Category: Microsoft

Windows 9 Leaks Show The Revival Of The Start Menu

Windows 8 never became as successful as Microsoft had hoped. One of the major reasons cited was the entirely new ‘Tiled’ interface and gesture support which helped unify the tablet, mobile and desktop experience. The new interface dissuaded a lot many folks and enterprises from switching over to the new OS. One of the major demands from the consumers who did switch over to the latest Windows OS was the inclusion of a start menu. Now in a recent leak by Myce (sounds like a great name for a mole) shows that Microsoft might finally revive the Start button.

The new revamped Start menu, if this really is what it would look, is quite impressive. According to Myce, the build is 9795 and was compiled on 13^thJuly. It is said to be from the User Interface and Platform team. Although it was widely rumored that the Start menu would resurface with this year’s release of Windows 8.2, it seems now that it will only be ready for release with Windows 9. Even though the leaked images refer have Windows 8 written over it, they are for Windows 9.

Microsoft had showcased a demo of the menu option during the Build conference this year. That version had a mix of traditional windows experience with the new metro features.

A second leaked image shows a new App store design. Though these design elements can be seen as a precursor to new windows styling too.

Now these are still images from ‘work-in-progress’ situation so it’s advisable to not get your hopes high. There are several glitches and compatibility issues that the developers have to work out. Hence, this should be taken as what it is, a leak!

July 22, 2014
Microsoft Launches Interactive Website For Windows 8.1 Newbies

Windows Phone a bit too confusing for you? Well, in hopes to encourage and increase users, Microsoft has created a new ‘How To’ website for newbies that will teach them tricks to master each and every aspect of its newly released Windows Phone 8.1 software.

This step-by-step guide by Microsoft shows and explains the basic things that Windows Phone is capable of doing. Microsoft has compiled a well thought out and extensive list of all the things a regular user might want to do on his/her Windows Phone and provides the shortest way to complete that task.

It bears a simple design with a list of actions organized neatly into different categories, and a large Windows Phone device (funnily, a Nokia) performing the selected action on the side. The list includes a vast array of operations that users can perform on their phone, like personalizing your home screen, making calls, playing games, working on Microsoft Office, taking pictures, searching for places, protecting personal information, and even using the latest and most awaited feature of Windows Phone 8.1, Cortana. Yes, the site also includes demonstrations of Windows Phone’s own little personal assistant that is soon going to make it’s first appearance worldwide.

This is a pretty good move, as Nokia has just pushed out the Lumia Cyan update for it’s Lumia devices, and Microsoft is almost ready to release Windows Phone 8.1 to a majority of Windows Phone devices. It will also help build up some hype for the release.

Now some of you may feel that they are a bit late to release a ‘How To’ website for an OS that is nearly four years of age, but better late than never right? So for all those users out there who need help completing a normal task on their phone, or those who are just curious as to what all Windows Phone is capable of doing, we encourage you to check out the website.

By: Pranav Aroma

July 21, 2014
Updated Xbox One Will Have a Facebook Inspired Live Feed

In terms of numbers, Microsoft may sell less consoles than Sony, but it seems that Microsoft’s Xbox One is gaining better features faster that the arch-rival Sony. It has been said that players can expect, as part of the August Xbox One update, some noteworthy additions to the the console.

Microsoft’s Larry Hryb outlined some major features in a new blog post this weekend. The August update will expand the activity feed on Xbox Live and turn it into a Facebook-like inteface. Players will be able to write text messages on their feed or share gameplay clips. They can also interact with others’ updates with ‘likes ‘and ‘comments’.

Friends’ activities can be found quickly on the revised Home Page. An enlarged ‘Friends’ area gives you an update on their online or offline status, including their most-played games. A leaderboard tracks who’s been picking up the most Achievements. Also, the Friends list is going to show you how long it’s been since your buddies were online.

Update 1408 is expected to launch next month and is said to include the long-awaited 3D Blu-ray playback. It will also give you the ability to remotely download games and apps purchased through Xbox.com and SmartGlass, but only when your console is set to automatically turn on.

