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 #118, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we open with news of the latest Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview update (Battery Saver updates) and recent additions to the (UK) Cortana command set. We move on to talk through a number of app roundups, releases and updates, featuring Movie Creator, Wolfram Alpha, Riptide GP2 and more. In the last part of the podcast, we briefly go off topic to discuss Nokia's return to hardware, before Rafe talks Toilet Twinning and reveals a novel app promotion strategy.
In AAWP Insight #117, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with a discussion of a lookalike Lumia 1020, before thinking about Windows Phone Twitter clients. We also cover a number of minor news stories from the Official CBS news app to the withdrawal of Nokia Reading and updates for Podcast Lounge. The main topic of the podcast is the Microsoft Lumia 525, the new entry level Windows Phone device, which was announced this week.
Apologies for the break in your normal run of podcasts with Rafe, but the chance arose to sit down with Damian Dinning, ex-Nokia and its head of imaging for years, the guy (with his team, of course) behind classics like the Nokia N73, N90, N93, N95, N82, N86, N8, 808 PureView and, of course, the Lumia 1020. The chat was in a quietish pub and is hopefully very listenable - the content is about 60% Windows Phone-related, 30% Symbian-related and 10% generic, but there's plenty here of interest to all readers/listeners, I think.
In AAWP Insight #116, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with a discussion of some of Steve's recent camera head-to-heads, with a special emphasis of the iPhone 6+ versus the Lumia 1020. We cover the latest on the Nokia to Lumia re-branding (camera software), chat about the roll out of Cortana and available phrases/questions, and share a use-case where AMOLED trumps LCD. There's also a couple of smaller asides into mid-tier Lumia positioning, camera futures, and Denim availability.
In AAWP Insight #115, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with a quick return to the topic that we closed last week's podcast with, that of Microsoft cross-platform services and why you might choose Windows Phone. We also cover the retirement on the Nokia brand from smartphone, updates to the OneDrive and Xbox Video apps, and the latest mapping data and app updates from HERE. There's also a quick mention for the newly announced Microsoft Health and related Microsoft Band wearable accessory.
In AAWP Insight #114, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with a quick mention of our policy in terms of how much of the new unified 'Windows' wolrd we'll be covering (summary: just phones and related), plus we move on to new Windows Phone 'name' Bush, now selling an entry level smartphone through UK retailer Argos. This week's app coverage includes Skype and Tubecast Pro. We also revisit the Lumia 830, and discuss whether it can be a "sidegrade" to Lumia 1020/925/920 owners. In the last portion of the podcast, in response to a listener question, Rafe shares some thoughts on Windows Phone differentiation.
In AAWP Insight #113, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with a quick mention of new Windows Phone manufacturer Highscreen, before detailing the latest update to Glance, one of our favourite apps. We also cover the launch of Skype Qik, the return of Colour Pop to Creative Studio, and new app Live Tile Clock. The second half of the podcast is all about the Lumia 735 and Lumia 830, a pair of mid tier mavens that look set to give the Lumia device portfolio a significant boost.
In AAWP Insight #112, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by discussing Microsoft's two Miracast adaptors (what they do and why they both exist). Our first topic is Windows 10 and the way it will "run" across all devices. We also find time to talk about the latest release of the Windows Phone Developer Preview, OneDrive camera roll bonus space, and the arrival of rebranded MSN apps. We finish with some early thoughts on the Lumia 735.
In AAWP Insight #111, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with a rant on photo uploading and sharing on Windows Phone, before moving on to talk more new devices (Alcatel Pop 2 and GoFone GF47W). This leads to some discussion of the Windows / Windows Phone brand and Microsoft's promise of cross platform experiences and talk about how the race to thin may be counter-productive. We finish with some opinion on the tough decisions made in Nokia's recent history.
In AAWP Insight #110, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with some thoughts on wearables and Windows Phone, before moving on to talk about some of the "other" Windows Phones devices seen at IFA, and sharing a recommendation for David Wood's new book, Smartphones and Beyond. In the second half of the podcast we cover the Bing apps shift to the MSN brand and Skype performance issues, before finishing with some thoughts on the Lumia 930 versus HTC One (M8) for Windows comparison.
