Windows Phone

Viber hits 100 million users, partners with Nokia on WP7

VoIP provider Viber has hit a new milestone.

The company announced today that it now has 100 million worldwide users taking advantage of its free phone calls, texting, and photo-messaging services. It's not clear if those users are actively using the service or have just signed up. Still, the company claims to handle over 2 billion minutes of calls and 6 billion messages every month. An average of 10 million calls are placed each day.

Viber has established itself as a true competitor to Skype, the popular VoIP service now owned by Microsoft. Viber works across iOS, Android, and … Read more

Hey, Nokia: Time to give your phones real names

commentary Twice now, Nokia has announced new generations of visually interesting, standout "Lumia" Windows Phone smartphones, and then twice dampened the spark by referring to them as numbers rather than names.

I am speaking, of course, about the Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia Lumia 820 revealed today. Now, I know that not all of you will agree with me, but hear me out, and if you still disagree, then we shall have to agree to disagree.

Why isn't Nokia falling back on numbers to match the phone's name to the personality of each phone's design? … Read more

Microsoft beefs up Windows Phone 8 camera phone features

NEW YORK--At its Windows Phone 8 press event today, Nokia and Microsoft gave us more than just the Lumia 920. Microsoft Corporate Vice President Joe Belfiore also announced new camera features for Windows Phone 8 devices.

The new features aim to integrate the camera deeper into the smartphone user experience and with the operating system's social features.

Screenshots: User will now be able to snap screenshots and share them via Twitter. That's a big boost for a phone reviewer.

Flash: New flash controls for the camera will be easily accessible in the viewfinder interface.

Bing Vision: Part of … Read more

Join us for Nokia's Windows Phone press conference (live blog)

Editors' note: The live blog has concluded. Here are some of the stories on what was announced: •  Nokia aims to dazzle with Windows Phone 8 Lumia 920 •  Nokia bringing wireless charging to Virgin, Coffee Bean •  Nokia's turnaround hopes come to focus with new Lumia phones •  Microsoft beefs up Windows Phone 8 camera phone features •  Nokia Lumia 920 is PureView but not PureView •  Editors' Take: Bright yellow Nokia Lumia 920 could strike gold You can replay the live blog by clicking the link below.

Tune in to CNET's live blog from Nokia's Windows Phone press conference … Read more

Windows Phone 8-based Lumia 920, 820 leak onto the Web

4.5-inch Nokia Lumia 920 with PureView twitter.com/evleaks/status...

— E (@evleaks) August 31, 2012

Images of what are believed to be Nokia's next Windows Phone 8-based devices have leaked onto the Web.

Earlier today, Twitter user "Evleaks" posted a photo, claiming that it is the 4.5-inch Nokia Lumia 920 with PureView. The image shows three Lumia 920s -- one in gray, another in yellow, and the last in red -- that have three buttons underneath the display. They appear to be running Windows Phone.

The mention of PureView relates to a camera technology Nokia … Read more

Samsung, carriers to modify infringing devices, report says

Samsung is working to modify its products to ensure they don't get caught up in an injunction, a new report claims.

The Korea Times reported yesterday, citing sources, that it spoke with Samsung officials who said that the company is in talks with U.S. carriers, including Verizon Wireless, to determine the best way to modify designs across its Galaxy line. The products it plans to modify were cited as infringing in last week's landmark patent loss to Apple.

According to the Korea Times' source, Samsung and carriers will "jointly develop modified design technology," though the … Read more

5 most-wanted Windows 8 features for Windows Phone

Windows 8 borrows the "Metro" interface originated for Microsoft's Windows Phone OS, but there are a lot of great features tucked into the deeper operating system for desktops and tablets that could also lend power to the phone.

In June, Microsoft unveiled many new Windows Phone 8 features, but certainly not all of them. When Redmond reveals even more tricks for the new OS in its September 5 launch event, it's very likely that some of these Windows 8 goodies will make the jump from desktops and tablets to the smaller screen.… Read more

Nokia Lumia 900 update includes flip-to-mute

If you wish your Nokia Lumia 900 did a little bit more, you may be in luck. Nokia began rolling out another update today to its premier, polycarbonate smartphone that includes a few little enhancements like the popular and ever-useful muting of calls when you flip the phone face-down.

In addition, Nokia has also improved camera performance when you press the hardware button that launches the camera app, even when the phone's locked. The Lumia-maker also said that it has made the boot sequence more reliable on startup after you've completely drained your battery.

Unfortunately, these aren't … Read more

Microsoft overhauls Windows Phone Dev Center, adds PayPal support

Microsoft has completely overhauled its Windows Phone Dev Center and added some extra ways for developers to get paid.

The company today announced the changes in a blog post, saying that the site, which allows developers to do everything from submit applications to download software development kits, was completely rebuilt "from the ground up." The design itself comes with a healthy amount of white space and a streamlined, basic feel. According to Microsoft, the redesign aims "at providing faster access to common tasks."

For developers, however, the key additions come by way of availability and payments. … Read more