A low battery notification will tell you when your controller’s almost out of battery. Notifications can be disabled during videos for an uninterrupted viewing experiences. The Blu-Ray player app will be upgraded to support 3D Blu-rays.

Microsoft will also add support for mobile purchases in August. If you’re away from home and decide to buy a game from SmartGlass or Xbox.com, your console will automatically power on, download it, and install, so it’s ready whenever you next pick up a controller. Sony has offered similar functionality for the PS4.

No specific date is given for the update’s release. Only that early access users will be seeing them first, starting next week.

July 21, 2014
Microsoft Kills Nokia’s Android Smartphone Project

In a recent mail to his employees, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella announced that Microsoft would be reducing the size of its overall workforce by up to 18,000 jobs in the next year. In the same mail, he also said that Microsoft plans to shift ‘select’ Nokia X product designs to become Lumia products running Windows Phone.

So why the change? In Nadella’s words, “This builds on our success in the affordable smartphone space and aligns with our focus on Windows Universal Apps.”

You might recall, Nokia’s X phones promised to blend two operating systems, Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Google’s Android, into one that maintained the core functionality of Android while providing services and designs from Windows Phone. It was said to be lowly priced to target consumers in developing countries like India. The idea was that once Nokia X users became ready for higer-end phones, Nokia’s own Lumia lineup would be their first choice since they were already accustomed to Nokia services.

During the implementation, in order to keep Microsoft at the heart of the phone, Nokia X replaced many key Android services with Microsoft’s own. For example, Google Maps was replaced by Nokia’s Here Maps. This actually prevented a lot of Android applications to run on Nokia X devices. Developers had to rewrite many applications to get them working on the X. Further, the home screen on the X looked nothing like Android. Rather, it resembled the tile layout of Windows Phone.

Nadella would like Microsoft to have a single, clear direction to progress, and the cancellation of the X lineup is a perfect example of that change in mentality. He and his company is shifting all his focus to Windows Phone.

It is important to note that by killing the X lineup, Microsoft isn’t shifting its focus from developing countries. It realizes that emerging markets like India are a perfect target for its cheaper models. The only change is that now, these cheaper models will come with pure Windows Phone preinstalled.

Another news for Nokia X owners is that Nokia will not be killing its support immediately. They have been put it into what Microsoft calls ‘maintenance mode’, which continues support, but ends any further development.

By Pranav Arora

July 18, 2014
Microsoft Puts the Final Nail in Nokia’s Coffin With Biggest-Ever Job Cut

Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella announced the biggest job cut in the history of the company. The company will lay off 18,000 of its employees. The majority of these cuts, around 12,500 will be Nokia employees. The cuts will be on all fronts, from professionals to factory workers, everyone can expect pink slips.

In a letter to his employees, Satya Nadella stated that the first 13,000 folks losing their jobs will be notified in the coming six months. He also said that while the cuts are being made, there will be some employment opportunities in other areas too.

He promised that the process of job cuts will be thoughtful and transparent. Microsoft will offer severance packages to all and will also provide job assistance. The reason cited for these cuts is simplification of work and the integration of Nokia Devices and Services into the company’s model.

The Nokia X product line up will be converted to Lumia series

The most important aspect of this news is that the Android-based Nokia X product line up will be integrated into the Lumia products and will run on Windows OS. This has to be the single most brutal take down of brand in the history of corporate acquisitions.

Microsoft had earlier announced that they will do away with the Nokia brand name as they believe that the brand name is outdated. We have previously brought you extensively researched story about the rise and fall of Nokia and with this development, you can expect the death of Nokia. From here on, Nokia may be just mentioned in nostalgic past references about its glory days. A titan that the mobile industry, as well as we, grew up with has finally perished.

