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Criteria
Comments
Rating
- Ease of use Windows Phone 8 is one of the easiest, if not the easiest, mobile OS to use.
- Speed Windows Phone 8, like Windows Phone 7/7.5, is incredibility speedy.
- Configurability Windows Phone 8 is all about personality, and being about to customize to make it your own is pretty good.
- Ecosystem (apps, drivers, etc.) The app ecosystem remains one of the largest struggles for the still relatively new OS.
- Openness Windows Phone isn't as closed off as iOS or open as Android, but that's a good thing in my opinion.
Detailed review
I've been a big fan of Windows Phone since it's release in November 2010. Microsoft can easily be a strong third player in the mobile OS game, maybe even better if they play their cards right.
Performance
Windows Phone has always been a speedy system, just like it was in Windows Phone 7/7.5. The software has always been very responsive and buttery smooth. Now with the addition of upgrade hardware in both the processor department and even in the display department (See the Lumia 920's superior refresh rate that provide less motion blur). Performance remains a very stellar advantage when it comes to the Windows Phone platform.
Ecosystem/Apps
Microsoft did an excellent job when it comes to the built in apps. The addition of Rooms and Kid's Corner are welcome additions in this new version of the software. Rooms allows you to create a private environment, or room, where you can share chat, calendars, and notes with other Windows Phone 8 users. There's even limited functionality across other platforms like iOS and Android. Kid's Corner will easily win the appreciation of any parent who had had their child wipe their phone after putting in the wrong password too many times. Once activated, you can select games, apps and even music for your children to access easily without the risk of losing you valuable information or send a text/e-mail to a colleague. Needless to say, the built in app experience is great, and if your familiar with Windows Phone 7, you probably already know this. The major problem for Windows Phone is the app selection. Granted the platform has a large number of apps, but maybe just not the apps you want. Certainly missing a large amount of apps I would want. My problem with the third party apps is that most of them are just not good. I'm so bored with all the black backgrounds with scrolling text. I understand that most developers are trying to stay in line with the Metro, uh Modern, UI scheme, but seriously use some creativity. At least give me the option to pick different color options or something. On top of that major apps are still missing. Now granted I know that Microsoft is working hard to close the gap, I guess I just expected it to be closer by the time the new devices launched. For a long time I spoke about how I couldn't believe Pandora was still missing, but not Microsoft has worked it out with some perks no less, we'll just have to wait until next year. I wouldn't even really care anymore if Spotify would just add their radio option to the existing app they've released. And again we're back to the root of the problem of quality apps. Not just get something out there and never update it, but quality up to date apps. Another issue I have is the games. Not having access to EA Games "Need For Speed: Most Wanted" like I would on every other platform is a big deal. Xbox Live is a great service, but we need a fire under these developers to get out great games and fast. Props for the quick release on Angry Birds Star Wars though! I would also like to point out a frustration with the lack of movie/tv rental/purchase options directly from the phone. Anyway, I digress.
Wrap Up
Windows Phone 8 is an absolutely fantastic product, and with some strong focus on the app ecosystem, WP8 will be well one it's way to the top.
Performance
Windows Phone has always been a speedy system, just like it was in Windows Phone 7/7.5. The software has always been very responsive and buttery smooth. Now with the addition of upgrade hardware in both the processor department and even in the display department (See the Lumia 920's superior refresh rate that provide less motion blur). Performance remains a very stellar advantage when it comes to the Windows Phone platform.
Ecosystem/Apps
Microsoft did an excellent job when it comes to the built in apps. The addition of Rooms and Kid's Corner are welcome additions in this new version of the software. Rooms allows you to create a private environment, or room, where you can share chat, calendars, and notes with other Windows Phone 8 users. There's even limited functionality across other platforms like iOS and Android. Kid's Corner will easily win the appreciation of any parent who had had their child wipe their phone after putting in the wrong password too many times. Once activated, you can select games, apps and even music for your children to access easily without the risk of losing you valuable information or send a text/e-mail to a colleague. Needless to say, the built in app experience is great, and if your familiar with Windows Phone 7, you probably already know this. The major problem for Windows Phone is the app selection. Granted the platform has a large number of apps, but maybe just not the apps you want. Certainly missing a large amount of apps I would want. My problem with the third party apps is that most of them are just not good. I'm so bored with all the black backgrounds with scrolling text. I understand that most developers are trying to stay in line with the Metro, uh Modern, UI scheme, but seriously use some creativity. At least give me the option to pick different color options or something. On top of that major apps are still missing. Now granted I know that Microsoft is working hard to close the gap, I guess I just expected it to be closer by the time the new devices launched. For a long time I spoke about how I couldn't believe Pandora was still missing, but not Microsoft has worked it out with some perks no less, we'll just have to wait until next year. I wouldn't even really care anymore if Spotify would just add their radio option to the existing app they've released. And again we're back to the root of the problem of quality apps. Not just get something out there and never update it, but quality up to date apps. Another issue I have is the games. Not having access to EA Games "Need For Speed: Most Wanted" like I would on every other platform is a big deal. Xbox Live is a great service, but we need a fire under these developers to get out great games and fast. Props for the quick release on Angry Birds Star Wars though! I would also like to point out a frustration with the lack of movie/tv rental/purchase options directly from the phone. Anyway, I digress.
Wrap Up
Windows Phone 8 is an absolutely fantastic product, and with some strong focus on the app ecosystem, WP8 will be well one it's way to the top.
good review!
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