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 episode 49 of the AAWP Insight, Podcast Rafe and Ewan start with a round of China-related Windows Phone news, the most significant of which is the Microssoft and China Unicom alliance to promote the OS. We move on to discuss the first OTA update for Windows Phone 8, as seen on the HTC 8X, before Ewan gets angry about games of the feathered and word variety. In the last section of the podcast, we begin our assessment of Nokia's "second tier" handset, the Lumia 820.
In episode 48 of the AAWP Insight Podcast we start with some of Ewan's thoughts on the HTC 8X after a week away at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. We move on to discuss the price, positioning, an design of the recently announced Nokia Lumia 620. Alo hardware related is a quick mention of the Nokia Lumia 920T and China Mobile. Moving on to software, we cover AlphaJax's conversion to an Xbox Live title, updates to the Windows Store, Nokia Photo Beamer, and the usual app picks.
In episode 47 of the AAWP Insight Podcast we start with a discussion of HTC's custom software on its Windows Phone 8 devices, which both Ewan and Rafe find lacking. We move on to talk about the poor implementation of podcasting functionality in Windows Phone 8, and some possible work arounds and third party apps solutions. In the latter part of this week's episode Steve and Rafe share their thoughts on the Nokia Lumia 920 camera.
In episode 46 of the AAWP Insight Podcast we start with games related topics including the arrival of Words with Friends, Nokia's exclusive EA Xbox Live titles, and news of Black Friday discounts. The main topic of the podcast is the Windows Phone 8X by HTC 8X with Rafe and Ewan sharing their thoughts and experiences on this "signature" Windows Phone flagship. The main focus is on the hardware, but we do also mention HTC's software customisations.
Episode 45 of the AAWP Insight Podcast sees a return to Internet tubes recording method, but it's still a Ewan and Rafe double act. We start with some gaming chat, looking at the arrival of three high profile titles on Windows Phone: Angry Birds Space, Angry Birds Star Wars and Cut the Rope. We move on to answer a few listener questions about the Lumia 920, including some high points from our hardware review and US launch pricing. We finish, as is our custom, with two app picks.
Episode 44 of the AAWP Insight Podcast is something of a special edition, with Rafe and Ewan sitting down face to face to record their early thoughts on the Windows Phone 8 launch event, and Windows Phone 8 launch hardware. Ewan talks about the emotion in the message that Microsoft was presenting, and Rafe ponders whether this offers a way to break through into general consumer's awareness. There's also chat on each of the high end launch devices, and, for our UK listeners, some more commentary on the Lumia 920 exclusivity arrangements.
In episode 43 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, Rafe and Ewan kick off by discussing the Lumia 510, Nokia's new low cost Windows Phone device. Ewan then talks about the potential issues around EE's LTE pricing and Lumia 920 UK exclusivity, while Rafe declaims on app numbers in a recap of our post of the 125,000 milestone. In the latter third of the podcast we answer a number of listener questions about QWERTY devices and the potential impact of a Surface phone. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 42 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start with a discussion of Nokia Q3 results, with comments on both Lumia shipment numbers and the overall financial numbers. We move on to talk about Xbox Music and discuss whether it will be competitive with other music services. In the latter half of the podcast we answer a number of listener questions (and ask for more for next week). We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 41 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start with a roundup of news item that caught our interest: the announcement of Angry Birds Star Wars, the release of Podcatcher, and news of an upcoming Windows Phone handset from TCL / Alcatel. That leads to a discussion on the importance of Windows Phone 7.5 / 7.8 handsets going into 2013. Our second main discussion topic is around the business case for operator handset exclusives, prompted by the announcement of the Nokia Lumia 810 for T-Mobile USA. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 40 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start with a look at the beta release of Nokia Xpress. Our main discussion topic is around maps platforms and how they extend far beyond apps on the smartphone. We also debate the impact of AT&T's Lumia 920 exclusivity, especially in the light of the wider availability of the HTC 8X. There's also room for the details of the Windows Phone 8 launch, 4G in the UK and Kantar market share data, before we finish, as usual, with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 39 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start by commenting on the Lumia 920 camera and the updated version of Nokia Reading. Our main discussion topic is around the Samsung Omnia M (currently being reviewed on the site), but we also talk about the unveiling of Windows Phone 8, and pricing information for Nokia's new Lumia devices. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each of the team.
