do not buy samsung focus then, because a good mobile OS dont need dual OS, one OS for all already enough..the answer is Windows Phone 7

Just turned my DVP back on after 6 months

And it worked. Got Mango'd and updated. Woohoo.
In May I left for android. WP hardware is just 2nd or even 3rd class in comparison. However, I do like windows phone. In looking at the upcoming releases, and the partnership with Nokia, the hardware gap should close.
So I turned the dell on for grins. And I still like it. My current droid is the bionic. No comparison, hardware wise. But is wise, WP is the way to go.
With the new leadership over at Microsoft, and Nokia in the mix, the future looks good...imo.
I'll probably wait on Apollo, but look forward to the move back.
I have been on android for years and just can't go back to it. Reminds me of Windows ME. It is a necessary evil.
I have a few Dell Streaks and I just updated 1 to see if gingerbread helped at all, and it did not. Mind you I unbloated, deoxded and cleaned it out and it is still slow, chunky and very annoying to wait for.
My mango dvp so far is the best OS i have had. It is simple, it works, and it is quick. I have easily over 100 apps on my dvp and it doesn't slow down..
the kicker for me is..
I can have bluetooth headset on, navigon navigation running, do a voice text back and forth and not miss a beat. Something I could never do on any android device and I had a few.
I think Apple and MS have the right idea when it comes to having a closed OS. I am sick of manufactures loading garbage like Samsung and HTC.
Thinking about the lumia 900.
Krad said:
I have been on android for years and just can't go back to it. Reminds me of Windows ME. It is a necessary evil.
I have a few Dell Streaks and I just updated 1 to see if gingerbread helped at all, and it did not. Mind you I unbloated, deoxded and cleaned it out and it is still slow, chunky and very annoying to wait for.
My mango dvp so far is the best OS i have had. It is simple, it works, and it is quick. I have easily over 100 apps on my dvp and it doesn't slow down..
the kicker for me is..
I can have bluetooth headset on, navigon navigation running, do a voice text back and forth and not miss a beat. Something I could never do on any android device and I had a few.
I think Apple and MS have the right idea when it comes to having a closed OS. I am sick of manufactures loading garbage like Samsung and HTC.
Thinking about the lumia 900.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm looking at it too. I can't wai. I may delay until laer in the year to see what verizon does though. Problem is, tmobile only has low end phones. Don't care for att. Verizon is so android and so mad at ms, windows phone will not be included.
My bionic is far superior to any windows phone, hardware wise. But the operating system on my dvp...I love it. I won't mind paying full price for a new windows phone that has acceptable hardware.
fingers cross for next year's rumored "wp super phones" with apollo.
weatherx said:
fingers cross for next year's rumored "wp super phones" with apollo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't imagine a super phone from Microsoft. I would rather have an Operating system on the phone that will link 'all' of the Microsoft features and services, without gimmicks. I would love skydrive to be more versatile. I would love to be able to stream my music from a skydrive like cloud. In fact, a do more cloud presense, with flexibility would be great. I like how Google and Amazon Music allow streaming. Zune is fine, I like it and have a subscription. But I want that cloud storage access.
After being in the Android world for most of the year, I see great ideas, but horrible quality control. Its too freakish...though I have the Bionic....I really want to be back on Windows phone. Hardware is the ONLY reason I am not.
I read somewhere about speed of the dual core phones vs the single core. What came into play was the amount of available RAM. Many Windows phones have 512 or less RAM. Most new Androids are all at 1g. Some people are pointing to this as part of the speed difference many people associate with processor.
I think consistency and steady improvement will bring Windows Phone back. Anyone read the article online the other day about the mismarketing of Windows phone and how it would have been better off being markedted as the xPhone????
alodar1 said:
I can't imagine a super phone from Microsoft. I would rather have an Operating system on the phone that will link 'all' of the Microsoft features and services, without gimmicks. I would love skydrive to be more versatile. I would love to be able to stream my music from a skydrive like cloud. In fact, a do more cloud presense, with flexibility would be great. I like how Google and Amazon Music allow streaming. Zune is fine, I like it and have a subscription. But I want that cloud storage access.
After being in the Android world for most of the year, I see great ideas, but horrible quality control. Its too freakish...though I have the Bionic....I really want to be back on Windows phone. Hardware is the ONLY reason I am not.
I read somewhere about speed of the dual core phones vs the single core. What came into play was the amount of available RAM. Many Windows phones have 512 or less RAM. Most new Androids are all at 1g. Some people are pointing to this as part of the speed difference many people associate with processor.
I think consistency and steady improvement will bring Windows Phone back. Anyone read the article online the other day about the mismarketing of Windows phone and how it would have been better off being markedted as the xPhone????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've seen pretty convincing arguments on why more ram doesn't really benefit windows phone, given allocations to apps--it's somewhere on xda. and honestly at this point i haven't seen convincing evidence that dual core does what they claim to do (i.e. LOWER power consumption compared to single core at low load). seriously, look at the battery capacity of dual core phones. some extra cpu speed is nice, but that's not where the bottleneck is.
weatherx said:
i've seen pretty convincing arguments on why more ram doesn't really benefit windows phone, given allocations to apps--it's somewhere on xda. and honestly at this point i haven't seen convincing evidence that dual core does what they claim to do (i.e. LOWER power consumption compared to single core at low load). seriously, look at the battery capacity of dual core phones. some extra cpu speed is nice, but that's not where the bottleneck is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you on that. I have my dell, on wifi, running along side my bionic on wifi. The dell doesn't handle my wifi n very well.... but....side by side...the bionic is faster in access. alot faster....no...just enough to notice. Some apps run better on the bionic compared to the dell....like facebook and twitter. Working with the bank of america app, the dell was better.
but what I really noticed was the battery. I am approaching 48 hrs on my dell, and I'm at 40%. I've had to recharge the bionic 3 times in that same timeframe. To be honest, it could be the LTE. But, i've been home for most of that 48hrs. So I've been on wifi. The bionic is supposed to override the lte when wifi is on. I don't know if this is an android thing...or an lte thing or what.
Just watched the Nokia presentation at CES and the introduction of the Lumia 900. Unless something else comes up...that might be my next phone.
alodar1 said:
I can't imagine a super phone from Microsoft. I would rather have an Operating system on the phone that will link 'all' of the Microsoft features and services, without gimmicks. I would love skydrive to be more versatile. I would love to be able to stream my music from a skydrive like cloud. In fact, a do more cloud presense, with flexibility would be great. I like how Google and Amazon Music allow streaming. Zune is fine, I like it and have a subscription. But I want that cloud storage access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried the SkyDrive App ? load your music up and stream away !
