Not happy with the Windows 10 Technical Preview? Here is how you can drop back to Windows Phone 8.1

Not happy with the Windows 10 Technical Preview? Here is how you can drop back to Windows Phone 8.1

Have you recently loaded the Technical Preview of Windows 10 for Mobile on your Windows Phone? By now, you probably realize that this is a work in progress as it is quite buggy. Thankfully, Microsoft had the foresight to install a "rollback" feature in the Technical Preview that allows you to bring Windows Phone 8.1 back to your handset if so desired. You will lose all of your data, so back it up to a microSD card or to OneDrive before you begin.

To bring Windows Phone 8.1 back to your handset, you will need your phone, a USB cable, a Windows PC and the Windows Recovery Tool which is downloaded to your PC. Use the USB cable to connect your phone with the computer. The phone should be automatically recognized by the computer. If not, disconnect the phone from the PC and click on 'My phone was not detected' at the bottom of the screen; follow the instructions on the display.

Once your phone model is detected by the computer, click on the name of the model on your PC screen. The next screen will show software versions; click on the reinstall button. You will then see a disclaimer suggesting that you back up the phone. Click on continue. The next step has the recovery tool downloading and installing the firmware. It is important that you do not disconnect the phone from the computer while this is happening. When completed, you will see a notification that says "Operation successfully completed." Oh happy day!

Don't consider it a failure if you need to go back to Windows Phone 8.1 from Windows 10 Technical Preview. After all, we are not talking about the final version of the new Windows build here. Once Microsoft kills all bugs dead and releases the finished Windows 10 for Mobile, you should try again to update your Windows Phone device to the latest and greatest build of Microsoft's mobile OS. Source

Windows 10 ready Microsoft Lumia 532 launches in India

Windows 10 ready Microsoft Lumia 532 launches in India

Even though the Microsoft Lumia 532 is a low-end model, Microsoft says that it is upgradeable to Windows 10 Mobile. That is sure to go a long way in India where the phone has just been launched on Monday. Priced at the equivalent of $105, buyers are getting a smartphone that will be powered by the latest build of Microsoft's mobile OS before the end of the year.

So what are the specs of the Lumia 532? Glad you asked. The phone is equipped with a 4-inch screen offering a 480 x 800 resolution. The handset is driven by a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 200 CPU and does sport 1GB of RAM on board along with 8GB of native storage. If more memory is what you seek, a 128GB capacity microSD slot is available. A 5MP camera is on back (no auto focus), while a .3MP shooter graces the front of the unit. A 1560mAh battery keeps the lights on and Windows Phone 8.1 with the Lumia Denim update is pre-installed. Oh, and you should know that this model does feature Dual SIM slots.

The Microsoft Lumia 532 is available in bright green, bright orange, white and black. Earlier this month, the nearly similar Microsoft Lumia 435 launched in India with practically identical specs. The only difference (besides an approximately $5 cheaper price) is that the Lumia 435 sports a 2MP rear-facing camera. Source

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 could soon be sent out to those subscribed to Preview for Developers

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 could soon be sent out to those subscribed to Preview for Developers

Last September, it appeared that the Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 update was going to start rolling out on October 8th to those subscribed to Preview for Developers. But that turned out to be one of those rumors that never comes true. Now, it looks as though the next Windows Phone 8.1 General Distribution Release is ready to be distributed to manufacturers.

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 has been spotted in OEM official documentation. That means it is at the RTM (Release to Manufacturing) stage. At this point, we could see it sent out to those subscribed to Preview for Developers. Eventually, once the Lumia Denim firmware update is complete, GDR2 could be released to non-developer owners of a Windows Phone 8.1 model.

