8 things that Microsoft needs to fix in Windows Phone 8 right now

With the release of BlackBerry 10 this calendar week, Microsoft has even more fresh blood for contest in the smartphone business. While one could argue that it is still Android or iOS that Microsoft is up against, the picture painted for spring 2022 is one of stiff contest and a fight for the tertiary spot.

Windows Telephone 8 has made bang-up strides in making Redmond's mobile Bone much meliorate than its predecessor, most chiefly with the new NT kernel which will permit Microsoft to grow the OS. Having said that, there is a lot of room for improvement and we're non simply talking about touch-upwardly features either simply core aspects that need to be addressed.

Below is a listing of 8 things we call back Microsoft needs to fix in club for Windows Telephone to really take off. Nosotros're confident Microsoft already knows about these and in fact may accept solutions in the pipeline. At to the lowest degree that'south the hope.

Before nosotros start nosotros should note that Microsoft is rumored to be revealing some new features coming to Windows Phone eight next month in Barcelona.

Traditionally Microsoft has a rather large presence at the mobile-focused conference and their absence from CES in January sets upwards Microsoft to gain back some momentum in the press.  We're not 100% sure Microsoft will divulge an updated OS but we're anticipating.

At present on to the list...

#1 Notification Center

Android, iOS and particularly BlackBerry 10 all have notification centers, allowing users to have a unified single area to check the status of various apps and services. On Windows Telephone, Live Tiles were supposed to be that but in reality, it's non that simple.  Whether it's an optional blinking LED or making use of the left-area of the Start screen, Microsoft needs a simple and elegant solution hither. Check out this great design concept from our forums

Rumor has it they wanted this for the release of Windows Telephone 8 but simply ran out of time. Off-white enough. But information technology meliorate be at that place in the next update or information technology will continue to dog the platform.

#2 Universal Search

Also, this feature was rumored to exist coming in either Windows Phone vii.v 'Tango' or Windows Phone 8, yet this part mysteriously never arrived. It seems unproblematic enough: Hitting the Bing search key to make inquiries on the web also every bit inside the device. Search email, SMS, inside apps, documents, etc.

Information technology'southward not a radical idea and other competing OSs already have this on lath. In fact, Windows 8 has a nifty search feature, allowing you to dynamically search through various apps. It'south way overdue on Windows Phone.

#3 Instagram

Aye, we detest writing nigh it as much every bit you probably loathe reading it, but the fact is until this hipster service is on Windows Phone, it will admittedly preclude people from switching. We've had random conversations with Best Purchase and AT&T employees and even a waitress who've all said the same thing: until this popular photo sharing app is on Windows Phone, information technology will always be a deal-killer.

For the record, Microsoft and Nokia know how important this is and nosotros don't remember it's from lack of trying that it's not at that place. Only in that location's more to this than simply throwing money at the Facebook company and while nosotros don't know the details, we're certain in that location are talks of some sort going on.

Regardless, it needs to be here yesterday.

#4 'X' to Close Apps

This ane is then simple and yet Microsoft has yet to exercise it. In the card view of multitasking apps, just requite the states an 'X' to tap out an app.

C'mon Microsoft, the paradigm already exists with multiple Tabs in Internet Explorer—but extend it to apps.  Information technology's unproblematic to exercise and it volition make many folks happy (even if it is arguably unnecessary).

#5 Better Xbox Gaming

We've been chirapsia this equus caballus for a while at present (see our continuing series) only it does need to be mentioned over again. Xbox gaming on Windows Telephone since twenty-four hour period ane has been underwhelming.

Integration with Kinect? Never materialized. Synchronous game play with Xbox 360? Never happened. A centerpiece game similar Halo to really pull people in? Nope, not yet.

It is embarrassing that Microsoft has not been able to fully leverage the Xbox 360 with Windows Phone in 2022 or 2022 and information technology needs to exist fixed.

Just wait at the video above of Microsoft's Eric Rudder demonstrating the gaming potential betwixt PC, Xbox and Windows Phone and the game 'Indiana Jones'. Nosotros covered that story back in March 2022.—nigh three years ago--need we say more than?

#6 Folders

Yup, here's one that iOS and Android take given into and now have solutions for: folders. The idea being that some of us may have multiple media apps that we want grouped together, or a bunch of pins we want rounded up in a quick access binder. It's a simple matter and becomes increasingly necessary as people add together more than apps, pins and tiles to their devices. Windows eight makes employ of "grouping" and Windows Phone needs to too.

#7 Contained volume and profiles

Smartphones are called equally much because they are supposed to exist smartmeaning we shouldn't have to exercise certain tasks. Having our phones switch audio and notification profiles for home, work, moving picture theaters, etc. goes back to Windows Mobile and apps like PhoneAlarm. Why do they not exist on Windows Telephone?

Too, allow's finally give users the ability to command the ringer volume contained of system/game book, aforementioned with an easier way of going 'silent'.

#8 Fix Xbox Music and Video

The whole 3-screens-and-a-cloud vision only works if your media can truly transcend devices. Microsoft hit the reset button on their media services with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 and while there are to be expected growing pains, they actually demand to get that system on track. With the amount of DRM errors for music and the inability to watch Xbox Videos on our phones, it's a existent hindrance.

Promise for 2022

So those are our Elevation Eight major things Microsoft needs to sort out. Is that an exhaustive listing? Certainly not.

Other features similar the power to force-check app updates, set up YouTube (possibly out of Microsoft's hands), a more powerful email client or fifty-fifty making Windows 8 gestures and Tile functionality overlap with Windows Phone to give users the aforementioned feel are all up for grabs.

Like we said, we're sure hoping that Microsoft addresses all or some of these in the nearly-term, specifically in Barcelona. We have a feeling that they are and for the platform'southward sake, they better. BlackBerry is now breathing down our necks and Android and iOS are then far alee in the marketplace it's borderline scary.

Microsoft has a solid foundation with Windows Telephone eight. Let's see them rapidly build on it.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Oh Dear

New study reveals Microsoft's futurity AR strategy; HoloLens 3 is dead

Business organisation Insider has today published a follow-up report with more details about Microsoft's canceled HoloLens 3 augmented reality headset. The partnership with Samsung is said to include a headset with a gear up of screens inside, powered past a Samsung phone in your pocket.

Keeping it affordable

Review: Surface Laptop SE is the new standard for K-eight Windows PCs

Starting at only $250, Microsoft's outset foray into affordable laptops for the education market is a winner. With a gorgeous blueprint, first-class thermals, and a fantastic typing feel, Microsoft would practise correct to sell this direct to consumers too. Allow'south but hope Intel tin make a better CPU.

Best deals on Xbox headsets

Our acme picks for Xbox headsets below $100

Practise you fancy a new Xbox One headset? Do y'all fancy not spending more than than $100? Permit us aid! In that location's a large range of solid audio options without breaking your budget. And here are our height picks that nosotros've personally used.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/8-things-microsoft-needs-fix-windows-phone-8

Posted by: villanuevalibler.blogspot.com

Share this post