PaullikesWINMO said:
Have you tried the SkyDrive App ? load your music up and stream away !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I loaded it but did not look at it....trying it now. If it does what you say....next stop Nokia 900
alodar1 said:
I loaded it but did not look at it....trying it now. If it does what you say....next stop Nokia 900
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
won't stream. it will do a 1:1 song play...unless I missed something

As Dell VP enters its last half of life, what phone is next for you?

I was one of those that pre ordered the Dell VP way back in November 2010. By the time I finally got the phone, it became my primary phone for several months, before moving on to better hardware. I recently turned the phone back on and decided I preferred the Windows Phone OS to other platforms.
But, I found the DVP too slow and missing key items that similar primary phones had. I have an HD7 and I tried that too. But the HD7 hardware is close to 2yrs old if not more.
I eventually found a deal at T-Mobile for the Lumia 710 and purchased that. The deal was essentially a duh because it added nothing to my contract and cost $20US. Of course the 710 is low end hardware with 4g.
I've seen other new gen Windows Phone hardware out there.....
Titan
Titan 2
Lumia 800
Lumia 900
Radar
Ominas.
I was just curious, if you're staying with Windows Phone, what will your next one be?
Me, I have the Lumia 900 in site.
I REALLY like my DVP and I REALLY like WP7. There aren't any other WP7 phones out there that catch my eye so I'm going to stay put for the next 3-6 months.
I hope that Microsoft can find a way to get core apps like Pandora and services like VOIP to work like they do on Android/IOS. If so, I will have absolutely zero reason to go with another platform when it is time to upgrade.
BTW Alodar1, what runs slowly on your DVP?
Given the chance I would love to move to a Lumia 900 or a higher model from Nokia. The Titan II also looks interesting but I really dont like HTC so would probably not buy that. Also not really interested in owning anything from Samsung.
However as I am still on T-Mobile and am likely to stay here for the forseeable future I will have to stick with my trusty DVP.
bbowman said:
I REALLY like my DVP and I REALLY like WP7. There aren't any other WP7 phones out there that catch my eye so I'm going to stay put for the next 3-6 months.
I hope that Microsoft can find a way to get core apps like Pandora and services like VOIP to work like they do on Android/IOS. If so, I will have absolutely zero reason to go with another platform when it is time to upgrade.
BTW Alodar1, what runs slowly on your DVP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I moved from the DVP to android G2x and evenutally the Bionic. Both are superior hardware wise, having 4g and several other functions like wifi N, and more.
I knew that android was just a fad for me, and that became true when I saw the Lumia 900. But still...I'd never had a nokia and the lumia 710 provided me some exposure. the 710 is faster than the DVP data wise. Since data is the primary way I use the phone, it is important. There is a significant speed difference here both by wifi and on radio.
The integration of Mango is almost the same so thats not a problem. Getting used to people hub is the biggest thing to get used to, but I'm good with it now. Calendar and contact integration is good on most devices. The skydrive app helps with visuals there.
I found an app, Cloud Music that links with Skydrive and will play stored music there. Its a v1 app, but works ok on the 710. I used Google lattitude for connections with my kids....but its somewhat flaky, working when it wants to....so its no longer the draw for me. Though its pretty cute when I'm in the restaurant and my daughter pings me and asks what I ordered....
As for Pandora...MS has come out and said, they consider Pandora a competitor. So I doubt we will see resolution soon on that. For me, the starbuck app is more important. Its the #1 app I use on android.
Most WP devices, first gen, were old design and hardware. the OEMs simply did not invest in them. With Nokia on board and a potential opportunity slipping away from the grubby money hungry mobile operators, Windows Phone is seeing some of the love of up to date hardware. It won't go dual core , yet...but, the 710 is a nice device. Gives me great hope for the 900.
I too used to be an HTC fan. But recently I've stepped away. From the Sense rendition on Android to the WP rendition...its a disappointment.
has anyone looked at the Omnia's out there? The new ones???
alodar1 said:
I moved from the DVP to android G2x and evenutally the Bionic. Both are superior hardware wise, having 4g and several other functions like wifi N, and more.
I knew that android was just a fad for me, and that became true when I saw the Lumia 900. But still...I'd never had a nokia and the lumia 710 provided me some exposure. the 710 is faster than the DVP data wise. Since data is the primary way I use the phone, it is important. There is a significant speed difference here both by wifi and on radio.
The integration of Mango is almost the same so thats not a problem. Getting used to people hub is the biggest thing to get used to, but I'm good with it now. Calendar and contact integration is good on most devices. The skydrive app helps with visuals there.
I found an app, Cloud Music that links with Skydrive and will play stored music there. Its a v1 app, but works ok on the 710. I used Google lattitude for connections with my kids....but its somewhat flaky, working when it wants to....so its no longer the draw for me. Though its pretty cute when I'm in the restaurant and my daughter pings me and asks what I ordered....
As for Pandora...MS has come out and said, they consider Pandora a competitor. So I doubt we will see resolution soon on that. For me, the starbuck app is more important. Its the #1 app I use on android.
Most WP devices, first gen, were old design and hardware. the OEMs simply did not invest in them. With Nokia on board and a potential opportunity slipping away from the grubby money hungry mobile operators, Windows Phone is seeing some of the love of up to date hardware. It won't go dual core , yet...but, the 710 is a nice device. Gives me great hope for the 900.
I too used to be an HTC fan. But recently I've stepped away. From the Sense rendition on Android to the WP rendition...its a disappointment.
has anyone looked at the Omnia's out there? The new ones???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just reread this and realized my thoughts may sound anti android. Not really. Its nice...but its extremely fragmented now...and hard to keep up with. I have a Xoom tablet with ICS. Love it. do MOST of my work on the tablet. But with the volume of android phones coming out....its a real mess...my opinion only....
Have you played with Windows 8? Just got an Acer W500 and waiting for the beta, personally looking forward to the final immensely. Love the integration of Metro UI and traditional Windows if I need it.
efjay said:
Have you played with Windows 8? Just got an Acer W500 and waiting for the beta, personally looking forward to the final immensely. Love the integration of Metro UI and traditional Windows if I need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'veonly touched the rawest of builds. Nothing optimized and nothing on the tablet. I;m going to reserve judgement on the tablet. Traditionally MS has had a MS uber alas attitude for periphials. I hope that changes. I think a fully funtional Windows tablet...that works....is unbeatable. when I say...that works it means:
touch works as it should, not as a work around
smart choices with thumbdrives and other external storage
sync ability with devices
remote syncing
skydrive access that is smart, not the limited interface we see now.
