Why Microsoft discontinued the production of Windows Phone

Why Microsoft discontinued the production of Windows Phone

Windows Phone was a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft as a successor to Windows Mobile and Zune. It featured a new user interface based on the Metro design language, which aimed to offer a simple and intuitive experience for smartphone users. Windows Phone was launched in October 2010 with much fanfare and optimism, but it failed to gain significant market share and popularity among consumers and developers. In December 2019, Microsoft officially discontinued the support and production of Windows Phone devices. But what were the reasons behind this spectacular failure?

One of the main reasons was the lack of apps. Windows Phone had a very small app store compared to its rivals Android and iOS, which offered millions of apps for various needs and preferences. Many popular apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, etc. were either missing or poorly updated on Windows Phone. This made it hard for users to enjoy their favorite services and content on their devices. Moreover, developers were reluctant to invest time and money into creating apps for Windows Phone because of its low user base and revenue potential

Another reason was the lack of innovation. Windows Phone had some unique features such as Live Tiles, Cortana, Continuum, etc., but they were not enough to attract users who were already used to Android and iOS ecosystems. Microsoft also failed to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the smartphone market such as dual cameras, fingerprint scanners, wireless charging, etc., which made its devices look outdated and inferior compared to its competitors.

A third reason was the lack of marketing. Microsoft did not do enough to promote its products and brand awareness among consumers. It relied too much on its loyal fans and partners such as Nokia (which it acquired in 2014) to spread the word about Windows Phone. However, this strategy did not work well because most people were unaware or indifferent about Windows Phone’s existence and benefits.

In conclusion, Windows Phone was a bold attempt by Microsoft to challenge the dominance of Android and iOS in the smartphone market but it failed miserably due to various factors such as lack of apps,
innovation, and marketing . Although Microsoft has officially discontinued Windows Phone, it has not given up on mobile entirely. It still offers some services such as Office, OneDrive, Skype, etc., on other platforms and is working on new projects such as Surface Duo and Windows 10X that could potentially revive its mobile ambitions in the future.

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Facebook to remove Instagram app from  Windows Phones

Facebook to remove Instagram app from Windows Phones

Instagram app
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram. There’s more coming on there.

Facebook will remove the Instagram app for Windows Phone from the store. Actually, it’s being pulled out totally from your device.

Photo sharing app Instagram will become defunct for still active Windows 10 Mobile users like myself. Facebook has started telling users about this through notifications in the application.

Microsoft said earlier this year that “from December 10th, 2019 Windows Mobile users will not receive security support”. Therefore, this is no surprise, and more organizations will begin to do the same.

Facebook says “Starting April 30, the Instagram for Windows Phone app will no longer be available. You’ll still be able to log into Instagram using your mobile browser. ”

As mentioned, Facebook says you can use the web browser as an alternative. I tried this but the experience isn’t whole. I don’t know yet if the mobile experience would have been improved by then. The Instagram for Windows 10 app will still exist and be supported, but not the mobile app. Where does this leave you as a windows 10 mobile user? Well Maybe turn to 3rd party apps? But will using a 3rd party app allow you to use a Facebook post template so you can create your Facebook posts in a few minutes?

What options are available to you and what will you do to keep using the social media platform? Share your options with us.

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Hello Accra, Start “Uber-ing” Download App from Windows Store

Hello Accra, Start “Uber-ing” Download App from Windows Store

“Uber starts operations in Ghana and you can enjoy the service by downloading the app from the Windows Store on your PC or Phone”.

uber

Uber is an application based service that helps arrange transportation with independent third party transportation providers.

So what exactly does Uber do? They help people get a ride or offer a ride service. The app detects your location, tells you about your driver in advance, and you can choose to pay with card or cash.

How Do you use the service?

  • Download the App from the Windows Store (PC or Mobile)
  • Sign Up with your personal details (Name, email, mobile number, password, payment card)
  • Choose your pick-up location, request a ride and track your car in real-time

 

Are you feeling the Buzz and want to give it a go?

New to Uber and want to give it a try? Your 1st ride is free if you use promo code —> uberMCGH <— to sign up on the Uber app (up to GH₵15). Enjoy the ride!  Try it and tell us what you think.

I went on an ride and shared my experience —> here. <— Check it out.

Download app from the Windows Store.

Source: Uber_Ghana

Microsoft Lumia Easter Sales and Discounts

Microsoft Lumia Easter Sales and Discounts

Easter festive season is here again and what it promises is reduced pricing among stores with free gifts to offer.

Easter

We have put together some prices from the various stores running Easter discounts and sales with free gifts such as; Watches, glass protectors, covers, powerbanks, micro SDs, etc. With their online stores you can make your order and have it delivered right to you.

Telefonika

* Microsoft Lumia 532 (Dual SIM)    –    GH¢ 240.00
* Microsoft Lumia 430                      –    GH¢ 240.00
* Microsoft Lumia 535                      –    GH¢ 430.00
* Microsoft Lumia 540 (Dual SIM)    –    GH¢ 448.00
* Microsoft Lumia 550                      –    GH¢ 490.00
* Microsoft Lumia 1320                    –    GH¢ 650.00
* Microsoft Lumia 640 XL                 –    GH¢ 715.00
* Microsoft Lumia 950                      –  GH¢ 2,490.00
* Microsoft Lumia 950 XL                 –  GH¢ 2,790.00
* Microsoft Lumia 950 XL(Dual SIM)-  GH¢ 2,990.00

 

