Why would anyone buy a Windows Phone? Ever?

Brian S Hall  By on 25 Sep 12

Did you hear? Microsoft offers a smartphone. The OS looks kind of cool, actually. Only, no one knows about it. Or at least, no one is buying it.

To be fair, the Windows Phone 8 OS, the one ostensibly designed to compete with iPhone and Android, is not yet available. Microsoft sent the OS to handset manufacturers in September. Samsung, HTC and Nokia, all leading smartphone makers, should have Windows Phone 8 OS phones available before Christmas. Likely – but not guaranteed, depending on where you live.

The question remains: will anyone care?

I have my doubts.

In the US, a massive and profitable smartphone market, Microsoft has less than a 4% market share. In fact, for all the reports on the death of Blackberry, in the US at least, Blackberry has nearly triple the Windows Phone market share (the figures below include both Windows Phone and the moribund Windows Mobile).

What about the rest of the world? The news may be worse. If DigiTimes is right, Android, which already has the lead market share, shows no signs of slowing down:

Android, which already accounted for more than 60% of the handset market in the first half of 2012, is expected to see the percentage surpass 70% in the second half as several major Android handset vendors such as Samsung Electronics, Huawei and ZTE are all starting to pump up their shipments in the third quarter, while second-tier vendors, regional brand vendors, and white-box players are also aggressively launching new entry-level Android-based handsets in the China market.

Time is not on Microsoft’s side.

Android claims over 500 million device activations. Apple has sold in excess of 400 million iOS devices, most of those iPhones. There are more than 600,000 apps for Android and there have been over 20 billion app downloads from Google Play (formerly Android Market). The situation is similar for Apple. There are over 700,000 apps in the App Store and downloads total over 30 billion. During the company’s 2012 WWDC, Apple stated they had over 400 million accounts with registered credit cards able to buy apps, books, music and movies.

Can even the once-giant Microsoft compete with this?

Customers are lining up for the iPhone 5 and carriers continue to profit from offering the device. Blackberry has an established (if declining) relationship with most carriers and enterprises. Android is bringing in millions of new customers eager to switch from feature phone to smartphone. Most carriers and retail outlets offer numerous Android devices at a variety of price points and form factors. Can Microsoft take shelf space in this already crowded marketplace? It will not be easy, nor inexpensive.

But wait! What of Microsoft’s strengths? They have an install base of about a billion Windows (PC) users. Won’t those users demand or at least feel more comfortable using a Windows Phone? After all, Microsoft’s Windows 8 interface and Windows Phone 8 UI are, not surprisingly, designed to look similarly.

I don’t think this matters – at all.

After decades of effort, Apple has barely made a dent in Windows PC sales. Macs are still a niche and market analysts assume that Windows controls between 90-95% of the PC install base. That hasn’t stopped Apple from having the world’s most popular smartphone. Likewise, Google’s Chromebooks are barely a blip compared to Windows. Yet Android dominates smartphone market share.

Worse for Microsoft, in my view, is that their interface, while unique, maybe even beautiful, is not what people want. The world has effectively standardized on the app. The Android and iOS interfaces are app-centric. The Windows Phone interface relies on bold type and “tiles”. What if, say, in 2002, someone developed a great PC UI that did not use the desktop metaphor. Would anyone use it? Even if you could show them it was beautiful, functional?

There are other Microsoft strengths, of course. Xbox, is a chief one. No doubt some buyers will appreciate the ability to interact with gamer friends while on their Windows phone. But, in fact, there are very few actual game tie-ins. Counter that with the iPhone 5, for example, which includes the new A6 chip. Apple showed off the device and graphics for some games, such as the upcoming Real Racing 3, are stunning. The days of the console being the lead point in gaming may already be over.

What about design?

The Nokia Lumia line is truly beautiful. HTC has shown off its upcoming Windows Phones and they look extremely similar to Nokia. Of course, Apple is known for its design. Samsung makes handsome devices. And, of course, HTC is a leading Android handset maker. Can the Nokia Lumia stand out? Can Microsoft get these phones in front of people? And how fast might both Samsung and HTC abandon the platform if it does not sell? Unlike Nokia, they already sell millions of Android smartphones.