July 18, 2014
Microsoft Is Pulling Up Its Sleeves To Tackle The Chromebook Frenzy

Yesterday, at WPC 2014, Microsoft’s COO Kevin Turner revealed company’s plan to take over Google Chromebook. Turner said that HP is planning to release a $199 laptop running Windows this holiday season. He didn’t provide any specs for HP’s “Stream” device, but he did show detailed $249 laptop options from Acer and Toshiba.

Acer’s low-cost laptop will ship with a 15.6-inch screen and a 2.16GHz Intel Celeron processor, and Toshiba’s includes a 11.6-inch display. It appears that Intel’s Celeron chips will help Microsoft’s PC partners push out cheaper devices in the race to the bottom.

Microsoft explains why Windows is better!

It is also revealed that HP will release its 7- and 8-inch versions of new “Stream” PCs for $99 along with the main variant, and both running versions of Windows. Microsoft has been gradually cutting Windows license costs to help PC makers to reduce their device prices, and it’s clear the company is taking the Chromebook threat seriously now that its popularity is rising day by day.

As Microsoft points out, there are some things you can do on a Windows machine that you cannot on a Chromebook. You can run the full version of Microsoft Office, be sure that most printers and other peripherals will support your device, and run native Windows apps. You can also install the Chrome web browser and do nearly anything you would be able to do on a Chromebook.

Google sold 2.1 million Chromebooks in 2013

But some of Microsoft’s allegation on Chromebook are not entirely true. You can use some Chrome web apps even without an internet connection, use Google Cloud Print to send print jobs to supported devices, Google Drive (or Microsoft Office Web Apps) for some document editing, or even load Ubuntu, Debian, or another Linux distribution if you want desktop apps.

Furthermore, Chromebooks boot quickly, offer a secure platform since apps run in a sandboxed security mechanism, and the ease that comes with knowing that almost all of your data is backed up in the cloud so you can pick up where you left off just by logging into any other machine connected to internet.

Google has been praised for how clean and user-friendly its Chrome OS has been, while Microsoft’s Windows 8 has struggled to catch on since it launched in 2012. Google sold 2.1 million Chromebooks in 2013. Meanwhile, the ultraportable Windows 8 laptop-tablet hybrids declined by 7.4% last year. While Microsoft is now competing on price, only time will tell if the underpowered devices can match the smooth performance of a Chromebook.

July 15, 2014
Microsoft to Bring Out Kinect V2 on 15th July

Microsoft has started taking pre-orders on the Microsoft Store for the Kinect V2 which will release on 15^th July. The device will feature an updated look and have better responsiveness.

The company states that the new $199 sensor will have an advanced depth sensor with 1080p resolution. With various other improvements, the sensor will also have a wider field of view.

Microsoft is encouraging developers to create Kinect based content for Windows Store and Windows Desktop. The company’s website states “The Kinect for Windows v2 sensor gives developers more of the precision, responsiveness, and intuitive capabilities they need to develop interactive voice and gesture-based applications for the Windows desktop and Windows Store.”

The company will hold a Virtual Event for the developers to teach them how to program for the Kinect Hardwares. By bringing out the Kinect SDK, Microsoft plans to widen the content library for Kinect-centric apps and games. During the virtual events, the developers apart from the technical aspects, will also get to learn the process of Face Tracking, HD Face, and Kinect Fusion along with Kinect Studio and Visual Gesture Builder.

If Microsoft got this right, then it will be a cool new way of interacting with a personal computer. Especially if there is more Kinect-able content available.

July 7, 2014
Rumors Surface About Windows 9 Release Date and Free Upgrade

While, Microsoft is preparing a second update to its Windows 8.1, it is also focused on the larger “Windows 9” release. The new upgrade of the not entirely successful Windows 8 and now Windows 8.1, seems to be in focus.

Leaker WZOR claims that either Windows 9 will come out as a free update for those who installed Windows 8.1/Windows 8 Update 2 or these users could have the Windows 9 update with a good discount. Despite rumors of an aggressive development and shipping schedule, there’s no official word about what’s in the next version of Windows, however there are plenty of rumors.

