So, I gave up a long time ago on Windows phones and Windows 10 Mobile when I just couldn’t find a good way to keep up with my ebook reading. There was a slew of other things I couldn’t do on the platform, but the lack of a decent Kindle reader was the kicker. Nevertheless, […]
Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore kind of misses the point about Windows 10 Mobile
Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop makes no sense to me
Here’s a challenge for you: name one thing about the Surface Laptop that supports the idea that Surface is about creating new categories. Go ahead. I’m waiting. I’m guessing that you drew a blank. I certainly did when I considered the same question. As far as I can tell, the Surface Laptop does absolutely nothing […]
Microsoft Ending Support for Lumia Photo Apps in Windows 10 Mobile
I was just thinking this morning about how Microsoft will handle the old (Nokia) Lumia photo apps that are preloaded on my Lumia 830. Will apps such as Lumia Storyteller, Lumia Beamer, and Lumia Refocus continue to be supported in Windows 10 Mobile, or will they be phased out in deference to the stock apps […]
There’s Nothing Paradoxical About Microsoft’s Strategy
I’ve been meaning to comment on an article I read a few weeks ago that made a fascinating statement about Microsoft’s new cross-platform strategy. It’s written by Andrew Cunningham at the always-excellent arstechnica.com, and it’s titled “You win, Microsoft: How I accidentally went back to Microsoft Word.” The piece is generally good, and makes mostly […]
Is Windows 10 Continuum the Key to Microsoft’s Smartphone Strategy? (Updated)
Update 7/14/2015: As Windows Central reports, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (speaking at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference) seems to agree with my position here: When I think about our Windows Phone, I want it to stand for something like Continuum. The bottom line is, Nadella is no idiot, and Microsoft’s strategy is indeed deep and compelling. Read the […]
Configuring Default Tabs in Microsoft Edge Browser
So far, as of Windows 10 build 10130, Microsoft’s new Edge browser is a frustrating mix of the excellent with the deficient. I’m enjoying the browser’s speed, simplicity, and touch support, but bemoaning the lack of password saving and syncing and extensions. One basic feature that I thought was lacking, the ability to set default tabs […]
Microsoft: “Use the Phone That’s In Your Pocket”
This video previewing Microsoft’s upcoming Phone Companion app for Windows 10 seems to summarize Microsoft’s strategy when it comes to smartphones. At about the 3:10 mark, Joe Belfiore (Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, Operating Systems Group) says: Today, people have this expectation that they’ll be able to take whatever device they have and have all of their […]
No, Microsoft Isn’t Giving Up on Smartphones (Updated)
Update 5/26/2015: So, Microsoft has made it official that Cortana will be available on Android and iOS. Does that change this equation? After all, Cortana was one of the value-added technologies that would have made Windows 10 Mobile unique on smartphones. My guess is that, in the and, Microsoft’s positions on phones, and maybe even […]
Is Microsoft Giving Up on Smartphones? (Updated)
Update: Paul Thurrot reported this morning (4/28/2015) that Microsoft “will most likely announce this week that it will enable customers to run Android apps on their Windows 10 phones, tablets and PCs.” That’s pretty strong language, and Thurrot has connections. I doubt that he’d state it so firmly, and write such a strongly-worded post in […]
Microsoft Lumia 640 No-Contract T-Mobile Version: $89?!? (Updated: Removed?)
Update 2: Well, Microsoft has removed the listing for the Lumia 640 from the Microsoft Store. Check back to see that what means. Update: After I posted this on Twitter, T-Mobile replied with what could be taken as confirmation: So, the Microsoft Store has the upcoming Lumia 640 listed at $89 for the no-contract T-Mobile […]