Lastly, what of the ecosystem?

Microsoft’s content and payments ecosystem is not as robust as Android nor as intuitive and frictionless as iPhone’s. Apps., book, music, movies, TV rentals; these are a snap with iPhone, for example. What can Microsoft do to just level this playing field?

I am having a difficult time understanding why anyone would choose a Windows Phone. It’s harder to buy. Has fewer apps. Looks different. It’s not as easy to purchase content. It does not offer more functionality. It does not provide better security. It’s not simpler, nor more intuitive. There are fewer choices. The devices are not less expensive.

If we assume that just half the planet’s four billion feature phone users eventually switch to a smartphone, than the market for Windows Phone going forward is certainly huge. I’m just not convinced that Microsoft has given them or anyone a reason to not choose iPhone or Android.

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  • pagolami

    WP has some features that will win over those Blackberry business users. And finally, they’ll get touch phones that are responsive. I’ve tried using some of thouch phones, everything was carp, starting fom sluggish animations to browsers rendering horrible websites.

  • Leonardo Cardozo

    I had no way of knowing. That only shows you are open minded and ready for constructive criticism.

  • http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002VH8ECQ Brian S Hall

    I am not going to dispute your comment and I don’t want to be closed minded about this. Microsoft is a big company with a lot of resources. Still, iPhone — really — does have a great camera and good maps. Any desired accessories and NFC can be yours with Android if you like. I am not convinced that wireless charging (as it exists) matters. The Windows Marketplace is not as easy or as integrated as App Store/iTunes. There are already 400,000 iOS devices in use. 500,000 Androids (activated via Google). Far more apps are available. When the market is happy with Coke and Pepsi, I’m not sure there is much room for an alternative.

  • http://twitter.com/snookasnoo Idon’t Know

    Gizmodo and Engadget credible? Maybe to teenage boys.

  • http://www.facebook.com/james.d.haberberger James Haberberger

    Another article that is totally biased and rooted in complete fiction. Yes Brian we are waiting patiently for Windows phone 8…. and we will buy our windows phones when they are released… don’t be clueless your whole life and try to report actual unbiased facts next time!

  • justd80010

    There are some strong incentives actually – Gaming and security, because WP uses the NT kernel both games and security have the potential to be far more robust then they are on the mobile oriented platforms Android and iOS, additionally integration is an important factor, if you and your family and friends most use Xbox and Windows powered PCs and tablets then having a WP is pretty much a no brainer. Also WP is probably more future proof than Android and iOS, as it has many of the same support mechanisms of NT, meaning it can support and be optimized for any number of screen resolutions, chips, cores, etc. while remaining backward compatible to the software and devices that were built for previous versions.

  • justd80010

    A far more likely reason is lack of carrier support.

  • justd80010

    Pretty sure Windows Phone has already past BB as the #3 smartphone platform in the world. Just stating a known fact so spare me the 3.2 percent is nothing compared to Android’s 53 percent and all that.

  • http://mr-frisky.myopenid.com/ mr_frisky

    ”
    Why would anyone buy a Windows Phone? Ever?”

    insanity is the first thing springs to mind……

  • PaulWharmby

    So an 18% loss of market share and no new software on the horizon is better than a 10% loss of market share caused by the imminent arrival of a significantly improved OS? If you really believe that you are utterly deluded. BlackBerry has huge issues, and no quick fix.
    Oh, and to answer your original question, I have bought (and will buy again) a Windows Phone because it works better than the spyware-fest that is Android and looks better than dull boring overpriced iOS.

  • Prab

    Maybe it’s time for her optometrist’s appointment.

  • Prab

    You pov is myopic. Take a look at Microsoft’s entry into the gaming market with the xbox and shut up. Besides, what’s the point of your article?

