Microsoft Miracast dongle spotted at FCC ahead of Lumia event

Google's Chromecast is a hit, and now it appears Microsoft wants to replicate something similar for Windows Phone and probably Windows PCs.

Windows Phone Daily and Nokiapoweruser did some sleuthing at the Federal Communication Commission's website, and look what they found: a new mobile accessory from Microsoft. At first it wasn't clear what the product was, but after checking other resources online it appears Microsoft is making a Miracast dongle for HDTVs.

Miracast is a screencasting standard for connected devices over Wi-Fi Direct. Coincidence?—Microsoft recently added Miracast support to Windows Phone via the Lumia Cyan firmware for Windows Phone 8.1.

It appears the new dongle would take advantage of Windows Phone 8.1's Miracast-based Project My Screen feature to broadcast your screen to a TV. This could be used for putting anything from videos and games to presentations and photos on your living room's big screen.

Adding a dongle to support Miracast on TVs is key, because the technology has yet to see wide adoption despite being supported in the latest build of Windows.

The way Miracast works currently, it mirrors your display and relies on the casting device for its data—similar to Apple TV. So you can't send a Breaking Bad episode from Netflix to a Miracast device and then start playing a game on your phone, the way you can with Chromecast.

But the advantage of mirroring a display on your TV is that you don't have to wait for developers to add Miracast support to their apps, because it's a system-wide feature.

A casting dongle for Windows Phone 8.1 is great for starters, but there may be more to this than just smartphones. Microsoft also built Miracast support into Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1. That means the upcoming Microsoft Miracast dongle should also work with your laptop, desktop, or Windows tablet.

There's no word on when this dongle might be announced or what it will cost, but Microsoft does have a Lumia event scheduled for September 4, where we could see the Lumia 730 and 830. That would be a good time to introduce a Miracast device, and while this is a Windows Phone event, we'll be listening to see if the dongle also supports PCs.







Source : pcworld.com

[Continue reading...]

Fitbit confirms Windows Phone 8.1 app in development

Fitbit has confirmed in its community forums that it is developing a Windows Phone 8.1 app for its popular fitness smartbands, but at the moment's that's all that is known, at least officially, on this subject.

Adding an app that supports Microsoft's mobile OS has been one that's been in discussion on Fitbit's community forums for some time. However, earlier today, the company updated that message thread (you have to register for the forums to actually read it) with this statement:

    "Fitbit is developing an application for Windows Phone 8.1. Thank you for all your feedback and support!"

That's basically all we know at this point. There's no word on what features it will have nor any indication of a release date. However, we will keep you up to date on Fitbit's progress as soon as they reveal any more information.

This is as good of a time as any to remind you that June is #MobileFit month here at Mobile Nations and, by pure coincidence, we published a new and extensive feature article on Fitbit earlier this morning. Consider this to be a primer for the fitness smartband before the company launches its Windows Phone 8.1 app.

How do you feel about Fitbit planning to join the Windows Phone platform?

Thanks to Tristan R. and Jeff P., who tipped up to this news!




Source : WPCentral

[Continue reading...]

Sony VAIO Windows Phone tipped for mid-2014

Sony is considering launching at least one Windows Phone handset in 2014, sources claim, as Microsoft courts potential partners to bolster support for its "third platform" OS. Sony, which has been building exclusively Android-powered smartphones for several years, is in the midst of negotiations with Microsoft about adding a second ecosystem to its range, insiders tell The Information, which could potentially launch with VAIO branding rather than the Xperia brand its existing phones carry.

That would presumably be intended to define Sony Windows Phones as an extension of the company's PC business, rather than the more consumer-centric focus Android is generally associated with. The handset could potentially launch as soon as midway through next year, assuming the deal actually goes through.

That's nowhere near certain today, however, with Microsoft and Sony still discussing things like what apps could be preloaded onto the smartphone, what licensing demands Microsoft might have, and other concerns. Microsoft is said to be potentially willing to reduce or even waive its license fees.

Sony isn't the only target for Microsoft's expansion plans. The company is supposedly also discussing partnership potential with ZTE, known for its more affordable Android devices, on a deal which could possibly see ZTE-branded low-cost Windows Phones for the US, Europe, and Chinese markets, among others.

Recent best-selling sales of the Nokia Lumia 520 and Lumia 521 might suggest that's a good strategy, too. The budget Windows Phone has comfortably outsold other handsets running the same OS, with Nokia crediting the parity of the same software experience as its more expensive handsets as a key motivator for that buying decision.

Whether that will be enough to strengthen Microsoft's position in mobile and potentially narrow the gap between Windows Phone and the two dominant OSes, Android and iOS, remains to be seen. The software company is said to be considering more unusual possibilities to tackle that, too, including dual-booting phones from Samsung and Huawei that could load into both Windows Phone and Android at the user's request.

No deal has been finalized, and neither Sony nor Microsoft will confirm that negotiations are underway.





source : slashgear

[Continue reading...]

AT&T and Nokia release Lumia Black update for Lumia 1020; Lumia 1520 also gets new firmware

This week the most powerful camera phone on the planet - so to speak - has recieved a software update from Microsoft. The Nokia Lumia 1020 with its beastly back-facing camera will be rolling with Lumia Black, the newest in Nokia-based Windows Phone software - as soon as this afternoon for users across the United States. The firmware piece of this equation appears - for now - to be hitting the Lumia 1520.

While we're expecting additional updates to hit soon, for now we're seeing Lumia Black hitting the 1020 and a bit of firmware action for the Lumia 1520. Both of these devices are seeing this update series appearing over-the-air (aka OTA).

The Nokia Lumia 1520 is decidedly less exciting than the 1020 as it just includes "general performance and usability improvements". Users will be able to hit this update with ease by heading to Settings - Phone Update - Check of Updates - and make sure you're working with Wi-fi while you're on it.

As for the 1020 Lumia Black update you'll find a whole batch of upgrades ready for action. These include OS Build 10517 as well as the following bits and pieces:

    - Daily delighters: lock the screen rotation, close apps easily in the app switcher, use custom ringtones for messaging and mail, among other things
    - Update to Nokia Camera that combines Nokia Smart Camera and Nokia Pro Camera. Available from the Store app.
    - Get the latest version of Nokia Glance Screen – see quick status notifications, for example, about calendar and messaging events on the lock screen.
    - Bluetooth 4.0 LE – preserve energy while staying connected via Bluetooth
    - Get enriched camera performance, enhanced battery monitoring, and other stability and usability improvements

Have a peek at our full Nokia Lumia 1020 review and dive down the rabbit hole with our more recent review of the Nokia Lumia 1520. It's time to go big!








VIA: WPCentral

[Continue reading...]