Wish List for next Windows Phone update codename Tango

Windows phone is certainly turning quite a few heads and is commanding respect from critiques and fanboys alike. Though the OS is packed with features certain necessary functions and features are missing.

I'm not gonna waste your time with the usual 'integrate skype, bring in dual cores, get more apps'. Instead there are a few other vital changes that could enhance the overall user experience and improve functionality. So here's my wish list:

By Sameer

Fujitsu Recycling Design For Their First Windows Phone

Rumors of Windows Phone devices aren't rare. The popularity of the renowned Metro UI and the imminent Mango update have brought interest in handset makers like Acer and Fujitsu who didn't bet on Windows Phone 7 months ago. Acer, Samsung, HTC, Nokia devices have been seen and conformed to run mango. This time it's Fujitsu's turn. 


Their handset closely resembles one of their Android Models (released in Japan only). The REGZA T-01C  on NTT DoCoMo to be precise. The Android handset has 4" LCD display with Toshiba’s Mobile REGZA Engine 3.0 graphics processing system, a 12.2-megapixel autofocus camera with 720p HD video capture, NFC and DLNA support. It is also water-resistant for a 1 meter depth.


Fujitsu's crash-course on how to improve your Android handset!


Japanese site Nanapho posted some pictures online comparing the two handsets. The distinctive ring around the camera is similar to the one present on the Android handset. Liveside further brought more proof of it with side-by-side pictures of the two handsets.

On the software side, there appears to be an icon hinting at the Japanese NAVITIME app on the handset. This could be there customization to the Windows Phone platform.

Surprisingly, Nokia has taken a similar route by using the chassis of the Meego-powered N9 and expected to add OVI Maps (amongst other services) as their customization.




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By Sameer

Windows Phone Metro UI Wins International Design Excellence Award

Windows Phone 7 arrived on the smartphone scene bringing a very refreshing and smooth UI. Departing from the iOS and Android style of icons and tabs and tapping and clicking, it created the beloved Metro UI. No later than six months (and change) the Metro UI got the award for the Interactive Product Experiences in the '2011 International Design Excellence Awards'. The live tiles and the panorama screens ,which involve swiping, make the interface a joy to use.

Here's what Co.Design had to say:

The Windows Phone 7 was built around the idea that the end user is king. The design team began by defining and understanding the people who would use this phone. It was convinced that there could be a better user experience for a phone, one that revolves more around who the users are rather than what they do. The Windows Phone 7 lets users quickly get in, get out and back to their lives.

How true. With the Mango Update coming in fall and the marketplace booming ahead the future looks bright for the Microsoft's newest baby.

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By Akshay Bakshi

Windows phone 7 inspired Metro theme for S40 & Symbian^3 Nokia devices

We have previously covered Windows phone 7 theme for Windows mobile and Nokia devices running on S60 v5 or S^3. We can't leave s40 users, can we? Of course, not. We got you covered, fellas. Metro UI is IMO, the best UI out there in the market and after getting rave reviews from critics and fans around the world. Fans needs this UI on their existing phone to satisfy their need. I stumbled upon these S40 themes today while searching metro UI theme for my friend.

By Rahul Mathur

Symbian And Metro UI Converge In A Beautiful Windows Phone Concept

Metro UI, the most striking feature of Microsoft's Windows Phone OS, has been fused with Symbian's Anna update in a concept by Tommy Incrosnatu. By pimping up the live tiles, adding icons and widgets, Incrosnatu has made a sleek UI, which we wouldn't mind seeing in Windows Phone. Removal of the Back and Search buttons, adition of pretty Facebook, Twitter, RSS, music widgets with those round icons you have seen in the Anna update consistitute the main elements of the concept by the Finnish designer. Maybe with the customization Nokia will be doing on their phones, we might see something similar in their phones as well.

Look at the vivid pictures below and tell us what you think of them!

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By Akshay Bakshi