The latest Nielsen survey released shows some pretty amazing trends in the cell phone industry. First to note is that smartphones now account for 50% of all phone purchases in the U.S., marking a 38% increase over last year at this time. According to Nielsen, this growth is attributed to increasing smartphone adoption, with more than two thirds of the phones purchased in the last three months being smartphones.

What could be considered even more of a telling sign of things to come are the numbers per platform. Android remained unchanged with 48% of the market share, with iOS coming in at 43% and the remaining 9% comprised of RIM, Nokia and Microsoft. The increase of iOS and the unchanged share of Android smartphones in the survey show that these two powerhouses form nothing short of a duopoly in smartphone purchases, in the U.S. RIM slipped to an all time low of 5% with all ofthers comprising the remaining 4%.

While Android is at the top and iOS is steadily coming up behind them, what does this leave for RIM, Nokia and Microsoft? Will they be able to survive the loss of so many new customers? Do they have something up their sleeves to turn things around or are we destined to witness their collapse in the cell phone industry? Which OS do you use and are you tempted to try anything else? If so, which ones?

Give us your thoughts below!

Source: Nielsen Survey

As you may remember, Skype is now a part of Microsoft and there’s been rumors as to when Skype will be available on Windows Phone 7 devices. There’s a new rumor floating around that there are some private invitations going out to beta test a new Skype app.

The invitation is something along the lines of “Skype for Windows Phone is just around the corner and we’ve teamed up with the Skype folks to help with beta testing. If you are receiving this newsletter directly, look for an invitation in the coming weeks and be on the inside track for what is sure to be one of the hottest new apps on the Marketplace!”

For now, it sounds like it will be a standalone app and not integrated into the OS like Windows Live Messenger and Facebook chat are. This might possibly come in the next version of Windows Phone 7 along with some new devices.

Source: PocketNow

While Microsoft has had games released on different platforms, so far, the XBox Live experience has really only been on Windows Phone 7 devices. Microsoft now states that it will be bringing “a few” of their XBox Live experiences and titles to the iPhone, iPad, and Android. There’s no word yet on when this might happen, or what experiences or titles that might be.

While the Xbox Live experiences and games always work best on the Windows platform, we understand that some Xbox fans may be using other types of devices. To satisfy that need, we are working to extend a few of our Xbox experiences and titles to other platforms.

They already have My XBox Live which brings some of the experience to the iPhone. Those of you XBox users out there, would this be enough to make you switch to the iPhone or Android instead of a Windows Phone 7?

Source: iMore

So how would you like to attend a “Party” in a “special” location Cologne, Germany? Well PPCG’s has got a hunch that such invitations are being sent out – and it has to do with Microsoft and Nokia. Details were vary sprace but our own JasonFieldz has some in site to what this “party” will be about.

So Nokia has yet to officially unveil it’s Windows Phone 7 line up; but in the past month or so we have seen leaks of Nokia’s Sting Ray – which will be it’s first Windows Phone 7 Mango device. The Sting Ray has gorilla glass, polycarbonate body and a basic N9 feel to it. We always expected Nokia to release a device before 2012 so this is the first Nokia Flagship…

Nokia will more than likely try to regain confidence with it’s buyers, stockholders and general public that the move to Microsoft is the right thing to do. We have seen Nokia slip into 3rd place globally with Samsung and Apple taking the first two spots. This would be Nokia’s way of telling the World – We are Back to Play Hard Ball.

Things that we have seen about Nokia Sting Ray point that it will be a good device, solid build and yet just as fast and fluid as the previous generation phones. What do you think about this Nokia/Microsoft “special” party? I will be watching all the news channels come August 17th to give you WP7 lovers the goodies! Stay here at PPCG for your news!

Source: Mobileda

So how many WP7 users do PPCG have? Well WHO CARES! The Windows Dev Team announced that developers will get version 7712 of Mango.

Now we know that T-Mobile is pushing firmware updates to the HD7, which is pre-mango update (think Pre-NoDo). We also know that Microsoft released Mango to Manufactures (RTM). We also know that the Nokia Sea Ray used version 7710 of Mango during the announcement of the device.

We also know that the offical version of Mango is 7720, while 7712 is not final it is a sure heck of a lot closer than 7661 that we are running now. So lets all hold our breath for tomorrow when Devs get 7712 Mango flavor!

 So PPCG who is ready for a little more WP7 love? Tell me below what you expect to be improved iwth Mango, even the people running 7661 – what would you like ot see changed/improved? I want better music functionality the 7661 has a music bug that I want resolved!