If MS gives us a functional tablet and a flexible os....I think the android OS will dry up. I love the idea of open source, but....within in reason. How do you globablly support open source and maintain security and compatibility? Use Android and netflix for example....OS v2.3.3 won't run net flix...but 2.3.4 will, if its a certain device. But how about 2.3.7...etc??? Right now its a cluster and not getting better. ICS supposedly offers stability, but the fragmentation has started with that one already and its only a month old. MS has an opportunity to drive a stake here....if it gets it close to right.
The difference between Seven and Mango is a breath of fresh air. But, Mango was in the path of seven all along. Features that showed up in mango, were finished and ready to go before NODO...this is a long, well thought out process for windows phone....I hope they stick to their guns.
There really isn't anything that interests me much. I refuse to buy a phone without a physical keyboard and there are basically no good ones out/coming out soon that we know about. The Galaxy Note interested me due to its sheer size, but the PenTile screen puts me off. I hated my Nexus One PenTile screen and while the DVP's isn't as bad, I don't want to buy another device with a PenTile screen.
I don't know why you're complaining about speed. Everything is really fast even if it is really old hardware.
I bought the DVP because of the hardware keyboard and the amoled screen. In the past few months, I've opened the keyboard maybe 10 times... that's how much i like the on-screen keyboard in windows phone.
A hardware keyboard will not be in my next phone's future although a super amoled or clearblack display most certainly will. I'm also holding out until Apollo gets released hopefully bringing in new screen resolutions and other features like NFC and I'm leaning very heavily towards Nokia unless HTC finally releases a WP with a super amoled display.
I don't see how people prefer on screen to physical keyboards. Physical isso much more accurate and faster.
I hope TMOUS releases the Nokia Lumia 900, or as rumor says the 910 with upgraded camera. I am also a fan of the HTC Titan.
Either way, the stock OS is great and doesn't require much modification to do exactly what it was designed to do which is work.
holding out until microsoft fixes the orientation lock thing. then we'll see if nokia makes a keyboard phone.
weatherx said:
holding out until microsoft fixes the orientation lock thing. then we'll see if nokia makes a keyboard phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone made a homebrew fix. It was published on the portal the other day. Sorry I don't have a link right quick. I have a headache and its making thinking and looking at a bright screen difficult.
jelliottz said:
Someone made a homebrew fix. It was published on the portal the other day. Sorry I don't have a link right quick. I have a headache and its making thinking and looking at a bright screen difficult.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, i saw that homebrew. problem is, it disables the accelerometer completely, rather than stopping the orientation switch, and requires a reboot to re-enable IIRC. this setting really should be a quick access setting (like volume) rather than having to go thru an app.
i'll be honest, about 1/3 of the time i slide the keyboard out on the DVP just to lock orientation.
petard said:
I don't see how people prefer on screen to physical keyboards. Physical isso much more accurate and faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree, I think physical keyboard is more accurate and I have small fingers.
petard said:
I don't know why you're complaining about speed. Everything is really fast even if it is really old hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not complaining. Ever ride in a Mercedes, then go home in a low end KIA or something. You become spoiled....even though the Mercedes is out of reach. With data speeds on the G2x and the Bionic, and now the Razr series, the data speed is blazing. Since most of my time on a phone is indeed data related of some sort, its noticable. Not like the Mercedes which is out of reach $$ wise, getting a dual core, 4g, android beast is very affordable. And I got used to it. If I never tried it, I could be of a different opinion...but it did.
With that said, the 710 with low end hardware, does indeed close the gap, alot. I've seen the reports from the TItans and some other devices, which lead me to no longer concern myself with the dual core question. But simple 3g vs 4g is an issue, and so is WiFi N availability. Both of these leave the VP in second place.
But, the VP is old hardware now. Its not so bad that you have to update, now. But, in the next several months, you will do it....as a normal progression.
crav4speed said:
I bought the DVP because of the hardware keyboard and the amoled screen. In the past few months, I've opened the keyboard maybe 10 times... that's how much i like the on-screen keyboard in windows phone.
A hardware keyboard will not be in my next phone's future although a super amoled or clearblack display most certainly will. I'm also holding out until Apollo gets released hopefully bringing in new screen resolutions and other features like NFC and I'm leaning very heavily towards Nokia unless HTC finally releases a WP with a super amoled display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, mostly. When the Dell was introduced, I had anHD7 in my hand. A Dell rep was at our work and pulled out the VP. INSTANT love affair. When he opened the keyboard...bing.....I was sold. During the entire time I used the Dell, I opened the keyboard ONLY to access the EM menu. Never did anything else. I eventually learned the feel of the phone and mistakes were rare. I was always impressed by Joe B's launch demo of WP7...with his wild typing...but it works...usually. But so does android and apple...but who cares.
I do know that MS is working on an NFC solution, and has been. I'll be interested to see what comes up....but for now that won't impact my next decision.
Regarding screen resolutions, I believe....MY OPINION ONLY, ... that first in MS's mind is the proper mix of resolution, speed, power overall, and battery life. Until they can master the issue of battery life, dual core and any other high power drains will not be part of WP. The Droid Razr MAXX was released today with a whopping 21 talk time claim. Of course, they doubled the pwer of the battery, so the efficency is the same as before....I believe MS is looking for efficiency improvements and not battery claim.
The truth is, I guess, I only purchased the 710 to see if I could handle a Nokia. I would not use this phone as my primary everyday phone. But, I now have faith in the 900, 910,930's I've seen reported by Engadget. Its better than even money I'll have 1 of these by June.
weatherx said:
i'll be honest, about 1/3 of the time i slide the keyboard out on the DVP just to lock orientation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, especially if I'm using it in bed at all.
I actually bought a used DVP a couple days back to replace my stolen iPhone 4 until something better comes along. So far, I'm actually a bit disappointed. Everything is great with the exception of the screen (stupid Pentile) and battery life.
I'm really looking forward to the Nokia Lumia 900, but until then, I'm not sure what to do. I suppose I can live with the screen for a couple months, but I don't know what to do about battery life. I really don't want to have to turn off push, but I also don't want to spend money on another battery when I'll probably replace the phone in a couple months.
I have been a DVP owner for over 1 year - switched from iphone 4 - and the Mango update breathed new life in to the phone - the lack of Internet Sharing is the only major problem I have with the phone given my 5 year old Palm Treo has this feature.