ZDNet reported that “a preview of codename Threshold — which may or may not be named Windows 9 once it’s released — will be available later this year.” It is said that the public preview will be released this fall, and it may be after Windows 8.1 Update 2 is released. Microsoft had been planning to bring the Start Menu back with Update 2, but the company is now planning to deliver that change with Threshold.

There are also rumors that Microsoft is looking to merge Windows RT and Windows Phone into one “Phone/Tablet” SKU that will just use the Modern UI and will run on ARM-based tablets and phones, along with Intel Atom tablets. That version could also run two apps side by side, which is already a feature on Windows 8 and 8.1 but has yet to be added to Windows Phone. The Desktop/Tablet version of Threshold could offer the desktop UI as default.

The new update also features improvements to the Start Screen including the ability to boot straight into the Desktop, the return of shutdown on the Start menu and a more familiar task bar to unify the old and new user interfaces. The update was announced at Build 2014, along with features teased for Windows updates to come. Microsoft Communications Chief Frank Shaw said the company wasn’t ready to talk about how often Windows updates might come out.

Meanwhile, Windows 8.1 Update 2 is expected to arrive as part of Microsoft’s monthly security patches in August. The update will include the usual bug fixes, and improvements for upcoming hardware ahead of the holiday season. Windows’ 8.1 Update included a number of interface changes and functionality tweaks, and Update 2 is expected to include some additional minor interface tweaks.

July 2, 2014
Microsoft Rumored to Launch its Own Smartwatch This October

We start this new week with a fresh rumor about Microsoft’s plans to come up with a new Smartwatch. After Google and Apple, its arch-rivals, investing huge in the wearable technology, Microsoft also may enter this segment with the launch of a Smartwatch this October.

Though there are hardly any details about the device Microsoft is coming up with, Tom’s Hardware, an online publication, has reported “trusted source with knowledge of the development has verified some of that information and provided us with additional details about the device.”

Microsoft’s watch is ditching the popular chunky appearance wand has gone with a slim band design.

For starters, the source confirmed the earlier rumors about Microsoft’s plan of preparing a cross-platform Smartwatch with the ability to continuously track your heart rate and sync the data to your devices.

It has also been said that the device might be dropping the popular chunky appearance we’re seeing on the current Smartwatches like the Gear and the G Watch. Instead, Microsoft will go for a slim band design that is said to resemble a thinner, flatter version of the Nike Fuel band. Details about the hardware are less, though it is said that there are 11 sensors under the hood and a mix of chips including some from TI and Atmel.

Like the rest of the rumors, the timeline for the watch’s release date isn’t too certain. But it is said that Microsoft could be targeting for an October release. Also the Smartwatch won’t just tie in with Windows Phone devices, but will also work with both iOS and Android smartphones.

The market is just starting to explode with wearables, with Apple announcing its first iWatch later this year and Samsung expected to launch a Smartwatch in the summer that can independently make calls. Google is also aiming big in this segment with the launch of Android Wear at this year’s Google I/O.

June 30, 2014
#LetsTalkShop : Shubhodip Pal talks Micromax Mobile

An Indian company that a few years ago not spoken of, a brand that most would not associate with, and a manufacturer that was looked down upon, today is one of the most prominent names in the market. It’s never easy when you are talking to the game changers, but the conversation always turns out to be amazing.

This week on #LetsTalkShop a lot is revealed about Micromax. Shobhodip Pal, who is the CMO of Micromax India, delves deep into the problems faced by the company, the relationships within and outside the organisation.

Shubhodip has been with Micromax for 19+ months and has seen, while being instrumental; the company emerge as one of the biggest names in the Indian smartphone and mobile race. One of the busiest men in the organisation Shubhodip always is pepped on energy and throughout the discussion was energised.

According to Shubhodip, Micromax has always and will continue to deliver platforms that they feel the market is ready for. After Android, Micromax felt that the time is right for Windows Phone and once the partnership was announced at the build conference, Micromax was ready to build windows phones and recently delivered the two most important products in the line up.