Some of the new features that the update will bring include video over LTE, an anti-theft feature and support for new languages like Bangla (Bangladesh), Khmer, Kiswahili and Lao. Since Microsoft has said that it would add an anti-theft feature in the middle of this year, that gives us a good idea when to expect this update to start rolling out to all Windows Phone 8.1 handsets.  Source

Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones is now available to some Windows Phone users

Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones is now available to some Windows Phone users

If you are an enrolled member of the Windows Insider program and have the Windows Insider app on your phone, the Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones is now available to those sporting certain Windows Phone handsets. Keep in mind that this is not the same thing as the Preview for Developers program. Where the latter usually offers something close to the final version of a new software build, the Technical Preview is far from being the final build. That means that you should expect to see bugs, and lots of them.

Since the apps that are available now support Windows Phone 8.1, if you do decide to install the Technical Preview there is a good chance that your apps will not run as smoothly as you are accustomed to seeing. If you have just one Windows Phone device, think carefully before installing the Technical Preview. We don't know how difficult it will be to rollback your update to Windows Phone 8.1 if necessary. You could end up losing the most basic capabilities of your phone, and not be able to make or take calls on it. Do you really want to take that risk?

The Windows 10 Preview is available for the Nokia Lumia 630, Lumia 635, Lumia 636, Lumia 638, Lumia 730 and Lumia 830. New features include expanded Action Center, Touch versions of the Office suite, enhanced speech to text capabilities and more.

If you do decide to install the Technical Preview of Windows 10 for phones, remember that you are being asked to provide feedback to Microsoft. That is technically the reason why Microsoft allows you to get the update in advance. No one is holding a gun to your head, but if you do follow-up with Microsoft, you are helping the company help you. Source

Notification center comparison: Android vs iPhone vs Windows Phone vs BlackBerry (poll results)

Notification center comparison: Android vs iPhone vs Windows Phone vs BlackBerry (poll results)

The notification center is one of the most visited place of any smartphone, and having a place where notifications are aggregated logically and conveniently is of big importance. Last week, we showed you the different approach of various phone makers to the notification hub, and we asked you to tell us which is your favorite approach to getting notifications.

A week has passed and it's time to take a look at the results. Not surprisingly, one platform jumps ahead of all else with an impressive lead: it's Android 5.0 Lollipop with the completely overhauled approach it has to the notification center. Nearly 32% of all voters agree that Lollipop has the most user-friendly and useful notification hub.

All others remain fairly distant runner-ups, but it's still worth mentioning the very good score of the new Windows Phone 8.1 notification center that ranked second with nearly 16% of the votes, while Samsung's TouchWiz notification center that mixes in more color and contrasty visuals ended up on the third place with some 14%.

Apple's iOS 8.1 notification center with its two tabs finished - somewhat surprisingly - on the fourth place. iOS 8.1 uses a two-tab notification system that is different from all others, but this approach does not seem to have won it much approval from you, our readers.

All the remaining contestants get single-digit percentage scores, and you can see how they all rank right below. Source

List of phones eligible for Windows 10 technical preview to be shared soon

List of phones eligible for Windows 10 technical preview to be shared soon

Windows 10 technical preview should arrive on select Windows Phone handsets in the near future, but will your smartphone be able to get it? Well, according to Gabriel Aul, head of Microsoft's Windows 10 Insider program, a list of Windows 10 technical preview supported devices will be shared "very, very soon."

Not long ago, Microsoft mentioned that handsets like the Nokia Lumia 930, Nokia Lumia 735, and Microsoft Lumia 435 would be updated to Windows 10 no matter what. We're also expecting devices like the Lumia Icon / 930, Lumia 535, Lumia 830, Lumia 730, and others (even if they have only 512 MB of RAM) to get the update.

Earlier this week, Gabriel Aul said that Windows 10 was running "very smooth" on the Lumia 635 - which means other handsets with 512 MB of RAM should be able to run the new version of the OS just fine. However, Microsoft warned that some low-end smartphones might not get all the new features included in Windows 10.

