Itsdagram

Sneak peek: Itsdagram is a full-featured Instagram client for Windows Phone 8 with direct uploads

What’s that? You need some more Instagram news for Windows Phone to keep going? Well, we don’t have any more info on an official app, though May keeps popping up. In the meantime, it looks like a new contender is getting ready to enter the field: Itsdagram.

Made by developer Daniel Gary (who also makes the popular Pinsation app), Itsdagram steps up its game against the current uploader Instagraph in that it allows unfettered, direct access to Instagram’s service. That means you can create an account, upload directly for posting, deleting, commenting, liking, searching, tagging, etc.--just about everything else an official client can offer. Check out the video below to see it in action.

So how does it work if there is no middle-man server? Well, it uses the Instagram API, ahem.

Now that raises all sorts of issues, including if Instagram alters it and whether or not they will tolerate such an app on the Store. There is some precedent for either way, after all, all of those HD YouTube video and Pandora apps on Windows Phone are using “hacked” APIs too and they’re still alive and kicking. However, Instagram is kind of a prickly company, so who knows how they will respond to this app.

Pricing looks to be set for $1.49 with a free trial (one upload to test) and we’re looking at one to two weeks for submission as final features are being instantiated. The app itself has no filters, but with the small army of apps that already do this for Windows Phone, many of which are free, we don’t see that as a problem.

Once again, the Windows Phone community finds a way. The only questions remain is if an official client is on the way and if it is any good (rumors suggest it’s an iOS port with very few features—then again, it’ll be free).

Stay tuned for more information on Itsdagram here at Windows Phone Central. Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this option for your heavy Instagram users. Yay or nay?

Read full here... http://www.wpcentral.com/itsdagram-full-instagram-client-windows-phone

HTC Windows Phone 8 devices

HTC Windows Phone 8 devices will reportedly feature Beats Audio

Beats Audio coming to Windows Phone 8 too?

Although we thought Beats Audio was dead for HTC, the company is pushing forward with the technology and are reportedly bringing it to Windows Phone 8 this fall.

According to the Verge, the HTC Accord (a 4.3” display device) will feature the high-end audio technology with the familiar Beats branding on the back of the device.

With Nokia pushing their camera and ClearBlack display, Samsung with their super-thin phones, it appears that HTC too will have their own “sword” to slay the competition by focusing on more high fidelity music.

Since Windows Phone 8 allows more customization to the hardware via the OS, it appears that HTC will take advantage of this new power to offer some quality music devices with Windows Phone 8. Rumors go back to nearly one year ago that HTC was bringing Beats to Windows Phone, but nothing ever came of it.

In a recent public statement, HTC did reaffirm their commitment to Beats Audio:

"HTC remains strongly committed to Beats Audio and including their innovation in our devices. Any rumor of HTC no longer integrating Beats Audio into our devices is categorically false."

The question is, which do you value more? Your camera, a super thin phone or high-end audio?

Source: The Verge 

link: http://www.wpcentral.com/htc-windows-phone-8-devices-feature-beats-audio

Sprint and Windows Phone 8!

Sprint still has cold feet with Windows Phone 8

With AT&T, T-Mobile and even Verizon reportedly on board with Windows Phone 8,Sprint is the last holdout for a major US carrier in supporting Windows Phone 8. While some of our readers erroneously entertain notions that the carrier will embrace Microsoft’s next iteration of their OS, we’ve been very cautious in agreeing.

In a recent interview on All-Things D, Sprint VP David Owens is once again pouring some cold water on customer’s hopes for a big Windows Phone 8 push this fall. The carrier has 90% of their late 2012-2013 lineup already in place but what role Microsoft will play in that in unclear.

Speaking to Ina Fried, Owens notes that they are interested in Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 but they may not be the leader this fall...

“The market impact of both Windows 8 and the next iPhone are also key factors that are a bit hard to predict, Owens said.

As for Windows 8, Sprint said it wants to be actively involved, but may not lead the charge. It sees some clear opportunities but is also mindful that its last Windows Phone, the HTC Arrive, was one of the more returned products in the company’s recent history. Owens said that many buyers of that phone were coming from Android and found Windows Phone’s unique operating system hard to get used to.”