 Sources; Neowin.net & WMpowerusers & WPCentral

FROM OUR FORUMS! If you want to run windows Mango on your phone ahead of time, we have the way to do it! Now remember that PPCGeeks does not take responsibility for damaging your phone. We are not responsible for lost information! With that all said please check out our Forums, specifically our Windows Phone 7 forum and you shall find yourself a little Mango Love!

This forum is growing and evolving so check it out frequently this is where you can find the latest Mango discoveries! I can tell you that my Sprint Arrive never looked so fun! I have Mango and I love it. Thanks to the guys in the forum for finding this – posting this and working with it! Visit the Mango For All forum here!

So it seems Symantec did an independent study of mobile operating systems. They attempted to measure how secure Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platforms are, and also determine how the mobile systems stack to today’s desktop operating systems. Symantec claims that these mobile platforms are much more secure than today’s popular desktop operating systems, though the firm does suggest that the key variable as always is the “human element”.

“Today’s mobile devices are a mixed bag when it comes to security” said Carey Nachenberg, Symantec Fellow and Chief Architect, in a statement. “While more secure than traditional PCs. these platforms are still vulnerable to many traditional attacks. Moreover, enterprise employees are increasingly using un-managed, personal devices to access sensitive enterprise resources; and then connecting these devices to 3rd-party services outside the governance of their enterprise, potentially exposing key assets to attackers.”

While Symantec does not come right out and say who is better in security it is pretty clear they favor iOS more than Android. It says iOS’ app screening procedure plays a HUGE role in the platforms security and also says the platform’s architecture makes it better at resisting mal-ware attacks and data integrity attacks.

So PPCGeeks, it seems that iOS is better in security than Android; of course this is all relative and nothing is official as it is always changing in the mobile world. What do you think is better secured (iOS, Android, Windows Phone 7)? If mobile OS anti-virus/mal-ware protection was offered would you buy into it? How safe do you feel while using your device?

source: BGR

Today seems to be some sort of Windows Phone 7 News day; what do I mean? Well it appears that we have been given the names of the next Windows Phone update names. Microsoft is rolling Mango out this fall that is to bring over 500 new features to Windows Phone 7. But reports are that they are already working on other major updates for the platform as well.

Digitimes reports on Tuesday that Compal Communications, which manufacturers devices for Acer and Nokia, recently inked a Microsoft deal confirming that it will build devices for Mango as well as the next-generation Tango devices. Microsoft has yet to discuss Tango yet, so it’s unclear what will be included or how big of a jump it will be from the long awaited Mango release. Reportedly, Tango will be then phased out in favor of a new “Apollo” OS, which I suspect we could call Windows 8.

Now this is all rumors but rumors are good to drive hype of a platform. We already know what Mango has instore so lets start the rumors off good – what will be in Tango? You tell us PPCGeeks, and remember Microsoft may very well find this and think “hmm DAMN that is a good idea.” So think big and speculate bigger!

Source: BGR

Today Nokia announced that its annual Nokia World Conference would be held on October 26-27 in London…Leading many to the conclusion that this will be when they “kick-off” their Windows Phone 7 devices. However, there is nothing that gives us 100% truthfulness to the agenda. Right now we don’t even know who the keynote speakers will be for the 2 day event.

What is known is that Nokia World Conference has historically been where the Finnish phone maker makes big announcments. At Nokia’s N9 today Communiasia in China, CEO Stephen Elop also lent credence to earlier rumblings that WP7 devices would arrive Q4 this year. If this is in deed true then this conference in October would fit nicely for the announcement, and showing of these Windows Phone 7 devices. Plus lets not forget that Mango (Windows 7.1/7.5) is due out this same time frame. So what a better time than not for releasing something new and fruitful.

Tell me PPCGeeks – does this partnership with Microsoft + Nokia have you wondering what to come? Is a Nokia device calling your name, but the current OS is holding you back? How about a N9 with WP7 on it? Tell us below what your dream Nokia Wp7 device would be like…

Source: WPcentral

There’s a bit of good news coming from the ChevronWP7 team, it seems it’s been a while since we have heard much from them. That is besides them actively coding, running Aussie DDD WP7 Mango presentations, releasing fixes for the “Walshie” WP7 forced Nodo tool and twittering away… Well, now they have made a pretty big Windows Phone announcement, completely backed by Microsoft.