  • http://twitter.com/MediaCastleX Mike E. Delta

    I can see what he is trying to say, but I tend to disagree with the ecosystem criticism as it is not at all difficult to make any purchases or access any of the available apps/ media in the OS. The only area that it tends to suffer is under the not-so-ubiquitous availability across international borders. Every government is different and has different sanctions that Microsoft must overcome every time. They have the money and the influence though, it really is up to ME and anyone else who really stands behind the platfom to push the numbers. I’ll tell you, if I had the money I would buy every Windows Phone I could get my hands on!

  • BornRight

    Don’t agree with the author. Yes, the iPhone is the market leader selling tens of millions in no time. But Apple is playing it safe with incremental updates rather than bringing something innovative to the table. The masses still buy iPhones because everyone around them has an iPhone and they’re not aware of alternatives. People always tend to follow the market. WP8 is refreshing unlike the incumbent iPhone with lots of new features. For example, the upcoming Nokia Lumia 920 has wireless charging, a higher resolution screen than the iPhone’s retina display that’s super-sensitive and can be used with gloves, NFC, a vastly superior camera, vibrant colors etc. Even the OS is much better than the dated iOS. There are live tiles displaying information at a glance without having to open the apps. The challenge ahead is to market WP8 devices into the minds of people and make people realize that WP8 devices are superior to the stale iPhone. Yes, the iPhone’s app universe is incredible, unparalleled and still a major selling point. But WP8 has the potential to close the app-gap with its integration with Win 8 on laptops and tablets. We’ll see in a year from now whether Win 8 can live up to its promise.

  • BornRight

    http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/25/iphone-5-lumia-920-image-stabilization-face-off/

    Engadget just posted a comparison between the prototype Lumia 920 and iPhone 5 video image stabilization.

  • Rob_Stark

    I will switch from Android to WP8…
    Reasons:
    My Android Phone consumes every update more power at the moment it lasts with 3G only about 2 hours till the battery is empty. The phone reboots every week while i’m calling someone.
    My android tablet looses its homescreen every couple of hours and i have to reboot it.
    I will never buy apple products, but that is about their way to anounce products… first iPhone (you don’t need gps or a camera because it is a phone). Apple might have good overpriced products but not for me.
    I look forward for the Windows Surface Pro tablets and a Lumia 920.
    I’m not sure yet if i will be satisfied with that products, but at the moment i’m not happy with android. Sorry about my bad english

  • Bob Shaw

    It is not about whether the iPhone is better than Lumia 920 or vice versa. It is the carriers that decide the success or failure of the phone by their subsidy. At present the carriers want a third platform to move away from the high subsidies that they provide to iphone users. The carriers will make Windows phone a success as it is in their financial interest.

  • Dave

    The thing that is often overlooked is the excellent and efficient Outlook syncing that Windows phones offer. Android and Apple phones both have their issues with the most popular business email program in the world. My Win 7.5 phone not only syncs perfectly with Outlook but is highly efficient as well. That allows me to use the T-Mobile 200 MB data plan with lots of room to spare. And having MS Office is very handy, since I need to have Excel spreadsheets right here in the phone at all times. I really look forward to the new Win phone 8s, next month and most of my family will follow suit.

  • http://www.staska.net Staska

    It’s only partially true. This same argument was made last year – at the launch of Lumia and WP 7.5. And a year earlier – at the launch of WP7. Didn’t help WP much, did it?

    Carriers can really make a platform, by going above and beyond what they usually do, when they really have to. As they did with Android. But that was when they feel really threatened. As they were with iPhone, when they could not get it due to Apple’s exclusive contracts with competitors, and were bleeding most profitable customers.

    Right now situation is very different. iPhone is available to (almost) anyone who wants it – as long as your radio schema fits. And Android to everyone else. They might talk.

    They can keep Windows Phone on life support forever, knowing Microsoft won’t quit anytime soon. Heck – they may do even more for RIM, to keep Blackberry around just in case. As a club over Google.Apple when/if they ever need one.

    Nope – at this point, and no matter what carriers say, if Microsoft wants to get WP over 10% – its totally up to MSFT and (maybe) Nokia to make it happen. WP won’t receive anything like the promotion Android got from carriers to jumpstart the platform.

