Onto their fourth generation of lapdock now, and keeping alive the Continuum vision, NexDock is persevering through pandemics, industry changes, and component shortages. This is the NexDock 360, just in for review, a Continuum/DeX (etc.) lapdock that adds an extra twist to 2020's NexDock Touch. Here's my first impressions and hands-on gallery, with both Lumia and Samsung as host phones, the full review will follow.
Another day, another new smartphone gallery, this time getting going with the Fairphone 4, the very latest from the eco-conscious Dutch company. As with the old Lumias, you get to replace the battery - and indeed almost everything else, with just a simple screwdriver - plus the specs are mid-range comparable for 2021. See also my previous Fairphone 4 head to head, plus there will be a full review on the way in a week or so.
The Duo 2 is in for review, and in timely fashion this year. Expect a few review parts and at least one imaging comparison (given the triple camera upgrade from last year's potato), but in the meantime here's our traditional image gallery, covering the unboxing and first impressions.
View additional galleries here.
In AAWP Insight #188, hosted by Steve and with Stephen Quin as guest, we cover a range of topics including answering some reader letters, details on pre-ordering the HP Elite X3, some dangerous Lumia x20 to Redstone experiments, and some thoughts on iris scanning and innovations.
In AAWP Insight #187, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we spend the majority of the podcast talking about what's in the Windows 10 Mobile Anniversary Update, which, as we mention, will start rolling out "in the coming weeks". We also cover the arrival of the '53' firmware in Europe for the Lumia 950, updates for the AAWP UWP app, and details of a great third party Wikipedia UWP app.
In this extra length AAWP Insight #186, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about Skype on Windows Phone 8.1 (no more development), which leads to some other Skype connected thoughts, including how we will (or won't) access bots. Other topics covered in the podcast include the new Panorama mode for Windows 10 Camera, updates for Outlook Calendar, details on the latest Insider updates, thoughts on the Acer Jade Primo, and more.
In AAWP Insight #185, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the Windows 10 'Anniversary Update', primarily the August 2nd (or otherwise) timing for the Mobile part of the release. Other topics covered in the podcast include UWP updates (AAWP and [the upcoming] Podcast Lounge), comments on transferring HERE Maps location favourites, reviews of Terrapin's leather cases, and Tap to Pay in Microsoft Wallet version 2.
In AAWP Insight #184, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the Alcatel Idol Pro 4, a much rumoured, high-end Windows 10 Mobile device. We also talk about some new UWP apps, including a beta version of the UWP app for AAWP, but the major part of the podcast is devoted to a discussion of our recent hands-on time with the HP Elite X3 and companion accessories.
In AAWP Insight #183, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking around Microsoft's acquisition of LinkedIn and how the two companies fit together. We also discuss a number of new UWP apps (USPS, Expedia, Grover Pro, Facebook Beta and Facebook Messenger Beta), talk through the latest builds (software updates) from Microsoft for Windows 10 Mobile, and compare the current flagship specificiations.
In AAWP Insight #182, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we use the arrival of Bank of America's UWP app to talk about the current nature of the app gap on Windows, the importance of mobile web as the "great universal", and the future form and nature of apps in general. Also covered is a price drop for the Lumia 950/XL and details on the newest addition to the Windows 10 Mobile device lineup.
In an extra length AAWP Insight #181, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we reflect on the implications of the latest round of redundancies and restructuring in Microsoft's mobile business. Also covered is a roundup of new phone makers in the Windows ecosystem and details of a number of platform and app updates.
In an extra length AAWP Insight #180 (sorry for the fortnight's gap), we talk about the latest updates to Windows 10 Mobile (Threshold), which leads to a more general conversation about the shape of computing platforms. We also talk about what updates you can get for all Windows Phone models, ruminate on the benefits of UWPs (one of the big benefits of upgrading), and mention our plans for curating apps and games on AAWP.
In AAWP Insight #179, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we talk about Microsoft's (leaked) reaffirmation of its commitment to Windows 10 Mobile, then we cover a number of Continuum-related topics, including the future roadmap for Windows 10 (desktop devices as Continuum displays), lap-docks (in the form of Acer Liquid Extend), before moving on to talk about Steve's flash and speaker head-to-heads.
In AAWP Insight #178, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the latest Redstone build (and saying sorry for last week's 'enthusiasm'). We also cover Cortana as an audio letter, give a shout out to a Continuum update for the TeamViewer UWP, talk about the under appreciated benefits of Dynamic Exposure, and recap Steve's Lumia 950 versus Huawei P9 head-to-head.