This announcement was based on the initial vision which brought the ChevronWP7 team together in the first place. This vision was for a lower-cost alternative method to Developer-unlock your Windows Phone handset, along with the side-loading of Apps, homebrews and other community based initiatives. Unlike the iPhone Dev Team, this service won’t be free. Customers will have to pay a minimal fee via PayPal and then they will have the ability to jailbreak and load homebrew apps on their handsets.

The ChevronWP7 team at their core, came about out of the shared vision of Home-brew and the enthusiast community creating, developing and pushing this new OS platform to its fullest potential, even if not supported by Microsoft. Well, Microsoft has taken the high road with all of this and has embraced their creativity and invited them to a meeting. That is when things got quiet until now.

The announcement on their Blog (pictured below), confirmed a forthcoming initiative from the newly created CHEVRONWP7 LABS team. It would appear that this is going to be the name under which any further WP7 software, tools or general releases from the ChveronWP7 team will be made under. The specific Blog post on their site confirmed a forthcoming low-cost alternative to Developer Unlocking your Windows Phone handset, in-line with their objectives to promote and support the home-brew, developer and enthusiast WP7 communities.

Important enough to mention again, is that this initiative will be fully endorsed up-front by Microsoft.
I have to give a huge amount of credit to the Chevron team (Chris, Long and Rafael), for standing strong behind their initial goal of supporting the WP7 enthusiast community and developers.

Will you pay a fee to jailbreak, knowing you have Microsoft’s permission to do so?
Is Microsoft starting to also see the value of the developer and enthusiast community?
What are your thoughts on all of this? Let us know in the comments below.

source: chevronwp7

Microsoft seems to be right on task with this Mango thing. It seems that they are getting ready to hand out Mango flavored devices for app Dev’s next week! The article cites anonymously “sources familiar with the company’s plans” so take it with a very very fine grain of salt. Still, this is just a matter of when, not if, for Microsoft, so next week sounds as good as any other week.

Now one would think that with Windows Phone Developers most have a Windows Phone 7 right? Well you are probably correct, and would suspect that Microsoft would just send out a test ROM, and allow the Dev’s to side-load them right? Well that is where you would be completely wrong. It seems that with the issue of putting the device back to a “normal” state for the official Mango release would prove to be a huge task, one Microsoft is not wanting to attempt – so their solution Developer devices to the Dev’s to use! Now these devices are loaned out to them – think of a “try before you buy” type of idea…Sounds good to me; can I beta test it for you Microsoft?

So the bigger question is who gets the device first? Well that is currently unknown, or even how to register to get the device. Tell me Windows Phone 7 Geeks, would you like one of these devices? I suspect that we would all say YES! but what would you want to use it for? Tell me below, or even if you think Mango is worth it…The words are not in your court Geeks!

Source: WPCentral

So last week we brought up an article of Apple just copying it’s competition, well today folks it seems Google may be doing the same thing. With Microsoft going to one UI for Windows Phone 7, Xbox 360, and Windows 8; it seems Google is going to use the same “Style” of formatting for their screens.

Last month, Google held their I/O conference, where all things Google happens including Android news. They have the “sessions” page where you can go watch all the keynotes and talks that went on during that time period. Which is very similar to Microsoft MIX. Now, this might be old news but still interesting to me as a Microsoft fan person, but the Google I/O and Metro theme look similar? Then, again let’s remember that this idea could have been out long ago and we are just seeing this “refresh” of an UI out for all. But remember Microsoft filed for patent rights on the Windows Phone 7 Metro theme when Windows Phone 7 was still a hot unseen item!

Now here is even a further thing to ponder. Straight from Microsoft Page, and wait for it…YES! Google Wallet – to close to call for my books – but they sure do look similar.

With that all said I would like to see if their are any issues coming to Google for possible copy of Metro UI. What do you guys think, is the picture above close enough in similarity to cause a patents right issue? You be the judge, and tell me below fellow Geeks!

Source: WPCentral

Steve Jobs stole the WWDC 2011 conference this year with iOS5, iCloud, and the new functions of the iPhone. But I want to point something out. The things that Apple announced as their new features Microsoft ALREADY DID 8 months AHEAD of Apple. Yes folks – Let’s just see who is copying who!

 “Feeling flattered today. Lots of great WP ideas headed to iOS. (Camera button/above lock, auto-upoad [sic] of pics, better notifications … ) … wi-fi sync, built-in twitter, background download service, short-messaging chats (though we do Facebook!)” Joe Belfiore

Responding to one particularly enthusiastic tweet about the volume button in iOS5 working as a camera shortcut, Belfiore pointed out “with a wp7 you get a dedicated camera button..that wakes the phone from sleep and humps u to a camera.” He also couldn’t help but mention that it had “been shipping for 8 months!”