  • umair khan

    I have been using windows phone and have used android phones. I think it kicks android in the teeth in terms of fluidly and usability. This article is written by someone who has not kept windows phone for even one whole day. I will be buying HTC 8X or Lumia 920 if Lumia 920 comes on T mobile. Where as apps are concerned all the important apps are already in windows market I not missing any app.

  • Dirty Harry.

    If lack of market share is a meaningful metric then Apple and Google both should have been dismissed a decade ago. One cannot deduce future performance based on current observed trends. Nobody knows more or has more advanced intellectual property in the OS market than Microsoft. Their Windows OS is not what most people see – a desktop – it is actually the backbone of major banks and industrial entreprises.
    Microsoft are the only serious company that has INVESTED in operating system technology, Linux and Android are – sorry to say this folks – little more than weak rehashes of Unix, itself an antiquated geeky 60s hobby OS.
    Why did Apple, Google, Oracle et-al not invest any time or effort in designing and honing a modern computer operating systems? balls that’s why, or lack of.
    If anyone thinks Windows 8 is just another player in the mobile market they are dead wrong, Microsoft are very aware that their advanced technology is chomping at the bit as we see incredible reductions in size/cost of hardware.
    Microsoft have always been a patient company – yes the’ve made errors here and there but I doubt that any company on earth has more advanced intellectual property with respect of operating systems than Microsoft – the rest – gimmicks – try running a serious mission critical business on Apple or Linux – it’s a joke.

  • zishbu

    I switched from an iPhone4 to Lumia 900 in the spring. Shortly after, I heard news about WP8 and wished I would have waited. That being said, I wasn’t that upset because I actually find the experience with my WP7.5 Lumia 900 a much better one. Reasons?

    1) I use OneNote heavily so the office along with SkyDrive integration is nice. This is also nice for a shared family calendar we have. 2) I am a System Admin on many teams, my emails are routed into folders and mailboxes, which I can individually pin to the Start menu for quick access, I can see how many unread I have on live tile. Further, when phone is locked, a simple tap and I can see how many unread emails I have, by unique icons by mail service. 3) Surprised people haven’t mentioned it, but People hub. I can see all the recent Facebook and Twitter messages from my friends in one combined location. By clicking on their name I can see their contact info, shoot them an IM, or call them. Underrated feature IMHO. 4) Not really a better feature, but I dont have to kill running apps on my phone to speed it back up like on iPhone. The performance is most always the same, fast and fluid. 5) Nokia Maps, they’re incredible along with turn by turn nav.
    Things I miss from iPhone, 1)iMessage saved me on texts between my wife and I. Now I hit limits which stinks. 2)VPN connectivity, but to be honest I NEVER used this after setting it up for work on my iPhone.

    Honestly I’m interested to test out the Lumia 920 but I’ll probably upgrade. Really want to see the full rundown of WP8 features. No idea why they aren’t talking about these yet. Its hurting MS IMHO.

  • http://twitter.com/hmmJD1 JD!

    So you suggest Nokia’s decision to go ahead with MS is wrong?

  • nithin532

    you wont get an WP8 upgrade for the existing Lumia 900, it will be only WP7.8 version, as the new WP8 version need some integrated security chip ?

  • nithin532

    i Think Existing Lumia Line upgrade is till WP7.8, as i heard there is an individual security Integration in WP8 phones, which cant provide through OTA Update

  • Not a MS astroturfer

    Why would I get a Windows phone?

    Because the Metro/Modern live tiles are so pretty!
    Because Bing and IE and Zune and Hotmail/Skydrive are so awesome!
    Because I want to make spreadsheets on my phone!
    Because I prefer quality apps, not quantity!
    Because Windows 8 will sell like hotcakes, and is so not the next Vista!
    Because all other phones are ‘BETA phones’ and are ‘smoked by Windows Phone’.
    Because Joe Belfiore, Steven Sinofsky and Steve Ballmer are such sexy men!

    P.S: And Arun is definitely not a MS shill! Trust me!