As a reminder, Windows 10 will bring a brand new browser called Spartan, unified apps, more personalization options, a new Settings menu, new Notifications menu, and much more. Source

Windows 10 is "very smooth" on the Nokia Lumia 635

Windows 10 is "very smooth" on the Nokia Lumia 635

Microsoft recently confirmed that it's working to bring Windows 10 (or at least some of its features) to low-end Lumia smartphones. For now, it looks like things are going well in this regard.

Today, Microsoft's Garbiel Aul, who's leading the Windows 10 Insider program, said that he's currently testing Windows 10 a Nokia Lumia 635, and the OS is "very smooth on it overall." As you may know, the Lumia 635 features 512 MB of RAM and a Snapdragon 400 processor, so it's one of the least powerful Windows Phone 8 devices out there. If Windows 10 runs smoothly on the 635, it will most probably also play well with handsets like the Lumia 530, Lumia 525, or even the Lumia 520.

A Windows 10 preview for phones should be launched pretty soon, and handsets with 512 MB of RAM will get it, too.

As for the final and stable version of Windows 10, this is expected to be available starting this summer. That's not exactly soon, but it's probably worth the wait.  Source

How to add wireless charging to your Android, iPhone, Windows, or BlackBerry smartphone

How to add wireless charging to your Android, iPhone, Windows, or BlackBerry smartphone

So far, it's been up to manufacturers to decide whether their smartphones will feature wireless charging or not. When you think about it, though, as technically complicated as smartphones are, wireless charging is just a couple of coils that transmit and receive current through a small magnetic field. A triumphant combination of cheap components and mastery of the laws of physics! Hence, it shouldn't be that difficult to roll out an aftermarket solution for those whose phones lack wireless charging, but would appreciate the convenience of plopping their handsets on a charging mat or station and forgetting about it.

It turns out we're right. Aftermarket wireless charging for Android, iOS, Windows, and BlackBerry smartphones is absolutely a thing. The technology is simple, and the price of admission low - just as we expected. What's the deal, though? Friends, welcome to the world of Wireless Charging Receiver Modules! Behind the pompous name lies a paper-thin sheet of plastic that incorporates a receiver coil and either microUSB/Lighting charging circuitry, or pins for current transfer. These can be procured from Amazon at ~$10 prices, possibly even cheaper on Chinese trading websites.

There are universal models, as well as models for specific smartphones. They all work the same, but have differences in output voltage and installation method. For example, the one for the Galaxy Note 4 doesn't need a microUSB port, because it connects directly to the pins inside the handset's battery compartment, and outputs 600mAh of current where others output 500mAh. So you'll be better off buying a model specific to your smartphone, if one's available. Otherwise, go universal.

Now, there are two kinds of wireless charging receivers - the first has a microUSB/Lighting port, and the second connects directly to the pins. You will learn which type of receiver to get for your smartphone by searching Amazon or another shopping website for your smartphone name plus "wireless charging receiver". If your phone needs the first type, you will end up taping a sheet of plastic on your phone's back panel with double-sided adhesive. This won't look very pretty, so by all means and purposes, you will have to put the phone in a case to conceal and protect the sheet. By the way, some accessory makers have made complete wireless charging cases based on the same approach - look at this one for the iPhone 6, it's a smart solution - so look around for such products before you buy a sheet receiver.

If your phone needs the second type of receiver, you are lucky - it goes completely unnoticed inside the phone's battery compartment, on top of the battery unit. Of course, you will also need a wireless charging pad or stand if you don't already have one. So have a look at our lineup of wireless chargers, but consider searching for alternatives as well, because it's been a while since we published those, and even better offers may have popped up!

So, here are the simple instructions for adding a microUSB/Lighting port receiver (1), or a pin-based receiver (2). Source

Microsoft working on a way to update low-end Windows Phone handsets with parts of Windows 10

Microsoft working on a way to update low-end Windows Phone handsets with parts of Windows 10

A tweet sent out on Sunday by Microsoft's Joe Belfiore has some hopeful news for those with entry-level Windows Phone 8.1 models with 512MB of RAM. Owners of those handsets probably figured that they would be completely skipped over for the Windows 10 for Phone update. But in his tweet, Belfiore said that Microsoft is working on a way to include them in the Windows 10 update.