I recently cracked the screen on the DVP and was looking for a new option - I picked up the Nexus S and installed ICS 4 on it. Overall a great phone, ICS is complete and Android offers much more selection of apps and 'internet sharing' built in - you must spend a lot of time customizing as it is rather 'vanilla' out of the box.
Installed Swype on the Nexus S and it was decent - however, I am a physical keyboard guy and use the phone for work and email is the most important feature for me.
Long story short, after 5 days with Android I am back using the DVP with a cracked screen - as a business user I find the Windows 7 interface is much easier to "get in and out" for making a call, sending email, sms, webpage, etc. Also, I have ridiculously fast typing speed on the DVP keyboard, almost the same as a PC keyboard.
I am shocked that the portrait slider format is effectively dead - other than a BB Torch 9810 I haven't seen anything else on the market with a physical keyboard.
I would love to hear other people's experience transitioning from a physical keyboard, maybe I need to give it more time...
Also, if anyone has any rumors or just wants to make something up about a new portrait slider for WP7 or Android please post here...

May be switching from Android to WP8

My contract is over soon, and it is a great time to get a new phone because I have so many choices being a Verizon owner. When I saw the HTC 8X i fell in love with the design. It apparently fits great in the hand, feels thin, and is silky smooth in terms of hardware.
However, I knew i needed more options, so, being a current Android user and loving its software, I started to anticipate the HTC DROID DNA, a 5' 1080p beast of a phone supposedly coming out around the same time as the 8X (end of November). I continued to do research on both and found out that I like the WP8 Start Screen a lot more than I like Android's homescreens.
But I am afraid of the software of WP8. It's great and all, but I may miss the PhotoSphere, live widgets, quick settings, apps (!!), and outstanding developer support that Android offered. I'm afraid I will need those features down the line and not be able to use them with my WP8 device. I have a Surface and a Zune and want integration. However, Android has SkyDrive and Xbox Music available in Google Play.
So I'm kind of in a pickle right now. I want integration and functionality, but Android has everything and then some. Help guys! What do you suggest I do? Stay on Android or switch to WP8? Personal experiences would be helpful; however, blanket statements/generalizations will not be tolerated because I hate them very much. Also because there are always two sides to those statements, and I want this to be a friendly thread, not one that I am going to regret posting. Thanks in advance for your help, guys!
I suggest you start using paragraphs.
You have a lot of apps in the windows phone marketplace. Probably not with the same name, but if you need something, you usually find that something.
IMO, Windows Phone is vastly superior to android in many, many ways. They give you a lot more control over your devices (apps can't do things behind your back without your approval unlike on android), the system is a lot more stable, the battery life is usually better due to hardware optimizations, and much more smooth. I suggest you pick a nokia instead though, they have great apps in there, including free music downloads through nokia music.
mcosmin222 said:
I suggest you start using paragraphs.
You have a lot of apps in the windows phone marketplace. Probably not with the same name, but if you need something, you usually find that something.
IMO, Windows Phone is vastly superior to android in many, many ways. They give you a lot more control over your devices (apps can't do things behind your back without your approval unlike on android), the system is a lot more stable, the battery life is usually better due to hardware optimizations, and much more smooth. I suggest you pick a nokia instead though, they have great apps in there, including free music downloads through nokia music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would've wanted the L920, but I'm not waiting 6 months for it to come to Verizon. Nokia apps aren't necessary for me; I don't drive and don't really use Maps too often.
Drive and maps aren't the only things nokia has. In fact, these two are available to all windows phones 8.
I don't need them, tbh. However, I'd be happy to take them if a high-end Nokia phone came out on Verizon. Anyway, off-topic. What about Xbox Music and SkyDrive? They are on both Android and WP8.
i really like the new devices. im sure once microsoft sees how they sell apps and such will be growing. im on the same boat although im not ready for an upgrade for another year and a half these new phones will be plenty caught up with development and should be pretty similar to all these new phones coming out within the next few months.
I'm due for an upgrade with Verizon in December. I was looking at Nokia 920. Too bad it's not Available Until 6 months.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
So you guys are saying that i won't miss out on all the features of Android?
Sent from my PIMPED OUT MIUI 4.1.1 Fascinate
You physically cannot tell the difference between 720p and 1080p on a small screen that is found on a phone (think like 26 to 32 inches is where you can start seeing it)
Just so the screen resolution isn't what sways your final choice.
However I find myself missing my WP a lot ever since it broke and I got stuck with the GS3. For me WP is just better. Specifically the keyboard is way better in WP.
As for applications WP has all the ones I use anyways. Fun fact I find I use my android less than I used my WP. I think its because for me it seems to take longer to get to the application I want to use and it feels that android has less smooth scrolling than WP. Of course I'm on stock which is probably why its slow, but my WP was stock too.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Dadstar said:
I don't need them, tbh. However, I'd be happy to take them if a high-end Nokia phone came out on Verizon. Anyway, off-topic. What about Xbox Music and SkyDrive? They are on both Android and WP8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of them will obviously be on WP, since they are microsoft's creation. You will also like Nokia Music -> free unlimited music.
PhotoSphere seems to me to be very similar to Microsoft's Photosynth which has been available for iOS and Windows Phone for a long time.
Concerning Apps I would suggest you ask around the forums for particular Apps that you need, so people can tell you wether they exist or if there is a viable Alternative. XBox Music will be coming to additional platforms but as far as I know it currently isn't available and following Microsoft's track record with those things you will have it available on iOS months before it arrives on Android.
SkyDrive is available as an App on Android. The difference in usage is in the integration. SkyDrive Images show up in the Pictures Hub pretty much the same as if they were on the device itself. I just drop an Image into the according folder on my PC and it shows up where all my pictures show up. It's the same with office documents (if you use those).
So while the functionality itself is there on Android the experience of using it is superior on Windows Phone. But this works the other way round as well. While GMail works reasonably well on WP it simply works better with the GMail App on Android.
Wow. I'm getting really excited for my 8X now. Thanks guys!
Sent from my PIMPED OUT MIUI 4.1.1 Fascinate
I'm kinda in the same boat as OP. Currently enjoying my Galaxy Nexus but I'm mad that it's got VZW's taint all over it. Does Microsoft handle the updates for WP8 and doesn't take BS carriers when it comes to pushing them out? I like constant security updates, and Android just can't seem to handle that.