  • Mark Ranson

    Wow, if you read any of the credible reviews of the Windows phone OS you will find many techies and “dumb” users like it. You knowlege of how phone marketing works is obviously in its infancy as the carrier plays a HUGE part in what phone is popular. You cannot compare iPod, iPad sales as ther are independant of carrier and iPhone, which is a great phone, was only available on one carrier and even then many did NOT buy it as they didn’t want AT&T. Sorry, poor journalism… more like someting written by a high school paper

  • jowilki

    Ha, well now I’ve been provoked to actually log in and comment :) . I’m starting to think you haven’t tried a windows phone. The Windows Marketplace is super slick, pretty, and amazing compared to clunky iTunes and AppStore. They also have Zune pass which is like spotify and you can have unlimited music streaming and downloads. It’s integrated very well and is a compelling reason to choose a windows phone. I have a windows phone 7 and am up for a contract renewal…debating whether to go android or wait for windows phone 8…my main hesitation is leaving the marketplace and Zune software behind…I love it. Also, the app ecosystem will explode with the release of windows 8 desktop OS

  • kkushalbeatzz

    RIM has a lot of catching up to do with the rest of the market. Their entire market share is kids who have it because of BBM and corporates who haven’t upgraded their phone in a while. Their market share will slowly fall. And if WP8 does some marketing, they can take over RIM.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_RSK4Z4DM6PNE6K3JIDAMURONCU Arun

    Refuse to state any reasons? Please go through the comments again, from integration to modern ui to tablets you can find so many reasons here.
    “iPhone is great. I think the HTC One X is great. Sony makes some great devices.” Why? Where is your reason?
    “There are more apps and a stronger ecosystem for iPhone and Android. They are easier to research, buy and support. ” These is your dumb reasons? Can you explain what how they are easier to research, buy and support? And how is the Windows ecosystem that has been spread accross desktops, tablets and pcs weaker? Simply stating ‘Windows Phone does not have any good advantages’ and stating false things won’t change the facts

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_RSK4Z4DM6PNE6K3JIDAMURONCU Arun

    Really? Once again I advise you check facts and look at the world outside US. WP is the only smartphone OS that has seen a rise every quarter since it’s arrival and blackberry has gone down. In the second quarter 7 million BB phones(down from 11) were sold while 5 million WPs made it to users’ hands(up from about 3). So which OS do you expect to be the number 3 in q3?
    ‘Far better’? Ha ha

  • Guest

    *are

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_RSK4Z4DM6PNE6K3JIDAMURONCU Arun

    Every mother feels her child is gorgeous.Known fact.

    P.S: I find Darlington’s comment distasteful.

  • dhavalpatel

    My Lumia 900 lasts almost 2 days with regular usage (Few pics, FB, calling etc.). I don’t think the iP can even compare to that. And yes, the Lumia 900 screen is a delight to look at. Sometimes I just turn on the screen to look at the beautiful flipping tiles.

  • dhavalpatel

    I have owned iP4 and S2 before I switched to Lumia 900. The only reason I bought an iPhone was because of all the hype. Unfortunately that was extremely short lived for me. I found the design beautiful to look at but not ergonomic. Also iOS was utterly boring. Then I moved to S2 because my brother recommended it. It used to get hanged all the time and there was utter lag. Then I went to Lumia 900. I have just absolutely loved this device from the beginning. There are a few quirks to it but overall the simplicity of the UI is just amazing. The biggest deal for me were the live tiles. Now I don’t have to open an app to get any iformation. I get breaking news, scores, weather etc without opening any app. As a result I don’t have to spend time browsing through my phone like I used to in iOS and Android.
    The voice commands are simple and work extremely well even with my Indian accent. I have all the apps that I need and even some of them that I don’t need, so your argument for apps is wrong.
    Over that with Nokia phones, I get free worldwide offline maps and navigation that no other phones or platform gives except Symbian. So there’s your counter argument.
    Lots of apps
    Free offline maps and navigation
    Simple and intuitive UI (Personal preference)
    Well designed phones unlike anorexic and non ergonomic slim designs
    Cheers!