If that sounds like Sprint is distancing themselves from Microsoft we would have to agree.

We do understand that carriers need to strategically think of their next move and having caution over a new OS is certainly warranted. But we think Sprint is going to miss the boat again this fall, leaving customers high and dry (or maybe underwhelmed with a single device release).

Here at Windows Phone Central we don’t endorse any carrier—it’s a personal choice mostly dependent on your wallet and just as importantly, your actual signal coverage. Still, although we’ve been a customer of Sprint since 2000 and are on the cost-effective SERO plan, we’re getting ready to abandon them soon and we suggest some of you start considering doing the same as the fall approaches.

Update: Another quote from Owens via Phonescoop sheds more light on the issue. Here, Owens does not commit to Windows Phone 8 exactly but notes that they will be participating:

 "We think Windows Phone 8 is a solid product that they are bringing to market. We're interested in watching it unfold over the course of the next year. And we won't be watching from the sidelines. We'll be participating. We may not lead it, but we'll participate."

To our ears that sounds like they'll dip their toe into the Windows Phone 8 pool but with only one or two devices. 

Source: All Things D

link: http://www.wpcentral.com/sprint-still-has-cold-feet-windows-phone-8

T9 app for Windows Phone

T9 app brings one-handed texting to Windows Phone

We believe Microsoft is working on a one-handed keyboard for Windows Phone 8, but in the mean time if you want to keep on texting without looking on your new Nokia Lumia, like on your old Nokia, developers Stain-Sr have a solution for you.

Their app is a SMS app which implements the old T9 keyboard familiar to us from  old dumb phones.

The app comes with about 10,000 frequently used words and supports English, German, French and Dutch.

It also features a word manager which allows one to add or remove words as needed, and will add a number of other languages shortly.

The app is £1.29 with a fully functioning, ad-supported free trial.

Find the app in Marketplace here.

Via WP7.com.pl

link: http://www.windowsphonenews.com/?p=12374

windows phone 8

Smartphones and tablets are already commonplace in the daily lives of most individuals. Thanks in some part to the trend of offices adopting smartphone and tablets at such an astounding rate. The iPhone and iPad have a clear advantage over other devices by virtue of their overwhelming current market share. Windows is associated much more often with desktop machines rather than mobile computing. Microsoft aims to make the Windows 8 operating system, which will be available across many devices from many manufactures, the new mobile market leader. Windows 8 consumer previewer's report that it works very well on desktops but it is designed to operate optimally on touch interface devices. The Metro style interface which debuted on Microsoft's mobile OS, Windows Phone, gets updated and upgraded with Windows 8. Using tiles capable of displaying real-time information, instead of icons allows users to access to data at a glance. If more is required a simple tap (or click) on the tile opens the application where much more information would be available.

The Metro interface will certainly have an impact on tablets and smartphones but compatibility with capacitive touchscreen tablets makes interacting with a device running Windows 8 easy and intuitive. The keyboard in Windows 8 takes advantage of the superiority of capacitive touch screens. It is modeled directly on the Windows Phone keyboard, which has been very well-regarded by consumers. Testers have also been praising the split keyboard feature. Using this tool assists with thumb typing on any hand-held device. The ease at which you can type using the touch keyboard eliminates any likelihood you'll need a physical keyboard for any reason. You won't be missing your mouse while using Windows 8 on a mobile device either. Given the touchscreen that probably doesn't come as a surprise, but the new OS includes some smart system gestures for smooth direction through the various features. Swiping near the bottom of the screen can expose some particular menus and commands. Swiping from the top down can close or minimize apps just as easily.

Tablets and smartphones are much less powerful without access to broadband internet service. Most service providers cap the amount of data your mobile device can send or receive. Windows 8 handles this by postponing downloads until you can access WiFi or it can look first for WiFi connectivity even if 3G or 4G services are available. Everything about the design of the Windows 8 translates to a user experience that feels natural and effortless. Improved touch capabilities, wireless optimization, and real-time data updates viewable on tiles without opening applications, make Windows 8 suited perfectly for mobile functionality for consumers and businesses.

For more information about mobile application development, visit Magenic who have been one of the leading software development companies providing innovative custom software development to meet unique business challenges for some of the most recognized companies and organizations in the nation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chandra_Heitzman