The company is working on many more products in the lineup of Windows Phone, as this is not a one off for the company, he said.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Shubhodip Pal” author_title=”CMO, Micromax”]

Put it on Record! We will have a 6 inch Windows Phone in the coming months and will many more phones that you will hear about soon.

[/quote]

Micromax has usually ignored Software updates, however; the company is working on rolling out software updates for all their recent phones and promises quick updates going forward thanks to a new software development team that has been assigned.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Shubhodip Pal” author_title=”CMO, Micromax”]

Micromax is working hard to roll out Software updates for most of its models July onwards, with the help of a dedicated team.

[/quote]

The company is also planning to set up software update kiosks across the country, where people can bring in their phones for 30-40 minutes and get an updated phone back. While it seems a little ambitious, Micromax is keen on delivering this and changing the now negative chatter around updates to a positive one.

For reaching as far as he has Shubodip, asks that you remain persistent and are not scared to roll up your sleeves. Are willing to go out of your way to make your organisation shine, and you will grow once you start to believe in the organisation.

The full interview is a must watch so head over to the video for the juicy bits.

June 22, 2014

Canvas Win W121 Vs Lumia 630 : The ‘Windows’ War

Micromax’s much talked about association with Microsoft took a huge leap with the launch of two new phones in its Canvas Win series; W092 and W121. Considering W121’s price tag (INR 9,500) and Windows phone 8.1 OS, it is expected to give a hard time to Nokia’s newly launched Lumia 630.

Lumia 630 is equipped with impressive quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.2GHz in comparison to W121’s mediocre 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 200. People who love to use apps on their phones may have some problems with Lumia 630’s 512MB RAM against W121’s 1GB.

Canvas Win W121 fashions an 8MP rear snapper with LED flash and also a front-facing 2MP front-camera for selfies and video conferencing while in Lumia 630 front camera is missing, and it has a 5MP rear camera with auto-focus but no flash.

Considering the present state of the company, I personally won’t recommend Nokia Lumia 630. Furthermore, Canvas Win121 is a better option while comparing both. Canvas Win121 definitely provides you with better feature and performance

Specifications	Nokia Lumia 630	Micromax Canvas Win W121
General	Battery capacity (mAh): 1830 Colours: Bright Green, Bright Orange, Black, White	Form factor: Touchscreen Battery capacity (mAh): 2000 Colours: Black
DISPLAY	Screen size (inches): 4.50 Touchscreen: Yes Resolution: 480×854 pixels	Screen size (inches): 5.00 Touchscreen: Yes Resolution: 720×1280 pixels
CAMERA	Rear camera: 5-megapixel Flash: No Front camera:No	Rear camera: 8-megapixel Flash: Yes Front camera: 2-megapixel
RAM	512MB	1GB
Processor	1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400	1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200
Internal Storage	8GB	8GB
Software	Operating System: Windows Phone 8.1	Operating System: Windows Phone 8.1

June 18, 2014

Canvas Win W092 The Usurper of Nokia Lumia 525

There have been a serious shortage of Windows phones in the market. Micromax is the latest entrant in the segment. The Micromax Windows phones (Canvas Win W121 and W092) look like a good effort on the part of Micromax. The two phones have managed to create some buzz around and have been appreciated by tech enthusiasts. Micromax’s lower end offering – The Canvas Win W092 also looks like a promising Windows device.

This phone will directly compete with the Nokia Lumia 525, let’s see how the Win W092 scores up against the fallen legends offering.

First up, Win 092 runs Windows OS 8.1 out of the box, while the Lumia 525 runs on the Windows 8 Black. While the Nokia possesses a 1 Ghz Snapdragon s4 processor, the Canvas Win W092 flaunts a Snapdragon 200 processor with 1.2 GHz Quad Core CPU. Both phones have 1 GB RAM’s and 8 GB ROM.

micromax win 23 — Canvas Win 092 seems like an updated Lumia 525

The Micromax phone offers a dual SIM option whereas the Nokia is a Single- Micro SIM device.