  • Guest

    So instead, I should run a serious mission critical business on a buggy platform chocked full of seemingly endless security holes and malware?

    Hmm… No. I’d rather run it on any other platform(OS X, Linux, FreeBSD, whatever) and not have to worry about my business imploding because an employee opens the wrong email or because some OS bug makes a vital app go down in flames.

  • http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002VH8ECQ Brian S Hall

    Have you used WP8 for even one second?

  • http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002VH8ECQ Brian S Hall

    Those are valid reasons.
    I have studied many users, however, and I think the tiles and hubs, while great in theory, do not seem to work for the very time-sensitive and highly specific activities people engage in with their smartphones. I think the People hub will fail and get redesigned.
    I also think the budding BYOD revolution significantly diminishes Microsoft’s strength in the enterprise.
    Great comment, though. Thanks.

  • Strompf

    Nice article! I think there is an additional reason why folks aren’t eager to buy Windows phones: People usually don’t like Windows. The only reason why they use it, is because of Microsoft’s monopoly. Since this monopoly doesn’t spill over to mobile phones, folks are just too glad not having to use Microsoft products in this area of their live.

  • http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002VH8ECQ Brian S Hall

    Thanks for the comment. Yes, I’ve used Nokia and Samsung WP devices. I don’t want to scare people away from WP or make false assertions about the ecosystem. I hope I haven’t in my post. But, I don’t think they are as good or as robust or as simple as either App Store, or Google Play or Amazon’s app market (in the US, particularly). It’s sort of like discovering a cola drink that’s almost as good or Coke or Pepsi, which is pretty good. Except, why buy that when you can get the Coke or Pepsi?

  • Kellix

    Dude, I was one of the first people to buy one of the new Windows 7 Samsung Focus phones and I will be one of the first buying the 8. Its awsome phone, better then the Iphone, yes the I-phone and android. I’m a Server admin, and I work with all of them every day of the week, So I see them all in person, also I see people in elevators., beating their Iphones and Androids to death to get where they want to go. Widowns phones, 1 click may be 2. they may be late in the game but their catching up. Also whats so diffderent then the Iphone 4s and 5 I have friends that have them that will not be upgrading because of that. To each his own. I like phones that work not phones that you have to beat to death to make work which is the iphone.

  • http://twitter.com/Kellix4 Kellix

    Nokia put all their phones on the windows phones and in europe and in Asia, the Windows phone passed the Iphone in sales. Guessed you forgot to include that in your article. Steve Jobs the mastermind of Apple passed away, I’m a Microsoft person and in 5 years, lets see how the Windows phone, I phone and Androids are doing then. When Apple has 1 million apps that 2/3 rds that do the same thing. I hate apple fan boys. because give it time. Microsoft is going to burn you, If apple owned 90% of the PC market wouldn’t people be trying to write viruses for their computers. I would say yes. Give it time.

  • Devin

    It’s actually way easier to get content *cough* podcasts for example *cough* on windows phones than on iphones. fyi :) Also, MS’s ecosystem actually is pretty much seamless. Even if you are on a Macbook (like me), it’s super easy to sync things, and if not, Hotmail (or even gmail), Skydrive, Hotmail Calendar, gmail calendar, facebook, and twitter are all integrated. Also, with your live ID, you’re content can easily be shared across platforms – pc, phone, xbox. Luckily, movie rental isn’t really necessary either, since most windows phones (7) come with netflix preinstalled. Seriously dudes, just because Apple tells you to buy something, that doesn’t mean it’s the best. For example – the iphone 5 probably has the worst mapping software on the mobile market. Fanboys be fanboys, but for the rest of us, try the thing before you pass judgement. I bought a windows phone on a whim when 7 released and I couldn’t be happier. It works WAY better than any other smartphone I’ve ever used (and never freezes like my old iphone or everyone’s android devices).

    Just sayin’, just try it.

  • Devin

    your* content. :)

  • This article is retarded

    This has got to be the most retarded article I’ve ever read.