In this special edition of the AAWP Insight Podcast its all about HTC. Rafe, Ewan and David discuss the launch of the Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC. The team run through the key device specifications and experiences, consider the importance of the focus on the audio and camera user experience, and offer their first opinions on the design and overall impact of HTC's "signature" Windows Phone 8 devices.
In episode 37 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start by talking about some of the recent changes to the Windows Phone Marketplace, including the name switch to Windows Phone Store. We follow this up with a discussion of Windows Phone 7.8 and note the dividing line between platform and manufacturer supplied additions and updates. In the latter half of the podcast we talk about the reaction to the launch of the Nokia Lumia 920.
A special edition of the AAWP Insight Podcast, as we dedicate the show to Nokia's launch of the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820. While Steve, Ewan, and David, have been watching from afar, Rafe brings us his news and thoughts direct from New York. Topics covered in the podcast include hands-on first impressions of the devices, Pure View on Windows Phone, Pure Motion HD+ screen tech, wireless charging, and Nokia's location platform.
In episode 35 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start by talking about the news that the Unity graphics engine is set to come to Windows Phone 8. We move on to talk about Windows Phone related statistics from Localytics, which leads to a conversation about what HTC and Samsung might need to do with their Windows Phone 8 devices. After an Xbox update from Ewan, we finish, as usual, with our app picks.
In episode 34 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start with Rafe asking Ewan what he as been up to at the Edinburgh Fringe and whether his Windows Phone has been an able assistant. We then look ahead to the arrival of Windows Phone 8, with the first device announcement just weeks away, which leads to a discussion on Metro UI / Windows 8 Style UI and how importance consistency of experience across multiple devices will be.
In episode 33 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, Rafe and Ewan start by talking about the Samsung Omnia M, which will shortly be available in the UK. This leads to a more general discussion of the smartphone market and IDC's numbers for Q2 2012. We move on to discuss the availability of the beta version of Nokia's Counter and an Nokia exclusive update for The Weather Channel app. We finish with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 32 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start by discussing financial results from Nokia and Microsoft, Steve shares news of the completion of Nokia's move to acquire Scalado imaging assets, Rafe talks about the latest update to Nokia Drive and David advises a closer look at SkyDrive terms and conditions. Our main discussion point is around the features and delivery of the Windows Phone 7.5 Refresh ("Tango") software update. We finish with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 31 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start by discussing news of AT&T's Lumia 900 price drop and the importance of perception in media coverage. Rafe talks about the release of the Office 2013 Customer preview and the implications for Windows Phone of greater cloud integration. Ewan offers an opinion on the recently released Xbox Live title Mirrors Edge, an exclusive for Nokia devices. We finish with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 30 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we open with a discussion on the release and availability of the Tango software update for existing Windows Phone devices. David talks about the return of MetroTube, Ewan covers app updates (Facebook, Kindle, WordPress, Twitter and Chickens Can't Fly), and Rafe shares his thoughts on Nokia's decision to give up Nokia Drive exclusivity in Windows Phone 8. We finish with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 29 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we continue our coverage of the news from the Windows Phone Summit. We talk Windows Phone 7.8 and ask whether this upgrade path (for existing Windows Phone 7.5 devices) is enough to keep consumes happy and if Microsoft could have done anything else. In the second half of the podcast, discussing Windows Phone 8 more generally, we touch on the launch hardware partners (Nokia, Samsung, HTC, Huawei) and discuss the positioning of the platform against its main rivals (RIM, iOS, Android).
In episode 28 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start with a summary of Nokia's Windows Phone related strategy announcements from last week. Rafe and David then discuss the announcements of Microsoft's Surface tablets. But, the main portion of this, longer-than-usual, podcast is devoted to the Windows Phone Summit and Microsoft's preview of Windows Phone 8. We discuss the common core, new hardware support, the Wallet Hub, enterprise credentials, native code support, Internet Explorer 10, the new Start screen and more.
In episode 27 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start with a summary, from Rafe, of the key metrics from the Windows Phone Marketplace passing the 100,000 published apps milestone and a quick mention of the ZTE Tania's launch in China. The main portion of the podcast is a group discussion related to our in-depth review of the Lumia 800, with each member of the team offering some concluding thoughts on Nokia's first Windows device. We finish with our usual app picks.
In episode 26 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we begin with Ewan's report on his Windows Phone related experience while at the Eurovision song contest in Baku. In the middle section of the podcast David discusses the ins and outs of Nokia Reading, while Rafe shares news of the release of Microsoft's Photosynth for Windows Phone and explains the integration of Nokia traffic information and geocoding into Bing Maps. In the second half of the podcast we discuss some personal highlights and low lights of Windows Phone. We finish with an app pick from each of the team.