I want a Nokia because I've heard they're great but the 822's display won't cut it with it's resolution for me if it's anything like PenTile. I'm thinking about ditching VZW when my contract is up if it doesn't get the Nexus 4 (doubtful it will) so I don't know if I'd use my upgrade on any of VZW's WP8 lineup. The Nexus 4 still has these beat when it comes to unsubsidized pricing.
The only other thing keeping me from WP8 is that I heard there was a lack of a good turn-by-turn app and no notification center. Both of these are kind of turn-offs. But the UX, fluidity, Start, and Microsoft-handled updates are quite enticing.
Same dilemmas for me guys. I'm working at Nokia and have tested both new Lumia devices and they really are awesome. While I like the design of the 820 and how it feels in the hand, the display of the 920 is far superior. The 820 has just an average display imo, it is bright but not very sharp, given the low res and poor pixel density (217 lol..). Other than that it is quite the smooth operator and really a pleasure to handle. The thing about it's big brother is that it is kind of uncomfortable to hold and I don't like the rather sharp edges.
I am now debating with myself if I should go for a WP8 device since the OS is just awesome or get one of these http://android-sale.com/xiaomi-phone-2.html as soon as it becomes available. You cannot deny the bang for your buck with these, though I am a bit afraid when it comes to warranty and customer support + you cannot really play with the device beforehand. I was waiting for the new Nexus but I think it is disappointing and especially fragile with that glass backcover. I was even considering an iphone because of the smoothness since I've really grown to hate the android lag which is present even on latest quad cores....But after using a 4S for a whole evening I cannot imagine myself doing this daily, it is just too limiting and I fail to see how people say it is so 'easy' and it 'just works' - well it just works with more steps than android or wp...But that is another topic of course.
As for the apps, I am currently using around 40-50 apps on my droid and all of them (EXCEPT DROPBOX, mind you..) are available on WP. The development frameworks for WP8 and the support for DirectX, and also the shared core with windows 8 will surely attract alot of devs and app number will grow in the coming year. I have to say that the windows phone store might not have so many offerings, but the design, fluidity and and general look is just stunning. So is the whole WP8 ui. For example, I think the so much praised iOS app store looks terrible and is a pain to navigate throug. Play Store on the other hand is very functional and easy to use but looks plain and boring.
Well well, this is my pov, I think I will be getting a WP after all but let's see. Maybe I will buy the xiaomi device if it is possible, simply because of the price/spec ratio + I love MIUI, since it is as if you are not using android.
You don't need dropbox, you have skydrive.
mcosmin222 said:
You don't need dropbox, you have skydrive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree with you, dropbox is very light and useful, also a lot of users have quite some storage space on dropbox and would like to have it available. Not to mention that I know a friend of mine has a small company where they run 100Gb+ shared dropbox folders full of working data. They sure cannot force all employees to go windows phone because of skydrive or the other way around. So yeah, lack of dropbox IS a big minus.
You still have dropbox on WP. just checked xD
mcosmin222 said:
You still have dropbox on WP. just checked xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't it some 3rd party app? Btw I think I'm fully converted now, just played around with the city lens app and tried some offline maps. **** is ca$h
Dadstar said:
Wow. I'm getting really excited for my 8X now. Thanks guys!
Sent from my PIMPED OUT MIUI 4.1.1 Fascinate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Dadstar, I recently switched from a Lumina 710 (Windows 7.8) to a Samsung Galaxy Note II (Android-Jelly Bean) and I will give you some of my perceptions.
1. Note II is a remarkable phone, unbelievable screen, and some really cool apps.
2. Lumina 710 was a solid phone, but after the screen size of the Note II, I could never go back and settle for a small screen.
That being said, the Lumina 710 is way ahead of the Note II in voice dialing over bluetooth. I would never have to get my Lumina out of my pocket to make a call (I have about 1200 contacts in Outlook with multiple listings for each), but with the Note II, it is a constant battle of it being slow to decide who it thinks I want to call and then gives me multiple choices on the screen. So it really defeats the role of voice dialing over bluetooth and that is a deal breaker for me and I am sending the Note II back within the 14 day trial period. Hopefully, Tmobile will come out with a new Windows 8 phone soon. Ken B.
Google announced Nexus 4 for 350$! Thats a steal..but as the dust settled, and the picture became clearer, it is for anything but that price..So, I am with the OP on this one too...
8X or N4??
On one side, you have a large display, quad core processor et all...and on the other you have a dual core, with the same sized screen as I have now. Also, with Android, there are tons of apps and games I can get (sometimes for free).
SO, Will i sacrifice a smoother OS for an OS that may not be that smooth but has tons of other features...?

Windows Phone 8 and What it Means to the Competition

The Write Up
Windows Phone 8 has now been out about two weeks and with its eye-catching hardware, beautiful UI, and plethora of new features; has captured the hearts of more people than even I expected. Nokia's Lumia line has been consistently sold out all over the world and is still in high demand while HTC is certainly pulling out all of the stops in bringing their most beautiful device to date into the Windows Phone market. Huaweii seems to be ready to innovate for the first time in quite some time and Samsung is bringing up the rear with the same ol' stuff they've been putting out since the Samsung Behold days but there's a market for everything.
As a student developer, I try to keep a very clear mind about phones as a whole. At present I own a Tegra HTC One X, an AT&T Galaxy Note II, an iPhone 4s, and the AT&T Nokia Lumia 920. It could simply be a honeymoon period but for the past two weeks the Lumia has been my daily driver. I have also been frequenting the forums of numerous tech blogs and news articles, scouring the web for any complaints and praise for both the Note and the Lumia. As it stands, the Lumia seems to be the more sought after of the two with the Note being slightly underwhelming compared to its predecessor. The Lumia is not without its flaws though, the battery life has been subpar on a number of the devices, there is a bug in the NFC usage that causes immense battery drain, and the photos could be slightly sharper. However, for every shortcoming, most of which Nokia says will be repaired with a software update, there are more than enough selling points to justify it. After two weeks, I finally felt it was just to do a review comparing Windows Phone, iOS, and Android.
