Windows Phone 8: everything you need to know – The Verge

Microsoft releases Skype Preview for Windows Phone 8

2012-11-12T00:16:47-05:00

Skype Windows Phone 8 stock

A preview version of the new Skype app for Windows Phone 8 is now available to download. First announced last month, the app is a more complete incarnation of the VoIP client than Windows Phone 7 users had before; features include the ability to run in the background, incoming calls that match the style of regular phone conversations, and lock screen notifications.

It's not out for everyone yet and we're currently unable to find it in the Windows Store by searching (update: it's now available via search), but WPCentral says you should be able to download it by following this link for now. For more on the app's features and improvements, watch …

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Windows Phone 8 launches in the US with AT&T’s HTC Windows Phone 8X, Nokia Lumia 920

2012-11-09T11:35:04-05:00

htc 8x, lumia 920, stock

Today marks the arrival of Windows Phone 8 in the United States with AT&T's launch of the HTC Windows Phone 8X and Nokia's Lumia 920 and Lumia 820. The Lumia 920 is available in red, black, yellow, white, and cyan, and can be picked up for $99.99 with a two-year commitment or $449.99 off-contract. Those looking to get a HTC Windows Phone 8X in California Blue can do so for $199.99 on-contract for the 16GB version and $99.99 for 8GB - the latter of which is available in Limelight Yellow as well. For the more frugal shoppers, Nokia's Lumia 820 can also be picked up for just $49.99 with commitment or $399.99 without. If you're still on the fenc …

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Verizon taking pre-orders for HTC 8X and Nokia Lumia 822, shipping November 13th (update)

2012-11-08T13:30:34-05:00

via d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net

Verizon Wireless will start accepting pre-orders for the HTC Windows Phone 8X and Nokia Lumia 822 tomorrow, November 9th at 1AM ET. Unfortunately the carrier isn't revealing specific release dates for either handset, maintaining the vague "by Thanksgiving" timeframe Steve Ballmer shared during Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 presser. As expected, the 16GB 8X will retail for $199 - it seems Verizon has no intention of carrying the 8GB model (which AT&T will offer for $99) in its lineup. Blue, red, and black are your color choices, with the latter two exclusive to Big Red. Meanwhile Nokia's Lumia 822 will come in at $99 on-contract and after mail- …

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Lumia 920 and 820 priced on AT&T, pre-orders begin 7th November

2012-11-06T09:30:33-05:00

Gallery Photo: Nokia Lumia 920 hardware photos

AT&T has unveiled its final pricing and launch dates for its range of Windows Phone 8 devices. Nokia's Lumia 920 will be made available on AT&T for $99.99 on November 9th, with pre-orders starting on November 7th. Nokia's Lumia 820 will also launch on AT&T on November 9th for $49.99, with pre-orders on November 7th.

AT&T also confirmed its HTC Windows Phone 8X pricing. The handset will launch at $199.99 for a 16GB version and $99.99 for an 8GB version, both will be available before thanksgiving. AT&T will stock exclusive Limelight Yellow and California Blue color variants of the 8X with 8GB of storage for $99.99. AT&T informs us that it wil …

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Microsoft currently testing its own smartphone, says WSJ

2012-11-02T00:51:24-04:00

Windows Phone 8 Ballmer

Microsoft surprised the world earlier this year when it moved into producing its own computer hardware with the Surface, but the company's plans may not stop there. According to the Wall Street Journal's sources, Microsoft is currently testing a smartphone with Asian suppliers, although it's unclear whether or not the device will enter mass production. The phone reportedly has a screen size somewhere between four and five inches.

The Verge previously heard that while Microsoft was considering making its own flagship Windows Phone, such a device would be unlikely to see the light of day before the year is out. Indeed, Microsoft has gone out o …

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Microsoft admits it ‘ran out of time’ on Windows Phone 8 notification center

2012-11-01T18:51:46-04:00

HTC 8X Hero

One of the interesting omissions from Microsoft's recently launched Windows Phone 8 operating system is the lack of a notification center. Android and iOS both include a system to collect the various alerts triggered by applications, but Microsoft is lacking that crucial element. During a session on notifications at Build today, Microsoft's Thomas Fennel strongly hinted that the company is considering a notification center for Windows Phone.

"Because we ran out of time," admitted Fennel, after being questioned on the lack of notification center by an audience member. "It's very very important to me… we get tons of feedback from developers t …

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Microsoft launches new Windows Phone 8 syncing app for Mac

2012-11-01T00:18:50-04:00

windows phone mac

Hot on the heels of the new Windows Phone companion app for Windows 8 and RT, Microsoft has overhauled its syncing app for Mac users. Version 3.0 has been renamed simply to "Windows Phone" with a new icon that reflects the Windows Phone 8 Start screen; unsurprisingly the headline feature is compatibility with Microsoft's latest mobile OS.

The interface also now allows for drag-and-drop file transfer between your phone and the desktop, there's updated iPhoto and Aperture support, and the app has been enhanced for Macs with Retina displays. Windows Phone 8 users, meanwhile, will be able to see their battery charge state and have extra rington …

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Verizon’s HTC 8X will include wireless charging support

2012-10-30T11:21:13-04:00

HTC Windows Phone 8X

Verizon may have missed out on Nokia's Lumia 920 handset to AT&T, but the carrier will offer wireless charging in HTC's Windows Phone 8X this fall. Sources with knowledge of Verizon's Windows Phone plans have revealed that the carrier will offer the support as a variant that will likely be exclusive in the US. We're told that the Verizon 8X will not be any thicker due to the wireless charging addition, and that it will be built straight into the handset.

We understand that Verizon will announce the 8X wireless charging support in the very near future with two year contract plans. Verizon has previously committed to carrying the 8X and Nokia …

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Gameloft bringing 12 Xbox-enabled titles to Windows Phone 8 including ‘Modern Combat 4’

2012-10-29T21:36:06-04:00

modern combat 4

Gameloft, one of the biggest mobile game publishers for iOS and Android, has announced 12 titles for Windows Phone 8. The games are mostly available on other platforms already, but notably include Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour - the latest in Gameloft's series of Call of Duty-a-like first-person shooters, and likely its highest-profile title for the year. No details on price or release date were made available, however.

The full list of titles is below:

Ice Age Village
N.O.V.A. 3: Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance
Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour
Shark Dash
Asphalt 7: Heat
The Dark Knight Rises
UNO^TM & Friends
Order & Chaos Online
The Amazing Spider-Man
Fashion I …

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Samsung Ativ S hands-on photos and video

2012-10-29T14:22:39-04:00

Gallery Photo: Samsung Ativ S hands-on photos

Samsung's Ativ S may have been the first officially announced Windows Phone 8 device, but the company has remained tight-lipped about its latest handset since its debut back in August. With a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, it's not lacking the specs necessary for Microsoft's new mobile operating system.

We got a chance to take a closer look at the Ativ S during Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 event in San Francisco today. It's super light weight, but the plastic feel is noticeable. The large screen certainly makes Windows Phone's Live Tiles pop.

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