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The Lumia 930 in all its Glory

About 9 weeks ago I was asked if I wanted to participate in the Microsoft #Challenge930. This meant that Microsoft would send a free Lumia 930 as a loan device and I could use it throughout the challenge. Who would say no to that!!?

Lumia 930

Being an app developer and trainer for the platform I was also extremely interested in seeing how the device would perform for building apps, experimenting with new features such as the SensorCore and of course using the latest and greatest of the Windows Phone operating system. With the introduction of universal windows apps the features of “Big Windows” are now available on your handheld device (although whether the Lumia 1320 and 1520 are handheld is another question entirely). Continue Reading


Lumia 930 and 635 Launch – Windows Phone Steps It up A Notch

This morning I was invited by Microsoft Australia (formerly known as Nokia) to be part of their launch of the Lumia 930 and the Lumia 635. Apart from free food (which always wins over geeks) we got to touch and feel the amazing new hardware. Granted I already have a Lumia 630 (dual sim) and I have had an unofficial play with a 930, but it was great to be part of the official launch. There were enough devices for everyone to have a play, but unfortunately we didn’t get to keep one.

Even though these two devices are the first to be released with Windows Phone 8.1 from launch, I won’t go in to the new features of 8.1, but focus solely on the new hardware. Continue Reading


Building Universal Apps for Windows Phone

This article was first posted on blog.dvlup.com

At Microsoft’s annual conference //build/ recently, a lot of really cool stuff was announced across the entire product suite for developers. As a recently knighted Microsoft Windows Phone Developer MVP I had a particular interest in the announcement of Windows Phone 8.1.

As many awesome features as there are coming in this massive update for the greatest smartphone platform (yes, I am a little biased ;)), I wanted to make mention of one in particular: Universal apps.

Universal Apps Logo Continue Reading


What is new in Windows Phone 8.1 – The Best Bits

I wasn’t lucky enough to go to //Build/ this year, but that didn’t prevent me from keeping a keen eye on the new goodies that were revealed and presented. I have been waiting with great anticipation to hear all of the news, and especially my Twitter feed has been studied very closely on the past few days.

So what was revealed exactly? Obviously Windows Phone 8.1, which I will get back to, but also new handsets from Nokia (or is it Microsoft?), Xamarin news, Windows updates and much more. In fact there was so much that many details were missed initially. But let’s go through the best bits of Windows Phone 8.1. Continue Reading


#WinPhan Scavenger Hunt

Our friends at #WinPhan is launching the Scavenger hunt. Read below for all the details.

Scavenger Hunt Promo Pic

Win WP prizes and more for entering your photos of Windows Phone themed targets! 

IDEA: #WinPhan Scavenger Hunt

DESCRIPTION:
This scavenger hunt contest will span 5 months commencing on the March 1st, awarding 1 Windows Phone themed prize per week for the first four weeks and bimonthly for the remaining 4 months for a total of 12 prizes. Each week an entrant will be drawn via a random number selecting software and awarded without bias. The 12 winning finalists will be automatically entered into a random final drawing for the grand prizes, a Lumia 1020 and a Lumia 1520. Weekly/fortnightly prizes will be detailed in each relative announcement post on Winphan.net.

RULES:
To participate, register at http://winphan.net, (registration required so that we can verify your email) simply take a picture of the target theme for that week, then share a OneDrive(SkyDrive) link of that photo to: contest [at] winphan.net  A maximum of 2 entries per participant is allowed per target theme/contest round.

TIMES:
Each target theme will be posted on Monday’s at 8am PST and entries must be submitted by the following Sunday’s at 5pm PST for the weekly and every other Sunday at 5pm PST for the bimonthly. Winners will be announced on Tuesdays via our website winphan.net, Facebook page and Twitter accounts [@winphan_global, @thewinphan].

CONTACT:

Winners will be contacted via email on occasion of weekly draw announcement. An email will be sent requesting certain details, Full Name, Phone Number, shipping address, clothing sizes and preferences if applicable, and any other information that may be deemed necessary by us to deliver prizes in an expedited manner.

Any information collected by Winphan.net will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy, and not shared in any way with any other entity.

Failure of any contestants to respond to email in a timely manner, [ie; one month from the most recent attempt by winphan.net to contact them] will result in prize forfeit, and another random drawing for the prize to be awarded to another participant from the same round of the contest.

This contest is open to people from all parts of the globe, and irrespective of what device the images submitted to the scavenger hunt are produced on.

SCAVENGER HUNT TARGET ITEMS(Each Weekly Target Theme Are To Be announced On Monday’s)

  • WP SWAG(Pens, Stickers, etc.)
  • WP Clothing
  • WP7 Device
  • WP DIY Project(Holders, Cases)
  • WP Art(Kids Drawings, Your Drawings, Unique WP)
  • WP In The Wild
  • WP(W8) Ads(Billboards,Print,Adverts)
  • WP Converts
  • Your WP Carrier or MS Store(Selfie)
  • Multiple WP(Collections)
  • WP Cameos(Movies/TV/Music)
  • WP Food And Beverage(Baking/latte art)

PRIZE LIST:

WEEKLY PRIZES:

  • WP SWAG
  • WP Clothing
  • Accessories
  • WP App Vouchers

GRAND PRIZE:

  • Lumia 1520
  • Lumia 1020

WinPhan Logo

About #WinPhan

Windows+Phone+Fan=#WinPhan!

#WinPhan is a community built to connect Windows Phone owners, offer support, spread the good word about Windows Phone, and bring the lighter side of WP to you! Our #WinPhan community is comprised of Windows Phone enthusiasts, average users, beginners, developers, fanboys, and fangirls! Together, we all share in our admiration and appreciation for Windows Phone 7 and Windows Phone 8! While we might talk about the news…we’re focused on sharing each person’s experience and personal journey! Join us as we have fun spreading the joy of Windows Phone to and with others using pics, tweets, videos, and other goodies too! Learn how to get the most from your Windows Phone from people just like you!


Win a Nokia 625 and Build an Awesome Windows Phone App

[Update] The deadline for submission in the competition is over. The winners will be announced soon.

I love the Windows Phone eco-system and I truly believe it is the most awesomest place to be as a developer. And that is why I want to give something back to the community. I have a Nokia 625 to give away to one passionate and ambitious developer that wants to get into Windows Phone development. Nokia 625 What I expect from you:

  • Keen and ambitious attitude. If you get selected I expect you put in the effort to design and develop your first Windows Phone app.
  • No prior published Windows Phone apps.
  • A great, original idea (describe below).

What you get from me:

  • Personal mentoring and help throughout the development of your app.
  • One new Nokia 625 (Australian edition).
  • Help to market your app.
  • Tips and pointers on building the best app possible.

The final day for entries is Sunday 9 March 2013. Disclaimer: I pick the winner at my complete discretion. It is my decision entirely. I will post the Nokia Lumia 625 with the cheapest and safest service for the winner’s destination (no on ever said Windows Phone development would make you a millionaire). Fill in the form and let me hear about your brilliant ideas (multiple submissions are welcome). [formidable id=3]