User Interface
First, I'll start with what you see upon powering on, the UI. The common complaint with Windows Phone, is the lack of a dedicated notification center like the ones you would see on Android or now, iOS. I was truly concerned on coming from using the One X as my daily driver and HTC's amazing Friendstream that the Lumia's activity simply would not be enough. Let me be the first to tell you that not only does the live tile system work, it's removed so many swypes and taps from my typical use that I'm probably saving an hour of battery life a day on that alone. Unlock the screen, swype down, check anything I want, done. It's very simple and very straightforward. I believe Windows Phone's initial marketing statement was, "Get in, get out, get on with your life." It's simple to do just that however it's also easy to get immersed in the live tiles. The customization available despite the lack of backgrounds is quite amazing and sometimes I'll spend half an hour deciding on a particular tile layout that suits me and my present color scheme. The OS is simply aesthetically pleasing, plain and simple. You might be able to download a dozen apps to kick your android UI into gear or Dreamboard your phone but in terms of usability I would have to give the cake to Windows Phone. That said, Android's notification system is right on par with Windows Phone and is certainly no slacker. iOS simply lags behind.
User Interface:
Android: 6
iOS: 7
Windows Phone: 9
Notifications:
Android: 9
iOS: 4
Windows Phone: 8
Camera
With our phones being an extension of our arms, it's only viable that it replace that big clunky camera on a laniard that we were once forced to tote around if we wanted to capture the moment. Now, it's as easy as pulling your phone out and snapping a picture. Windows Phone tried simplifying this further by allowing access to the camera directly from a sleeping phone, a feature imitated and executed well by the competition but born of Windows Phone and the original still seems to execute it best. Each OS aside from iOS has a variation of cameras on a variation of different phones and each have their strengths and weaknesses. My personal preference, hardware aside, is Windows Phone strictly because of the requirement of a hardware camera button. Each OS has it's own photo editing options as well, iOS being the birthing place of instagram, a photo-social network. Android having a ton of applications with filters and editors, and at least Nokia's Windows Phones implementing lenses with work amazingly well. If you haven't gotten to toy around with cinemagraphs then you simply haven't gotten to enjoy a camera on a phone. Overall, I'd say it's safe to give tens across the board on software alone as the hardware preference is just that, a preference.
Camera
Android: 10
iOS: 10
Windows Phone: 10
Hardware Choices
Your general consumer has an idea of what they want but will not be particularly picky. It has to be eye-catching but practical, it has to have screen real-estate but be pocketable. Your phone has to fit you better than you fit it. iOS in this area, is awful. You get one device that most recently has rendered a lot of games ugly due to the screen's aspect ratio shifting drastically. Overall, the iPhone 5 may be the worst in the series despite slightly improved hardware. Android of course has the broadest range of specs, 600 mhz processors making up the low-end of the spectrum and pushing into the quad-core monsters at the higher end. Until Android's most recent iteration, it suffered from a discernible lag that, while not a deal breaker, certainly offered a bit of a low-end feel. However, android is now about up to par with the competition and is finally, "Buttery smooth." on all different kinds of hardware.
Windows Phone devices are also found on a variety of hardware, however what sets it apart and really makes it pull ahead is the availability of many color options. No other OS before it has offered such an array of high end devices in such a wide variety of colors. The Lumia 920 alone comes in five different colors, 3 of which are rare to find on any other quality device. Due to the color variations, I'd have to give this one to Windows Phone as it's proven time and again that it doesn't need the ridiculous hardware to run as fluid as the competition.
Hardware
Android: 9
iOS: 2
Windows Phone: 10
Social
What are our phones for if not communication? Sure, they all make calls with varying quality, they all connect to Facebook, they all send texts and picture messages, they all get the job done. However, who gets it done best? For this comparison, I'm using stock Android. Had I chosen to use HTC's Sense then it likely would've been more favorable for Android but, spoiler alert, stock android doesn't fare too well.
iOS basicaly reinvented the smartphone and have thus created an immeasurable ecosystem spanning across millions of users. Due to this, they are able to have their own video chat that doesn't work with other devices, their own messenger client that only works on their devices, even their own social networks of sorts. They have an ecosystem, but what about the rest of us? Both iOS and Android sync your facebook contacts as well as contacts from other email clients and social networks without much fail and with the installation of third party applications have no issue notifying you of your facebook notifications. However, this isn't about the applications, just the OS itself and aside from what's mentioned, neither have a whole lot to offer. With Windows Phone, I have felt no need to install a facebook application as everything I need is built into the OS. I have facebook chat that sends me all my messages through the same messaging system that my texts come through, I can update my status from my Me tile on a number of different social networks simutaneously, I can take a picture and have it on facebook faster than any other OS, shown clearly in the Smoked by Windows Phone videos and I can do it all without installing anything additional. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn being baked into the OS has accelerated my social networking to a whole new degree.
The most important aspect of a social network though, the keyboard. I mean sure you can Speech to Text everything but that seldom works out as well as you want it to. android has an excellent keyboard layout by default but the response time on it is notably slower than either other and the predicted text never quite gets me to where I want. It seems as though it doesn't know higher English and any bigger words I use are quickly transformed into two or more little words. iOS is again, a joke. The keyboard layout forces you to go to a separate page to use a period, the auto-correct has spawned numerous sites about how terrible it is, and it's very ill responsive. The first thing you notice about using a Windows Phone is the tactile responsiveness, it seems as though the button is hit maybe even a millisecond before you touch the screen it's so fast and the words are only corrected when it's actually needed. Overall, in terms of the general social networking, I have to give it to Windows Phone here as everything is so deliciously baked in. I should mention though that Android has a plethora of keyboards better than the default at your disposal.
Networking
Android: 5
iOS: 6
Windows Phone: 10
Keyboard
Android: 6
iOS: 4
Windows Phone: 8
Apps and Software and Features, Oh My!
Well, it's not all rainbows and butterflies in the Windows Phone world. The application store isn't 1/10th of the competition yet and the games we do get are often crippled versions of their Android and iOS counterparts. Not only that, we often pay more strictly for the fact that we can get Xbox Live gamer points. However, Xbox live on the phone is amazing and a selling point in itself, it still doesn't justify the sometimes ridiculous price of our games and apps.
iOS is the clear winner as far as games and apps go. Sure, Android has more games and applications but they are never as polished as those on iOS and oftentimes won't work on a good portion of the devices due to fragmentation. Both trump Windows Phone with their high def, 3D games and form fitting applications.
Android and Windows Phone now utilize NFC, iOS's only real shortcoming in this area. Windows Phone has pushed it a step further offering wireless charging on most of their higher end devices which, while gimmicky, is one hell of a gimmick. If you pick up the JBL Charging Speakers then your Nokia will absolutely blow you away.
I would like to clarify, of the 40 or so apps that are must haves on my phones, I can easily find an alternative to 36-38 of them on Windows Phone but those 2-4 apps I can't find really do seem to jump out at me a lot of the time and are a thorn in the side of WP8. That said, with access to native code this will hopefully change.