In AAWP Insight #109, Rafe reports back from the huge IFA 2014 show, with impressions of the new Lumia 735 and 830, plus thoughts on Lumia Denim and Nokia/Microsoft imaging improvements and innovations.
In AAWP Insight #108, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with some brief commentary on Archos' entry into the Windows Phone space, the latest in a wave of manufacturers who are new to Microsoft's mobile platform. Other topics covered in the podcast include key updates for the Spotify and Bookviser apps, thoughts on casting options on Windows Phone in the light of the updates to the third party, Chromecast compatible, Tubecast Pro app, and the latest on the roll out of the Lumia Cyan update.
In AAWP Insight #107, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we give an overview of the HTC One (M8) for Windows. We talk through the key specifications of the device, including the noteworthy Duo Camera with UltraPixel implementation and the custom HTC software (BlinkFeed, Camera, TV), and offer a first thoughts comparison with both the Android version of the HTC One and the Lumia 930. We end the podcast by sharing some some UK pricing and availability news for the recently announced Lumia 530.
In AAWP Insight #106, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by discussing the merits of using bedded-in devices, in the light of the recent release of Lumia Cyan for the Lumia 1020. We also cover the Prestigio Multiphone 8500 DUO, the withdrawal of Skype for Windows Phone 7 devices, battery efficiency of various releases of Windows Phone, our favourite features of Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, and the latest device rumours.
In AAWP Insight #105, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by discussing the newly announced Lumia 530 and ponder the way it takes Windows Phone to a new price point. We also cover the latest news from the Lumia Cyan roll out, offer a personal preference of the Lumia 930 versus the 1020, anticipate the arrival of Cortana in the UK (and China), and offer some thoughts on the future of MixRadio. We end by highlighting a number of new apps and games - Live Lock Screen BETA, Modern Combat 5, Uber and Fitbit.
In AAWP Insight #104, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we discuss the recent job cuts announced Microsoft. The main focus is on the impact of ex-Nokia employees and activities, but we also touch on the wider context and talk around Microsoft's future mobile device strategy. We also revisit our Lumia 930 review after a further week of testing, before commenting on the patience required while waiting for the Lumia Cyan update. We end by highlighting the advantage of app store updates for built in apps.
AAWP Insight #103, hosted by Steve and Rafe, is dedicated to the Lumia 930, the global variant of the Lumia Icon, which goes on sale this week in the UK. The main focus is on the hardware of the new flagship Lumia device, but there's also a few mentions for Lumia Cyan and Windows Phone 8.1. This podcast complements our ongoing Windows Phone 8.1 coverage and our recently published review of the Nokia Lumia 930. [Update: file now fixed and available]
In AAWP Insight #102, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the imminent arrival of the Lumia 930. There's also a mention for the Lumia 635, which recently went on sale in the UK, and the timing on the forthcoming Lumia Cyan software update for existing Lumia devices. In the second half of the podcast, we discuss Windows Phone 8.1's large screen optimisations (as seen on the Lumia 1520), as well as a number of recent app updates and releases (Xbox Music, Twitter, Video Tuner, and Adobe Photoshop Express).
In AAWP Insight #101, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about availability dates for the Lumia 930 and the Windows Phone 8.1 software update for existing devices. We then cover Micromax's new Windows Phone devices, the arrival of the Lumia 636 and 638, and the debut of Angry Birds Epic. The two main discussion points are a Lumia 625 versus Lumia 630 comparison and some clarification on CBD on the Lumia 630. We finish with a number of app picks.
In AAWP Insight #100, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the implications of Lumia Cyan on the Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview update. The main part of the podcast covers the Lumia 630 (recapping Steve's review), news of Windows Phone devices from Computex, an Xbox Music update, and the Living Images-enabling update for the beta version of the Nokia Camera app. We finish with an app highlight and low-light.
In AAWP Insight #99, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the latest Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview update, which leads to mentions for the new "Help and Tips" and "Files" apps. In the main part of the podcast we first discuss Steve's recent tips for shooting better smartphone video, before covering our latest camera shoot out, which compared the Lumia 1020 to the new Samsung K Zoom. We finish with a number of app picks.
In AAWP Insight #98, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about updates to the OneDrive and Xbox Music apps on Windows Phone 8.1 (and how they are example of Microsoft's new app update regime). We also cover a number of app updates and new releases including Verbalize, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Player. We finish by talking about Steve's comparison of the Lumia 1020 and the Sony Z2.
