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There are a lot of myths and rumours doing the rounds regarding Windows® Phone. So, here's the truth. |
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| Simply not true. Windows® Phone devices don't require dual core processors to get the same performance as rival operating systems. This is because Windows® Phone has been optimised to require less power in terms of processor speed and RAM. In fact, the system is arguably faster, smoother and more stable than competitors. |
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| The Marketplace actually has over 100,000 apps with almost all of the headline apps of rival stores, including Sky News, Facebook™, YouTube™, Skype and Angry Birds. It's also the fastest growing store. Finally all apps in the store are checked for consistency and suitability for the devices. This ensures the quality of apps is high, that there is a similar look and feel across different apps and phones, and that apps don't cause crashes or contain viruses. |
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| While there are not as many free apps as in the Android Market, you can easily get all the apps you need without spending a penny. Kindle, ESPN Goals, WhatsApp, AccuWeather.com, all free. |
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| Windows® Phone has a Start screen with large Live Tiles (icons) that are easy to read and not fiddly to use. It's also simple to customise and pin the apps and live updates you want right on the Start screen. Then you swipe to the right to access the full list of apps. Options are accessible in any app by pressing the three dots in the bottom right of the screen. And there's a home button, a back button and a search button on the front of each phone. Simple. |
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| Of course there is! Hold the back button down for a second and all the apps you have open pop up on the screen in the form of screenshots. Slide left or right to view your open apps, and click on the one you want to use. |
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| Windows® Phone does support tethering, which includes devices from Nokia and HTC. |
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| The battery issue that affected a small number of early Nokia Lumia 800 smartphones has been fixed with a software update, and Windows® Phone devices have strong battery lives. This is for two main reasons. They don't need to use dual core processors, so the phones aren't working as hard, and they have an easy to use and effective Battery Saver feature. This shuts off all unnecessary background tasks, but keeps the phone's performance the same. |
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If you've never tried Windows® Phone before, why not pop to your nearest Carphone Warehouse store and have a look?
Words: Alan Thomas
Design: Sophie Payne |