Goodies
Android: 8
iOS: 9
Windows Phone: 5
Wrap-up
Well, after owning my first long term Windows Phone device I can say that this is as unbiased as I can get aside from a possible honeymoon phase with this pretty little device. This is of course from a basic user standpoint and not a developer standpoint as so many of us like to brag about having. The final score tallied up is:
Android: 53/70
iOS: 42/70
Windows Phone: 60/70
None of the OS's are bad and each could certainly suit you and will vary with your needs. As far as the most generic needs go, Windows Phone pulled out just ahead of Android with iOS trailing behind, left in the dust. If you haven't picked up a Windows Phone and have only gone off of the rumors, I suggest you at least give it a try. Thank you for reading and I hope you all have a happy Turkey Day.
-Poecifer
Thanks for sharing! One thing that interests me about the Windows Phone is editing Microsoft Office files on the go. Currently I have many formatting and compatibility issues trying to do this with my Android device. Have you experimented much with this yet?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
buffjam9011 said:
Thanks for sharing! One thing that interests me about the Windows Phone is editing Microsoft Office files on the go. Currently I have many formatting and compatibility issues trying to do this with my Android device. Have you experimented much with this yet?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mainly just wordpad documents, I'll look more into the others and get back to you afterwards. Word files are epic though.
Strangely enough I agree with almost quite everything you say, but your scoring seems to be a little wonky. Your user interface scores were as follows:
Android: 6
iOS: 7
Windows Phone: 9
Very subjective if you ask me. You could ask ten different people what they believe that order should proceed in, and I'm willing to bet their answers will vary greatly. I don't understand how IOS could possibly have a higher interface score than Android if its simply a grid of icons with a horrendous notification system. If you wanted to replicate that on Android you very well could with a launcher, MIUI, etc. Android essentially IS iOS with flexibility; customizable grids on the homescreen, widgets, more intuitive lockscreens, etc. Giving iOS a higher score doesn't seem to make sense to me.
Hardware
Android: 9
iOS: 2
Windows Phone: 10
I'd like to think the massive range of Android phones would overcome the simple fact that Windows phones come in several new colors. I think it's fair to say Android should hold top dog in this regard.
Android: 5
iOS: 6
Windows Phone: 10
Above are the scores for social networking on each mobile OS. Again, if Android by default has every third party application installed automatically integrated, how can you justify giving it not only that low of a score, but below iOS? (While iOS only has facebook/twitter integration).
Also, I'm curious as to which keyboard you used for Android.
But great write up, honestly I don't mean to try and dismantle everything you said, I just don't entirely agree with the scoring. But good work, I gave ya a thanks )
MultiLockOn said:
Strangely enough I agree with almost quite everything you say, but your scoring seems to be a little wonky. Your user interface scores were as follows:
Android: 6
iOS: 7
Windows Phone: 9
Very subjective if you ask me. You could ask ten different people what they believe that order should proceed in, and I'm willing to bet their answers will vary greatly. I don't understand how IOS could possibly have a higher interface score than Android if its simply a grid of icons with a horrendous notification system. If you wanted to replicate that on Android you very well could with a launcher, MIUI, etc. Android essentially IS iOS with flexibility; customizable grids on the homescreen, widgets, more intuitive lockscreens, etc. Giving iOS a higher score doesn't seem to make sense to me.
Hardware
Android: 9
iOS: 2
Windows Phone: 10
I'd like to think the massive range of Android phones would overcome the simple fact that Windows phones come in several new colors. I think it's fair to say Android should hold top dog in this regard.
Android: 5
iOS: 6
Windows Phone: 10
Above are the scores for social networking on each mobile OS. Again, if Android by default has every third party application installed automatically integrated, how can you justify giving it not only that low of a score, but below iOS? (While iOS only has facebook/twitter integration).
Also, I'm curious as to which keyboard you used for Android.
But great write up, honestly I don't mean to try and dismantle everything you said, I just don't entirely agree with the scoring. But good work, I gave ya a thanks )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a problem at all, friend. I love criticism regardless and constructive is my favorite flavor. I gave UI to iOS over android because I'm trying to use vanilla android opposed to sense or touchwiz and sadly it still suffers from minute hickups. Had I been reviewing Sense, android and Windows Phone would have certainly been neck and neck.
As far as my hardware statement, as much as the hardware for android differentiates under the hood, they do little to differentiate themselves cosmetically and that seldom makes for a beautiful device even when the power under the hood is insane. It's often left looking like a bunch of generic Samsung phones.
In social networking, I ignored the existence of third party applications and only gave the bonus point to iOS for the ease of setup as both are essentially the same in that regard.
When I use android, I've been using swype since the HTC Dream days and don't feel a need to switch. Swiftkey isn't terrible though.
Again, there may be some bias as I'm still in the honeymoon phase but I made an attempt to be unbiased that at least beats out what you'll get at cNet.
Poecifer said:
Not a problem at all, friend. I love criticism regardless and constructive is my favorite flavor. I gave UI to iOS over android because I'm trying to use vanilla android opposed to sense or touchwiz and sadly it still suffers from minute hickups. Had I been reviewing Sense, android and Windows Phone would have certainly been neck and neck.
As far as my hardware statement, as much as the hardware for android differentiates under the hood, they do little to differentiate themselves cosmetically and that seldom makes for a beautiful device even when the power under the hood is insane. It's often left looking like a bunch of generic Samsung phones.
In social networking, I ignored the existence of third party applications and only gave the bonus point to iOS for the ease of setup as both are essentially the same in that regard.
When I use android, I've been using swype since the HTC Dream days and don't feel a need to switch. Swiftkey isn't terrible though.
Again, there may be some bias as I'm still in the honeymoon phase but I made an attempt to be unbiased that at least beats out what you'll get at cNet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most definitely ahaha, cnet is one of the most Apple centric tech sites I've ever seen. And I really do appreciate this write up, I always told myself if I had to move to a locked down OS Windows 8 looked like a viable choice, and now it seems I have a third party to back it up reasonably. It's sad really, most people glance at Windows phone and ate immediately turned away because of how strange the ui is initially. I think it's a beautiful design personally, and they're innovating in their own way.