In AAWP Insight #177, we talk a little more about Redstone (and availability on various devices) and recap the Steve's recent Lumia 920 vs 435 investigations, which considered the performance of Windows 10 Mobile of these two devices. Other topics discussed this week include the auto-updating of apps, the availability of Universal Remote Desktop as a Continuum app, and some imaging chat off the back of an iPhone SE versus Lumia 950 head-to-head.
In AAWP Insight #176, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we discuss the news (and non-news) from Microsoft's recent Build conference, in the context of mobile and Windows 10 Mobile, and against the background of potential Microsoft mobile device plans. We also review some of the details of Windows Phone/Mobile versions and branches, give another shout-out to our recent curated list of games, and throw down a Microsoft Health challenge.
In an extra-length AAWP Insight #175, we discuss the arrival of the Windows 10 Mobile update for existing Windows Phone 8.1 handsets - if users opt in by using the Upgrade Advisor. We cover the devices that can get the update (and those that can't) and ponder Microsoft's thinking, highlighting the importance of real-world user experience, as measured through feedback from the Insiders program.
In AAWP Insight #174, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we discuss the news that HERE apps will disappear from the Windows 10 Store and updates on Windows Phone 8 will be limited to critical security fixes; it's the end of an era, but the impact on consumers may not be as big as some will assume. We also cover some Redstone news (Insider Preview Build 14283), talk over the arrival of Android's OTA "Insiders" program, and highlight Steve's latest camera head-to-head.
In a special AAWP podcast, Matt Lacey steps into Rafe's shoes (he's travelling again). Matt is a freelance Windows developer and well placed to comment on the state of the ecosystem and its applications. As ever, you can subscribe to the AAWP podcast and even catch up with old episodes - see the link below.
In AAWP Insight #172, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the Lumia 650, following on from Steve's review and Rafe's hands-on in Barcelona. Rafe reports back from MWC highlighting new hardware, including the HP Elite x3 and VAIO Phone Biz, and the overall trends from the biggest show in mobile. We also cover Microsoft's acquisition of cross platform development tool Xamarin and the release of the Deezer Universal app.
In a special AAWP podcast, Jason Snowden steps into Rafe's shoes, since the latter is at MWC 2016. Jason reports back on his experiences with the Lumia 950 and Windows 10 Mobile, before diving into thoughts on (and experiences of) Continuum. We touch on apps, updates and on the new HP Elite X3 and its Mobile Extender too....
In AAWP Insight #170, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with a quick preview and discussion of what we expect to see in Barcelona at MWC next week. We follow this with some thoughts on the software update experience for modern smartphones, before going on to talk about the Lumia 650 (specification, positioning and design). In the second part of the podcast Rafe laments the demise of MixRadio and we recall some of the highlights of this groundbreaking music streaming service.
In AAWP Insight #169, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the new rings for Windows 10 Mobile updates (Insider program) and ponder what's going to the best option for various groups of users. We follow this by sharing some thoughts on general and personal preferences between the Lumia 950 and 950 XL and conclude there's more to it that the on-paper specifications might suggest. We finish with some thoughts around recent editorials on the 'death and/or decline' of Microsoft's mobile platform.
In a special AAWP podcast, Neil Gilroy steps into Rafe's shoes, delivering a verdict on the state of Windows 10 Mobile and the Lumia 950 XL, from the point of view of someone usually found at the cutting edge on iOS and Android. How well does Windows and the new hardware stack up?
In AAWP Insight #167, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about Windows 10 Mobile updates, both in terms of versions for existing devices and the stability of the latest Insider releases and along the way we mention a few feature highlights plus recent built-in app updates. We follow this up with imaging chat around bracketing and Force HDR (rich capture and related topics), comments on recent Lumia 950/950 XL price drops, and answer a listener question on the app gap.
In AAWP Insight #166, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we talk CES 2016 and the latest Windows 10 Mobile topics. Rafe reports back from his recent trip to CES, outlining some broad themes and overall thoughts, before moving on to highlight some Windows specifics in the form of new hardware from Alcatel (including the first 8 inch tablets to run Windows Mobile 10) and how the Lumia 950 XL performed at the show. We also cover off the latest build of Windows 10 Mobile (10586.63) and Microsoft's details on the official Windows 10 Mobile roll out.