Nokia has been known for its camera capabilities. The Lumia 525 has a 5 megapixel shooter and is capable of shooting 720p HD videos. The Win W092 also has a 5 Megapixel camera with LED flash but if the past experiences with Micromax camera at this price range are considered, the camera probably would not be comparable to the Nokia quality.

Looking at the specs it is evident that Lumia 525 must have been the inspiration behind the Win W092. Micromax has tried to one up the Lumia 525 in almost departments, while giving a competitive pricing. The Win W095 has the ability to challenge the Lumia and only time will tell if this would be the last usurping of the Nokia brand name.

The Lumia 525 is available on Flipkart at Rs. 8550 while the Win 092 is priced at 6500. This war just got serious. A Windows phone enthusiast now has to some serious option to choose from. XOLO has already geared up to release a new devices based on Windows OS 8.1. With Windows releasing the OS free for licensing purposes for screen size below 9 inches, many more companies might want to join the Windows OS ecosystem.

Specifications	Nokia Lumia 525	Micromax Canvas Win W092
GENERAL	Release date: January 2013 Dimensions (mm): 115.40 x 61.10 x 11.00 Battery capacity (mAh): 1430 Colours: Orange, Yellow, White, Black	Release date: June 2014 Form factor: Capacitive Touchscreen Battery capacity (mAh): 1500 Colours: Black
DISPLAY	Screen size (inches): 4.00 Resolution: 480×800 pixels Pixels per inch (PPI): 233 Colours: 16M	Screen size (inches): 4.00 Touchscreen: Yes Touchscreen type: Capacitive
CAMERA	Rear camera: 5-megapixel Flash: No Front camera: No	Rear camera: 5-megapixel Flash: Yes Front camera: 0.3-megapixel
HARDWARE	Processor: 1GHz dual-core Processor make: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 RAM: 1 GB Internal: storage 8GB Expandable storage: Yes Expandable storage type: microSD Expandable storage up to (GB): 64	Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core Processor make: Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 RAM: 1GB Internal storage: 8GB Expandable storage: Yes Expandable storage type: microSD Expandable storage up to (GB): 32
Software	Operating System: Windows Phone 8.1 Java support: No Browser supports Flash: No	Operating System: Windows Phone 8.1 Java support: Yes Browser supports Flash: Yes
Connectivity	Wi-Fi: Yes Wi-Fi standards supported: 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n GPS: Yes Bluetooth: Yes, v 3.00 NFC: Yes Headphones: 3.5mm FM: Yes USB: Micro-USB	Wi-Fi: Yes Wi-Fi standards supported: NA GPS: Yes Bluetooth: Yes NFC: No Headphones: 3.5mm FM: Yes USB: Micro-USB
Sensors	Compass/ Magnetometer: Yes Proximity sensor: Yes Accelerometer: Yes Ambient light sensor: No Gyroscope: No Barometer: No Temperature sensor: No	Compass/ Magnetometer : No Proximity sensor: Yes Accelerometer: Yes Ambient light sensor: No Gyroscope: No Barometer: No Temperature sensor: No

June 18, 2014

Your Bookies will hate Bing’s World Cup 2014 Predictions

If you are asking what Bing is? Well, it’s Microsoft’s search engine that you use when you don’t have Google, so no one uses it. Sometimes it is used by people who use the Internet Explorer but they too mostly use it to reach Google. However, Windows Phone users tend to use it often.

Microsoft hopes to change that this Football season, the search engine intends to use its prediction technology to predict the results of the matches. These predictions might be useful if you are in a fantasy league or just betting your hard earned cash on the matches.

The technology took a test run during this season of The Voice and American Idol and Bing claims to have correctly predicted the fate of contestants in each week, as well as the winner Caleb Johnson. Now it’s time to put its might to test in the biggest game, which is watched the world over.