There’s certainly plenty of overlap in the usage dynamics we’ve seen of iOS5 so far, though how much of that is idea sharing and how much is the various platforms shifting to a central point of “good” design is unclear. We have a feeling people wouldn’t be so quick to label Apple derivative if the company itself hadn’t made such a song & dance about others firms copying their idea.

Ok PPCGeeks, I call BULLSH&T here. Apple is copying other people’s ideas. First iMessage – can you say Blackberry Messenger. Second Camera button – Windows Phone 7. Third – iCloud – Google Music & Microsoft Zune…HMM How about Apple gets their act together and says what they really are doing. “Apple Running out of idea’s – so we just use our competitors”. But tell me PPCGeeks – what does this all mean to you?

Source: Slashgear

Apple delayed the launch of the Iphone for fear of it killing their iPod sales.

 When Apple was originally founded it was built to sell computers. Computers remained the company focus for over thirty years, but no longer is this the case. Apple computers have taken a backseat to the companies sales of mobile devices.

Microsoft has struggled to keep up with the changing market. And with its main competitor Apple. The new windows phone is definitely better than many of the older windows mobile devices but there is still room for improvement as I’m sure many of you that have the device would agree.

There are strong rumors that Microsoft is looking into purchasing Nokia for the nice round number of about $19 billion. While we don’t have an announcement from either Microsoft or Nokia, there is some strong evidence to back up this rumor.

The ex-Nokia chief’s vision for the company did not follow the path of being a device company but rather a transition to becoming a software  company. They did launch their own software, but it was overblown by Android and similar iOS devices. The new CEO of Nokia shares the same vision of making the switch from devices to software. Some believe that the new CEO was put into his office to assure the change would happen. When Nokia agreed in February that it would adopt the Windows Phone as its future smartphone those rumors appeared to be true.

But where will Microsoft go from here is the question on all our minds. For so long they have been the forefront runners in the PC business, can they make the switch over to focusing on being a mobile company? It will be interesting to watch this unfold. For so long Microsoft has paved the way with  their breakthroughs in technology, when it comes to computers, but their technology in the mobile area is a bit behind.

Apple broke from tradition in 2007 when they launch their series of mobile devices (the iPhone, the iPad, the iPod Touch, etc.) Now Microsoft is having to play catch up.

Will Microsoft be able to make up for their somewhat lost time and recapture their spot in leading technology? Only time will tell…

Source: BGR

So Acer has finally stepped up and came to the Windows Phone Party, they have released their first Windows Phone 7 – dubbed Acer W4. This is a new partnership that was announced just last week, but as it seems to me Acer was already aboard developing phones before the official announcement. Let’s take a look at the specs of the phone.

• 3.5-inch WVGA Capacitive screen
• Screen Resolution: 480×800
• 5MP Camera with auto-focus
• HSPA/GSM Support
• Qualcomm MSN8255 running 1GHz
• Windows Phone Mango Edition

So with this little tid-bit of Windows Phone love do you think that with Acer coming into the picture will make a big difference? This is an interesting phone, smaller than the others, but just the same power house phone. PPCGeeker’s what do you think – is this worth it? I did notice it is built with Mango flavoring that in itself makes me want to sink my teeth into the phone already…

Take a look at some more pictures. The page is in Japanese but hey they are pictures. Here

source: wmpoweruser.com

Its time to say goodbye to an old friend…The Windows Mobile Marketplace is apparently no longer accepting new app submissions as of July 15th. There hasn’t been an official statement by Microsoft yet, but Edgeway Software has made an MSDN forum post stating that Microsoft is sending out letters to developers. The Marketplace will still be open for users and there will still be paid apps, just don’t expect anything new.

I remember back when I used Windows Mobile and when we were trying to get the Market to work on different devices. It had issues with some custom ROMs. Those were the days! I never really really used the Market very much, but it was nice that you could update your apps right there.

For those of you still on Windows Mobile, is this a shock to you? Is it something you will miss, or did you ever use it?