This means that the most popular Windows Phone model of all time, the Nokia Lumia 520 with over 12 million units active as of last July, would be updated. However, before you get too giddy, Belfiore's tweet hinted that these low end models would receive only certain features of the Windows 10 update. Belfiore also sent another tweet adding that the timing of the update will vary among devices. He said that when the insider program is launched, it initially will support a "subset of devices" with the program broadening out as time goes on.

And the Microsoft executive sent out one last tweet stating that the Insider build of Windows 10 for Phones is still expected to be available this month. Right now, the OS is undergoing "internal testing." Source

Windows 10 preview for phones will likely have a rollback feature

Windows 10 preview for phones will likely have a rollback feature

Earlier today, we showed you a few screenshots detailing a preview of Windows 10 for phones - which can already be tested by some lucky users, despite the fact that Microsoft hasn't released it yet. Now, we have one more (quite important) detail about Windows 10 for phones to share.

Talking about the update process to Windows 10 on phones, Microsoft's Gabriel Aul mentioned on Twitter that "the ability to rollback if you hit an issue is very important to us." While this isn't a confirmation per se, Microsoft is definitely considering letting you revert to your older Windows build if you install Windows 10 and things somehow go awfully wrong.

Windows 10 technical preview is expected to be available for select Windows Phone 8.1 handsets later this month. Since Microsoft still has a lot of work to do before completing the stable, final version of Windows 10 (this should be released in the summer), a rollback option will be more than welcome.

Besides bringing a more unified look on all devices, Windows 10 for phones will feature a new Notifications system, Spartan browser (which is designed from scratch to eventually replace Internet Explorer), new Settings menu, unified apps, enhanced personalization capabilities, and much more. Source

Windows 10 phones and tablets with desktop PC computing capabilities "coming soon"

Windows 10 phones and tablets with desktop PC computing capabilities "coming soon"

Windows 10 is slowly treading towards its release, with a test version about to roll out in February to members of the Insider program. Now, we are still waiting for the Windows Phone 8.1 GDR 2 update, which was supposed to arrive a while ago, and is said to add support for more varied hardware, with varied, pixel-dense resolutions and more powerful CPUs. A lot of rumors are saying, however, that the GDR 2 update will not be coming, instead – its goodies will be integrated directly with Windows 10, and this makes sense, seeing as Microsoft has seemingly been spending a lot of time on the new version of its OS, and aims to roll it out for free.

We've also been puzzled by Redmond's inactivity on the flagship front – ever since the Nokia acquisition was complete, the company has been churning out low-end and entry-level Microsoft-branded smartphones, and there is no word, leak, or whisper on a high-class Windows flagship being in the pipeline. Well, apparently, Microsoft may be biding their time until the Windows 10 release, due to a very solid reason – according to a note about a Microsoft presentation that's going to happen on GDC 2015 (Game Developers Conference), Windows 10 smartphones and tablets with octa-core CPUs and “very powerful” GPUs will be reaching desktop PC capabilities.

Well, that's interesting – so Microsoft definitely has something up its sleeve – and this should provide for a very interesting presentation, if the powerful “computing capabilities” are presented on-stage. We're definitely ticking March 6th on our calendars. Full quote follows:

Modern mobile devices and smartphones are reaching the computing capabilities reserved until recently for desktop PCs. Windows 10 phones and tablets with 8 CPUs and very powerful GPUs are expected soon. Despite significant progress in reducing power consumption these devices are able to draw more power under sustained load than can be safely dissipated with current passive cooling technologies. Windows 10 and the hardware it runs on are designed to safely handle such situations, mostly by reducing the system performance - which could affect game-play negatively. Learn to counter this effect by designing games that achieve sustained thermal-to-quality tradeoffs in these systems. Source