With Rafe missing-in-action, prowling the halls at CES in Las Vegas looking for new Windows 10 Mobile hardware (of which... not so much), I drafted in semi-regular Stephen Quin to fill his boots. It's mainly a catch-up with how Stephen is getting on with the Lumia 950 XL, with Continuum and with the OS in general. Given that my own views and verdicts are well known on the site, this is a chance to get someone else's take on the state of the hardware and software offerings from Microsoft.
In AAWP Insight #164, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we have a (longer than usual) Christmas edition of the podcast. We continue our coverage of the Lumia 950 and 950 XL. This time Steve shares his thoughts after a few weeks with the new flagships, with dives deeper into design, camera performance and software readiness (or lack of it). We also discuss the Microsoft HD-500 Display Dock and the related Continuum functionality of Windows 10 Mobile, plus answer a listener letter on the app gap.
In AAWP Insight #163, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we kick off our detailed coverage of the Lumia 950 and 950 XL. Some of the key topics covered include design, performance, and imaging, with plenty of chat on other topics interspersed. We also look to set the new flagships in the context of the Nokia and Microsoft Lumia eras and the respective contribution of each to both these and future devices.
In AAWP Insight #162, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we talk about some of early (US) Lumia 950 review coverage, while awaiting the UK arrival of Microsoft's new flagship smartphones. As well as debating who is going to buy the devices, we also cover the latest Windows 10 Mobile Build and camera related app updates. We also find time for a OneDrive mention (again), a quick heads up on a Xiaomi tablet device, and a freemium busting game pick.
In AAWP Insight #161, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by revisiting Microsoft's recent quota changes to OneDrive, prompted by some listener feedback. We also discuss when existing devices will get the Windows 10 Mobile update, whether you should choose the Lumia 950 or 950 XL (and when they are likely to arrive in shops). The other major topic in the podcast is the Microsoft Band 2, following on from Steve's review of Microsoft's second generation wearable.
In AAWP Insight #160, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the top 0.1% of Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile apps (as seen in our recent directory/list of top apps). We also share some thoughts on the Lumia 950 and Continuum after some hand on time at Microsoft's recent Future Decoded event. We also talk about experiences with the latest build of Windows 10 Mobile (10581) and note the "retail" release is just around the corner.
In AAWP Insight #159, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we talk about the recently announced changes to Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage space quota, considering both the "levels" of changes, the way Microsoft communicated them, and the potential long term impact. In the second half of the podcast, we discuss Steve's recent feature that compared the speed of various tasks and activities on Windows Phone 8.1 versus the latest build of Windows 10 Mobile.
In AAWP Insight #158, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we talk about Lumia 950 / 950 XL pre-orders, which are now live (and have a price adjustment) in the UK. That leads to a conversation about Microsoft's latest set of results and the poor Lumia sales numbers, which leads us back to the Lumia 950. We also cover some updates for the Maps and Calendar apps for Windows 10 Mobile. We finish by talking about zoom on camera phones through the years and what the best approach is for today's devices.
In AAWP Insight #157, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we talk about some new Windows 10 Mobile handsets that were shown off in Japan recently, the latest build of Windows 10 Mobile (10549) and look ahead to the next build (10572), and muse on the state of readiness of Windows 10 Mobile (for new devices and in place updates). We also contrast the Lumia 1520 with the 950 XL and run through our latest camera features.
In AAWP Insight #156, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we continue the discussion about Microsoft's big October 6th event. Following some comment on future devices and design, the main focus is on the entry level Lumia 550 and the Microsoft Band 2 wearable. In the second half of the podcast, we talk about the state of the Windows Phone app ecosystem, following on from Steve's recent feature on the same subject, and look ahead to some future content topics.
In the bumper length AAWP Insight #155, hosted by Steve and Rafe, it is all about Microsoft's big October 6th event, which saw the announcement of new Lumia and Surface devices, together with a number of related accessories. We cover the launch of the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, walking through the specifications and key experiences, including connectivity, camera and Continuum. We also touch on the Lumia 550 and Microsoft Band 2, before concluding with a summary of the new Surface (PC) devices.
In AAWP Insight #154, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about Steve's recent comparison of voice assistants for mobile platforms and the role voice may play in the future. There's the usual commentary and thoughts on the latest Windows 10 Mobile build (10536), plus related app updates (Maps, Office, Photos, and more). There's also time for a rant (on finding battery spares) and a quick look ahead to next week's announcement of new Lumia phones from Microsoft.