In episode 25 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we start with a round up of new big name brand apps: The Daily Beast, TIME Mobile and LinkedIn. Moving on Steve talks about the potential of playing music from your SkyDrive; David updates us on changes to SkyDrive's sharing links; Rafe comments on the Windows Phone Marketplace passing the 90,000 apps milestone and talks about the updated version of the AAWP app; and the team discuss the announcement of the Samsung Omnia M.
In episode 24 of the AAWP Insight Podcast, we open with news of the Samsung Focus 2 and details of more exclusive app partnerships for Nokia's Lumia devices, both of which were announced at CTIA. The podcast continues with Rafe talking about the beta of Nokia City Lens, Steve sharing his top Windows Phone tips and David previewing his forthcoming Office hub review. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each member of the team.
In episode 22 of the All About Windows Phone Insight Podcast, we open with news of the availability of the ZTE Tania on Virgin Mobile in the UK, the upcoming WPBarCamp London (aimed at experienced Windows Phone developers) and the forthcoming availability of the global variant of the Lumia 900. Later on Steve offers a tip on upgrading the battery in the Lumia 710, the team talk about Wordament's move to Xbox Live and Microsoft's announcement of a range of policies aimed at reducing cruft in the Marketplace. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each member of the team.
In episode 22 of the All About Windows Phone Insight Podcast, we open with news of changes to the Windows Phone Marketplace (removal of app browsing and install from Zune desktop). We then discuss Steve's article on the top 20 phone camera innovations of all time, David's editorial on 20 missing Windows Phone features and Rafe's attendance at HTC's Frequencies event. In the latter half of the podcast we talk about recent news around SkyDrive and the arrival of cloud document storage and management for consumers. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each member of the team.
In episode 21 of the All About Windows Phone Insight Podcast, we open with news of the Nokia Lumia 610 NFC and explain some of likely use cases for NFC on Windows Phone. We then discuss the Nokia Lumia 900's connectivity bug, Nokia's response and ask whether any damage has been done, before moving on to cover the recent Chevron WP7 announcement. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each member of the team.
In episode twenty of the All About Windows Phone Insight Podcast, we start by talking about the media and consumer response to the launch of the Nokia Lumia 900 and the HTC TITAN II on US operator AT&T. We then share our respective experiences with the Nokia Lumia 800's battery boosting firmware update; there's a quick mention of the mobile side of Microsoft's purchase of patents from AOL, before we finish, as usual, with an app pick from each member of the team.
In episode nineteen of the All About Windows Phone Insight Podcast, we start by looking forward to the April 8th launch of both the Nokia Lumia 900 and the HTC TITAN II on US operator AT&T. We then cover the launch of Nokia's CDMA enabled Lumia 800C and Lumia 610 in China, the availability of a battery boosting firmware for the Lumia 800 and the release of the Windows Phone SDK 7.1.1. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each member of the team.
In episode eighteen of the All About Windows Phone Insight Podcast, we start with the details of Microsoft's launch event for Windows Phone in China. The team then cover the latest updates to Nokia Drive (version 2.0) and Nokia Maps (version 1.3), plus the release of Nokia Transport and Creative Studio, before Ewan shares his Windows Phone related experiences from SXSW. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each member of the team.
In episode fifteen of the All About Windows Phone Insight Podcast, we cover all the Windows Phone related news from Mobile World Congress 2012. We briefly cover the arrival of the Skype and Nokia Transport beta version, plus the announcement of Nokia Reading. We follow this up with a detailed discussion of Windows Phone's reduced hardware requirements and the newly announced Nokia 610 and ZTE Orbit.
In a special joint All About Symbian and All About Windows Phone 'Insight' podcast, we look forward to Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012. We discuss what the show is all about, speculate on possible Symbian and Windows Phone-related announcements and debate what the key stories from Barcelona will be this year. You'll be able to follow our live MWC coverage on both sites and on Twitter (@aas and @AA_WP).
In episode fifteen of the All About Windows Phone Insight Podcast, we start with news of the updated Facebook app, the availability of the Lumia 800 Entertainment bundle in the USA. Rafe shares some developer links of interest related to Mango APIs and porting from Windows Phone to Windows 8. Our main discussion topic is the new All About Windows Phone app. We finish, as usual, with an app pick from each of the team.