Source: WMPowerUser

OK so I know this is not cell phone news – but this does impact us in the mobile world. Skype is to be bought out by Microsoft. This news comes after rumors yesterday of Skype taking offers. The total cost of the Skype buyout is $8.5 billion dollars. This includes $686 million of debt, eBay originally acquired the business for $2.6 billion in cash and stock back in 2005, because of this eBay gets $2.55 billion for its remaining 30% stake in Skype. This just means eBay finally made money on the deal from years ago. Skype co-founder Niklas ZennstrM  and Janus Friss get about $1.19 billion for their 14% stake in the company.

Now we here at PPCGeeks will let the speculating begin – but what exactly does Microsoft do with Skype? Do we see voIP for Windows Phone 7, or even a Kinect/Skype mash up? Is there something big planned that Microsoft has in store for future Windows Phones, or even possible Windows itself? Time will only tell but I do hope that they bring Skype voIP to native support in Windows Phone 7. I know there is a Skype app that will be released after Mango later this year, but imagine NATIVE support! One big question that concerns me and I think it does for others is “How badly will Microsoft foul up the acquisition with their unique bureaucratic charming personality? Let us know your thoughts PPCGeeks – and remember sometimes these things drive ideas for companies!

Source: DSLreports.com

There are many GEEKsters out there looking for some numbers from MS to help them make a decision on their next smartphone. Judging by some of the numbers released by MS, things are moving in the right direction. The number of developers downloading the needed tools to develop apps are great considering this is a new platform.

What’s very interesting is the number of apps MS has released does not include the lite versions, ebooks, wallpaper and the apps that have multiple languages count as 1. We all know that the Android and Apple market counts each one of these apps as a seperate app.

Last year many were calling WP7 the new Kin. The numbers are proving many of the nay sayers very wrong.

What do you GEEKmeisters think about this development?
What will the other platform fans say?
Inquiring GEEKS want to know..

Read more here: Intomobile

We have always heard that “No news is good news” right? Well we have not heard a lot about the Microsoft Kin Studio – if you remember right PPCGeeks, this was the software that the Kin One and Kin Two on Big Red had. This was their way up cloud sync, back-ups, for photos and other things. Well most of us have come from Windows Mobile 6.X where we had a program called Microsoft My Phone – great  program for backing up ones phone with only one HUGE problem, when we went to Windows Phone 7 we lost all that. It seems Microsoft might be in the works to fix that. Bringing us the Window Mobile Studio, which lets just call it “Kin Studio” even if it is a variation of it.

Microsoft still has a log way to fully integrate Windows Phone 7 into a cloud system. Sure it has a few places that work well like Skydrive for photos and documents, but how about SMS, contacts, Video’s etc. What we need is the ability to cloud base back-up our phones like My Phone did from Windows Mobile 6.X. Only issue here is that these options are not yet available for us.

With Mango coming out towards end of this year we are going to see many changes in the Cloud to phone ability, lets hope that it includes this “back-up” feature. The Kin studio did a lot of things, as far as storage, it copied your videos, pictures, and even put them on a time line. This was one huge win for the Kin’s even if they did suck as hardware devices.

There have been hints that Microsoft hasn’t completely scrapped the Kin Studio concept and a recent job posting might be another such hint. Microsoft is advertising for positions to the Mobile Studio Team. As described in the announcement:

“The Mobile Studio will redefine the mobile phone for millions of everyday users around the world. We are looking for an intuitive and driven User Interface Designer with the ability to conceptualize and lead the design of features built for mobile phones…The candidate will be part of a team that is responsible for extending and evolving the functionality of Windows Phone.”

Could this Mobile Studio be the next Kin Studio just for it’s big brother Windows phone 7? Tell us PPCGeeks, what is it you wish could be part of this Microsoft Mobile Studio? What features, functions would it have or not have? Who knows what the future holds, but we know for sure Microsoft if not backing down, yet always trying to out due competitors – even when they are the underdog.

Source: mobiletechworld.com and wpcentral.com

Microsoft is rumored to be adding a newly popular feature in Windows Phone 7, and that is Near Field Communication, or NFC. It will supposedly ship on smartphones later this year, which means the software/OS part could be part of the Mango update. Nokia said that it would be implementing NFC on most of its smartphones in 2011, so this could be a push by the Nokia-Microsoft partnership.

For those of you that don’t know, NFC is a mobile-payment technology. It would let your phone wirelessly communicate with a nearby device at a checkout counter to pay for your purchase. You could also redeem coupons, get loyalty (rewards) points, etc., all from your phone! Google enabled NFC in Android and released the first handset that supported it back in December 2010. Apple is also rumored to be working on it for iOS.

Source: Bloomberg via PocketNow