Compu-Ghana

* Microsoft Lumia 430 (Dual SIM)    –    G H¢ 239.00
* Microsoft Lumia 532 (Dual SIM)    –     GH¢ 239.00
* Microsoft Lumia 530 (Dual SIM)    –     GH¢ 249.00
* Microsoft Lumia 630 (Dual SIM)    –     GH¢ 399.00
* Microsoft Lumia 540 (Dual SIM)    –     GH¢ 449.00
* Microsoft Lumia 550 (Dual SIM)    –     GH¢ 499.00
* Microsoft Lumia 625                      –     GH¢ 569.00
* Microsoft Lumia 1320                    –     GH¢ 650.00
* Microsoft Lumia 640 XL(Dual SIM) –    GH¢ 719.00
* Microsoft Lumia 730 (Dual SIM)    –      GH¢ 759.00
* Microsoft Lumia 950 (Dual SIM)    –   GH¢ 2,069.00
* Microsoft Lumia 950 XL                 –   GH¢ 2,259.00

 

 

 

Windows 10 Mobile Available for Windows Phone 8.1 Devices

Windows 10 Mobile Available for Windows Phone 8.1 Devices

Windows 10 Mobile is finally available for older Windows devices running Windows Phone 8.1 OS.

Windows 10 mobile

Photo Credit : neowin.net

Windows 10 Mobile is here at last for older Windows phone devices after months of waiting and rescheduling of Microsoft’s big update for mobile with respect to the one Windows ecosystem. Windows 10 mobile has been available officially since the release of the new devices, that come preinstalled with them.

Microsoft has been working to make this upgrade available to most if not all existing windows phone 8 and 8.1 devices, probably a reason for the delay.
The phones and devices list released by Microsoft, upgradeable to Windows 10 mobile are;

  • Lumia 1520
  • Lumia 930
  • Lumia 640
  • Lumia 640XL
  • Lumia 730
  • Lumia 735
  • Lumia 830
  • Lumia 532
  • Lumia 535
  • Lumia 540
  • Lumia 635 1GB
  • Lumia 636 1GB
  • Lumia 638 1GB
  • Lumia 430
  • Lumia 435
  • BLU Win HD w510u
  • BLU Win HD LTE x150q
  • MCJ Madosma Q501

Microsoft recommends that you download the UPGRADE ADVISOR app (for free, from store). This app will check on your hardware and storage and make sure you are set and ready for the upgrade installation. What this also means is that you’ll need to be running the upgradeable windows phone version of 8.1 GDR1 QFE8 or later.

Windows 10 Mobile upgrade is an OTA (over-the-air) update as such you’ll need to connect to a wifi for this. The upgrade size could be at least 1.4 GB or more depending on your device.

Even if you meet all requirements Microsoft still has a word of advise for you if you don’t see the update immediately,

The availability of Windows 10 Mobile as an upgrade for existing Windows Phone 8.1 devices varies by device manufacturer, device model, country or region, mobile operator or service provider, hardware limitations and other factors.

So you what do I do if I joined the Windows Insiders and i’m already running the latest Windows 10 Mobile preview builds? Well you are actually up to date. If you don’t want to run preview builds any longer switch to the production flight and at the next update you’ll be set to normal. If you want to continue with the preview nothing changes for you.
If you do the upgrade and want to get back into the insider preview builds, you might have to check from this list if your device has been added.

Depending on your device there might be some features that will go missing and there are some other requirements for certain features to function. Microsoft lists them here;

Feature deprecation

When you install the Windows 10 upgrade, some features currently on your device will be modified or removed, including the following:

  • Notifications for missed calls, messages and emails on contact tiles is not supported at the time of Windows 10 Mobile release.
  • Me Tile and Me Card are no longer supported.
  • Cortana can no longer search for apps, settings, email, text messages, contacts and QR Codes on the device and can no longer open apps through voice commands.
  • “Hey Cortana” is no longer available on some upgraded devices.
  • Group tiles can no longer be used to receive social networking status updates.
  • Indoor Maps are no longer available for some locations.
  • Certain enterprise features, including Data Protection Under Lock, are not available. Please contact your Microsoft Volume Licensing representative for more information.
  • At time of Windows 10 Mobile release Outlook Mail app cannot open .EML attachments.
  • The Outlook Calendar app does not support Tasks.
  • The MDM functionality to prevent saving and sharing Office documents is not supported.

Additional requirements to use certain features

  • Cortana is only currently available on Windows 10 for the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, India, Canada (English), Australia, and Japan.
  • Speech-to-text is only currently available on Windows 10 in the United States (English), United Kingdom (English), China (Simplified Chinese), France (French), Italy (Italian), Spain (Spanish), Germany (German), Canada (English), Australia (English), India (English) and Japan (Japanese).
  • Speech recognition, including Cortana, will vary by device.
  • At launch, Windows Hello is limited to selected premium phones and requires specialised hardware, including illuminated infrared camera sensor for facial recognition or a fingerprint reader that supports the Window Biometric Framework. To check for device compatibility and other important information, visit your device manufacturer’s website.
  • Continuum for phones will be limited to selected premium phones. Feature requires external monitor with DisplayPort, HDMI connector or compatible adaptor, and accessories that are compatible with Continuum for phones. All sold separately. App availability and experience vary by device and market.
  • Office 365 subscription required for some Office features.
  • Music and video streaming through Groove Music (formerly Xbox Music) or Films & TV apps is not available in all regions. For the most up-to-date list of regions, please go to the Xbox on Windows website.
  • Xbox app and some games and features only available in Xbox Live-supported countries and regions. You can see the list at Xbox Live Countries and Regions website
  • Skype available only in select countries and regions. Calling to select countries and regions only. Excludes special, premium and non-geographic numbers. For details, visit the Office FAQ page
  • Microsoft account required for some features.

Let us know if you are receiving or aren’t noticing the update and what device you are using.

Click to download the Upgrade Advisor app here .

Source: Microsoft