One thing however. Do you really find sense more appealing then stock android? I've found the last three versions on android (4.0 - 4.2) to be wonderful. Honestly, everything from the notification bar to gapps with the blue tint looks great. I always thought sense was overrated, but more now than ever it seems to be riding on the tailcoat of its gb days. Maybe then I might've thought it sleek and edgy but lately sense hasn't seem to have changed at all, it looks dated. Everything from the app drawer to the notification panel is rather stale looking, I'd go as far to say that the touchwiz nature ux is much preferable, but that's just me.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
MultiLockOn said:
Most definitely ahaha, cnet is one of the most Apple centric tech sites I've ever seen. And I really do appreciate this write up, I always told myself if I had to move to a locked down OS Windows 8 looked like a viable choice, and now it seems I have a third party to back it up reasonably. It's sad really, most people glance at Windows phone and ate immediately turned away because of how strange the ui is initially. I think it's a beautiful design personally, and they're innovating in their own way.
One thing however. Do you really find sense more appealing then stock android? I've found the last three versions on android (4.0 - 4.2) to be wonderful. Honestly, everything from the notification bar to gapps with the blue tint looks great. I always thought sense was overrated, but more now than ever it seems to be riding on the tailcoat of its gb days. Maybe then I might've thought it sleek and edgy but lately sense hasn't seem to have changed at all, it looks dated. Everything from the app drawer to the notification panel is rather stale looking, I'd go as far to say that the touchwiz nature ux is much preferable, but that's just me.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a purely aesthetic perspective, I completely agree. Sense looks stale. However, it brings to the table a plethora of built in apps and widgets that I find more useful than anyone else's offerings and for that I will choose Sense over Touchwiz or stock any day. I liked the way Sony was going, too bad they can't quite get their software right.
I think you overreacted when you said iphone has score 2 as far as hardware is concerned. Just because they do not take the route android does (make up for poor software with overkill hardware) doesn't mean their hardware ain't good. They basically do just like Windows Phone: pick up a nice platform, then base everything on that so it can be optimized.
mcosmin222 said:
I think you overreacted when you said iphone has score 2 as far as hardware is concerned. Just because they do not take the route android does (make up for poor software with overkill hardware) doesn't mean their hardware ain't good. They basically do just like Windows Phone: pick up a nice platform, then base everything on that so it can be optimized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They still only release one device a year with severely dated hardware and ridiculous fragility. They often have next to no real selling point aside from habit. I'd say it was justified.
dont agree with you about the keyboard. check out swiftkey.... i miss it so hard on wp8 :S
Love the write up, and I agree with most of what was said. I can support the lower hardware score for iOS because it is a gradual improvement of an existing design, as opposed to every year the hardware is cutting edge. That does have something to do with the fact that the OS doesn't require such boundary pushing hardware...
That's why I gave up on iOS. After a while you really get tired of the apps as the only attraction. Heck, jail breaking took off merely for the fact that it was a way to unlock the phone for usage on other carriers. Based on the hardware limitations, once you started to add the custom add-ons to change the looks and performance of the phone, iOS starts to lag. I'm sure things have improved with the iPhone 5, but I've got no interest in trying Apple.
It still boils down to taste. I do enjoy using WP7, and so far WP8 is a nice upgrade. As far as Android goes, I prefer stock over any other skin other there. Yes, stock used to be atrocious and not as friendly visually, but 4.0 has changed much of that. Still, I like Sense as the best skin out there, even though it has gotten bloated. sense 4 is a right step, but I won't use anything HTC Android wise until Sense gets much lighter (that's why my Galaxy Nexus will back up my Lumia 810 for the foreseeable future).
I like the WP idea of letting some customization in the form of apps and amps and hardware tweaks. But the consistent UI is my biggest draw to the platform. Now, if only MSFT can make Windowsphone.com easier to use and add a few more apps and tweaks...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Poecifer said:
They still only release one device a year with severely dated hardware and ridiculous fragility. They often have next to no real selling point aside from habit. I'd say it was justified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not talking about Apple are you? If so, this just ruins everything you typed Severely dated hardware? Seriously ?
Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion; but dated hardware? ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
vetvito said:
You're not talking about Apple are you? If so, this just ruins everything you typed Severely dated hardware? Seriously ?
Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion; but dated hardware? ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.3 GHz processor, underwhelming screen, no NFC, no wireless charging, nothing that sets them apart hardware-wise. At what point as of late have they innovated?
Poecifer said:
1.3 GHz processor, underwhelming screen, no NFC, no wireless charging, nothing that sets them apart hardware-wise. At what point as of late have they innovated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said severely dated hardware, didn't you? Name one phone that beats the iPhone 5 in graphics and performance? Underwhelming screen? Do people even legitimately know what the iPhone is clocked at?
NFC? Seriously, what is windows phone doing with it now besides pairing speakers?
Wireless charging, now thats palm pre innovation. Wow.
I know you can come with something better than that.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
vetvito said:
You said severely dated hardware, didn't you? Name one phone that beats the iPhone 5 in graphics and performance? Underwhelming screen? Do people even legitimately know what the iPhone is clocked at?
NFC? Seriously, what is windows phone doing with it now besides pairing speakers?
Wireless charging, now thats palm pre innovation. Wow.
I know you can come with something better than that.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Graphics is a matter of the software and developer interest, neither of which have been called into question. The screen was cool when it was introduced 2-3 years ago, now it's certainly not top tier. The iPhone 5 is clocked at 1.3 GHz which does prove we don't need ridiculous specs with optimized software. It simply hasn't been top of the line in a long while.
^ but no other chip is beating the iPhone 5 in graphics or performance right now. Not even the S4 Pro(quad core). If that isn't top of the line, then I don't know what is.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Poecifer said:
Graphics is a matter of the software and developer interest, neither of which have been called into question. The screen was cool when it was introduced 2-3 years ago, now it's certainly not top tier. The iPhone 5 is clocked at 1.3 GHz which does prove we don't need ridiculous specs with optimized software. It simply hasn't been top of the line in a long while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Genuine question, where do you find a graphics test that ignores the OS software as a whole? I want to know for personal testing.
Poecifer said:
Genuine question, where do you find a graphics test that ignores the OS software as a whole? I want to know for personal testing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't really. Every test in SOME way is going to be more optimized for one gpu then another; you can't say "well this game runs smother on this phone thus making this gpu better". Benchmarking isn't realistic at all. To be honest I'm not sure of a great way to judge graphics card performance other then a long term
Overview of how it handles games. I could be wrong though, if someone wants to correct me feel free
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
"hardware choices"
you gave more credit to one _software_platform_ (your definitions of competitors) for choice of colors....
yes, that makes sense.
ohgood said:
"hardware choices"
you gave more credit to one _software_platform_ (your definitions of competitors) for choice of colors....
yes, that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Average consumer perspective. How much do cores matter to your mom or dad?

Categories

Resources