In AAWP Insight #97, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the UK price point of the Lumia 930 (90 pounds). We also revisit last week's battery life topic, in the light of an update to the Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview and Steve's feature on maximising battery life. We also touch on last week's Twitter app issue, which leads to some app gap talk. We end with some bus related talk in the form of the arrival of multiple video editing apps.
In AAWP Insight #96, hosted by Steve and Rafe, there's more discusssion of Windows Phone 8.1, a run through of the latest Nokia Camera beta, comment on LG's potential return to Windows Phone, and some chat about Internet Explorer 11. We also discuss some of the impacts of the completion of Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia Devices & Services division.
In AAWP Insight #95, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we talk about our experiences with the Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview. We also cover the completion of the Microsoft Nokia deal, potential future names for Microsoft's Windows Phone devices, and Nokia's Q1 2014 results. There's also time for some chat around Steve's latest smartphone camera comparisons (Lumia 1020, Sony Z2, and Samsung S5).
In AAWP Insight #94, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we continue our coverage of Windows Phone 8.1. Topics covered included the WordFlow keyboard, updates to the core Windows Phone hub experiences (media, people, messaging), new and updated enterprise features, details on the improved file picking and backup/restore functionality, and some initial thoughts of the Lumia Cyan update.
In AAWP Insight #93, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we talk all about Windows Phone 8.1. The first half of the podcast covers some of the headline features and key themes of the new release, including Cortana, Action Centre, Start screen updates, and API depth. In the latter part of the show we cover the Lumia 930, Lumia 630, and Lumia 635.
In episode 92 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by talking about the delayed completion of Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's Devices & Services business, before moving on to talk about potential upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 hardware (Lumia 630, 530, 930, and Samsung ATIV SE). In the second half of the podcast we share some additional thoughts on the Lumia 1320 and highlight a few recently released apps.
In episode 91 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we continue our coverage of MWC 2014 by talking about a variety of topics including wearable, non-Windows Phone hardware, wireless charging, and connected cars. In the last part the podcast we share some early thoughts on the Lumia 1320, Nokia's mid tier large screen smartphone.
In episode 90 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we spend the first half of the podcast discussing the Windows Phone related news from MWC 2014 (new hardware partners, new hardware support, and enterprise features) and covering some of the latest Windows Phone 8.1 leaks. In the second half of the podcast we share some early thoughts on other MWC topics, including the Nokia AOSP powered Nokia X range of devices.
In episode 89 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start by discussing the recent leaks originating from the preview version of the Windows Phone 8.1 SDK. In the middle section of the podcast Steve talks us his camera and photos work-flow, which leads to a discussion of how things could be improved in this area. The last section of the podcast is a preview for the upcoming MWC 2014.
In episode 88 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, hosted by Ewan, Steve and Rafe, we start by discussing the appointment of Satya Nadella as Microsoft's new CEO. In the middle section of the podcast Steve talks us through two hardware comparisons, the Sony QX-10 versus the Lumia 1020 and the OPPO N1 versus the Lumia 1520, the latter of which leads to a general discussion about the rise of "new" smartphone manufacturers. We finish with a brief look ahead to Windows Phone 8.1.
In episode 87 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, hosted by Ewan, Steve and Rafe, we start by discussing some of the commentary around the soon to be completed acquisition of Nokia's Devices & Services business by Microsoft, prompted by the release of Nokia's Q4 2013 results. We then move on to Steve's latest podcatcher roundup update, before finishing with some more view on the Nokia Lumia 1520.
In episode 86 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, hosted by Ewan, Steve and Rafe, we continue our coverage of the Lumia Black software update as it rolls out to more devices and discuss how good the Lumia 1020's still photo performance is post update. Other topics covered include rumours of Sony and Samsung Windows Phone devices, Nokia's release of addition DNG colour profiles, and recent app releases.
In episode 85 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, hosted by Steve and Rafe, we start with a discussion around the Lumia Black software update, with a particular emphasis on imaging improvements. We also cover a number of recent notable app releases and mention the latest Kantar stats in a Windows Phone context. We finish by looking back at 2013 and consider what lies ahead in 2014. [update: an hour after this podcast was recorded, Black was made available to world 925s and 1020s! Prescient, us?!...]