  • Stefan Criber

    The only factors of real importance to potential consumers I have spoken to in China are: 1. Does the phone work as it is supposed to; 2. Is it simple and intuitive to operate and does what it is supposed to; 3. Is the price set at a level that encourages them foregoing the purchase of an iOS or Android phone to give it a try; and 4. That Windows phones offer at least the same level of social networking functions that the others do.
    At least in the case of point 3 the answer is a resounding NO! The commonly asked question here (in China) is why should I pay more for the Nokia than for an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S-III.

  • Vikas

    “It’s not simpler, nor more intuitive ” are you kidding me ? The WP UI beats both android and IOS . The auther has not even mentioned anything about the amazing Social media integration built into the OS , or the beautifully made Nokia Drive on the Nokia lumia.

  • Jacob Roggero

    Ok I completely agree that no one has adequately responded to your post yet. So let me tell you why I switched from Android, and why my brother is considering switching after being an iphone user than android user.

    1. The OS is fast, consistent, and simple. I completely disagree that this phone isn’t easier to use than either an Iphone or Android. It has large simple tiles that give real time information, it strips down the options and customization, and while that might seem like a negative, after constantly tinkering with my android and eventually seeing the slow response time and constant freezing or crashing of apps… I think the windows phone Manga release is the quickest and most stable OS out there. Since the current OS also doesn’t have true multitasking, but rather app pausing, it also runs quicker, and uses far less system resources. My lumia lasts hours longer than my previous LG Android.

    2. Office and Skydrive integration is perfect for students (which I am). I love constantly automatically having all of my files and pictures uploaded and saved on the cloud.

    3. Fewer app selection yes, but since windows has a standard hardware configuration, the apps seems to function far better than the fragmented Android universe. Apple clearly has the best ecosystem in the app department, no one can deny this, but Microsoft has great integration in its system like the people app, and group threads. Neither Android nor IOS has as much contact integration in the system of the phone itself.

    4. Zune integration. If you never use this I think people just don’t realize how great it is. To automatically connect with the phone and sync and change out videos, pictures, and music without the user having to do anything. Not to mention this runs again quicker and with less system resources than itunes.

    5. Bing integration along with Nokia apps (some which are lumia specific) make these phones better. Again, without additional outside apps the phone pulls suggestions of business around you with reviews and local listings, not to mention apps like City lens which is an augmented reality that sheds light on everything around you with info about those places. Google is tinkering with this in their Google goggle app.

    6. Nokia, this is a point that is not as much about Windows 8 in general, but about Nokia and windows 8. They constantly are releasing great apps, almost all of which are free.
    1. Nokia Camera Extras (includes editing pictures, new software updates for different lighting and styles, panorama pictures, self timer, group shot…)2. Nokia Contacts Transfer
    3. Creative Studio
    4. Nokia ESPN app (and now separate ESNP Fantasy Football app)
    5. Nokia Maps
    6. Nokia City Lens (which lets you hold your camera up and Nokia shows you shops and reviews and such of the surrounding area)
    7. Nokia Drive (free GPS turn by turn navigation)
    8. Nokia Music (which was just turned on last week for US customers, free music streaming and downloads without any subscription and no advertisements or commercials, only available on Nokia phones)
    9. Nokia Trailers
    10.Nokia Play to (which allows you to send pictures or videos to other devices such as blu ray players or tv’s or cell phones)

    Not to mention free wireless internet sharing for Nokia devices. And clearly with the new windows 8, the OS is expanding to include anything you might have needed earlier, such as expandable memory, NFC, true multitasking, support for some of the highest pixel density, and perhaps a plethora of things we just don’t know.

    I find these phone to just work much better than either of the other two major systems out there. I disagree they are less “safe” and completely disagree that it is more difficult to purchase things like music and videos. Their zune music player on these phones is amazing. I really feel like if people spent time using these phones they would consider switching. Not everyone because it does have its limitations, but I find more pros than cons.

  • Walt French

    Myself included. Today’s news, that Nokia was pricing the 920 at ~$80 over the best-selling, top-of-the-line Samsung is simply astonishingly suicidal.

  • Walt French

    Nice Try Dept. BSH is as subtle as a jackhammer.

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