Bing states that it makes the predictions made on the tournament based on a variety of models. The algorithm behind the scenes evaluates the strength of each team through a variety of factors such as previous win/loss/tie record in qualification matches and other international competitions. It analyses the margin of victory in those contests and adjusts it factors like home field advantage or proximity of the team to the gaming venue (other South American teams).

Instant player profile and relevant info is provided

Even the playing surfaces (hybrid grass), game-time weather conditions, and other such factors being counted. In addition to this, the search engine also analyses the ‘wisdom of the crowds’ based on the search results and predictions made by football fanatics online.

The search engine provides match statistic and player profiles for all the teams.

Bing might just win a lot more users if it starts getting the games right. Predictions could be something that could give it a competitive edge over Google that Bing has been trying to find in a long while.

June 14, 2014
Micromax to launch New Windows Phone based Canvas on 16th June
After our exclusive story on Micromax’s lineup of Windows Phone devices headed towards you, Micromax has today confirmed a launch for the same on the 16th of June. The even will be held in New Delhi and the flagship Canvas running Windows Phone is said to be scheduled for launch.

As previous information points out the new Canvas Windows phone will have :
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset.
- 2 GB RAM.
- 16 GB storage.
- 5 inch display (AMOLED rumored)
- 1920 x 1080p Resolution
- 16GB Storage
- microSD Expandability
- 13 MP main camera (Possible 4K video)
- 5 MP front camera (with Selfie Mode)
- 2500 mAh Battery
- Unibody Design
INVITE

The company has new heads that are set to launch the new products, and a new invite more or less confirms the news. The phone is expected to be priced at Rs. 25000 with an included flip-case and freebies for the initial set of buyers

[poll id=”2″]
June 14, 2014
Exclusive : 7 Micromax Windows Phone Devices in the Coming Months

Recently Micromax was in the news for rumors around a Windows Phone device, well turns out they are not only true but there is more to the game. Sources close to iGyaan and top brass at Micromax confirm that not only is the company working on launching windows phone handsets, they will launch handsets ranging from Rs. 7000 and up to Rs. 25000 effective.

These 7 to 8 handsets will be launched within the next few months, and Microsoft is said to be pushing for the quick release and promotion of the handsets. There is long term tie up between Micromax and Microsoft, and the redmond based computing giant is interested in cross promoting the products for which Micromax has been well funded by Microsoft.

Sources also tell us that both companies have invested in design and most of the Micromax Windows Phones will be seen with a unibody design, with a lot of help provided by designers and engineers from Nokia. As of today, apart from Nokia no other manufacturer is manufacturing Windows Phone handsets as a global product. Micromax Windows Phones will be sold in India and overseas in existing Micromax markets.

Micromax has been eyeing the Windows Phone market since the beginning of the operating system, and the first positive step was the announcement of the Indian manufacturer as a partner at the Microsoft Build conference earlier this year.

New Micromax CEO Vineet Taneja will host the first round of launches of Micromax Windows Phone devices in the coming week, which might see more than one Windows Phone device from Micromax being launched. The flagship phone from the Indian manufacturer is said to have a 5 inch 1920 x 1080p display, 2GB RAM, a 13 MP + 5 MP camera combination, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset and is said to be priced at Rs. 25000 for a 16GB storage and expandability via micro SD.

Micromax’s flagship is expected to have a metal unibody design with Dual Sim capabilities and micro SD card expansion via sim tray style slots, as seen in the HTC One M8. The design of the phone is also said to mimic the HTC lineage with round edges and unibody structure.

We won’t know what will actually unfold until the new CEO announces the handsets, however it looks like the budget game might get really interesting going forward.

[poll id=”2″]

June 12, 2014

Category: Microsoft

Specifications

Nokia Lumia 630

Micromax Canvas Win W121

General

DISPLAY

CAMERA

RAM

Processor

Internal Storage

Software

Specifications

Nokia Lumia 525

Micromax Canvas Win W092

GENERAL

DISPLAY

CAMERA

HARDWARE

Software

Connectivity

Sensors