Microsoft Japan Newsletter

Here they go as they always do. Providing links to overseas Windows Phones, Windows Phone 8, and Windows Phone 7.8. I know 7.8 will be arriving in Japan, as our lone Windows Phone, the Fujitsu IS12T is not eligible for Windows Phone 8.

But they helpfully flaunt the new Nokia and HTC and Samsung phones. Let's see Microsoft Japan put their support and money where their mouth is. Bring us phone, even if domestic, to ALL carriers NTT DOCOMO and SOFTBANK.

Or not...

Scratch that. It appears there will be no mining for desired traits. It was a silly notion and I don7t want ANYTHING to delay WP 7.8. It will already be late compared to WP8, so bring on the other.

And that is the good news today: Windows Phone 8 has gone Gold - RTM. And with AT&T rumored to get the Lumia 920 October 21st, it could mean we are not that far a way from announcements of devices here in Japan. And maybe that is what the October 29th is all about.

Fingers crossed...waiting on Samsung, Lumia and Fujitsu.

New Hope for Windows Phone 7.8

I find 2 encouraging things regarding keeping my Titan past the first of the year.

My first concern was there would be so much missing from the OS compared to Windows Phone 8, which requires new hardware. There were several reasons I didn't want to switch hardware before my beloved Titan was even a year old. First, I love it, but HTC has let me down in a couple of instances. But even so, I do think the hardware is superior to so much out there. Here is what I love about my Titan:

• the 4.7 inch screen is about the right size. I was worried this would be too big after my iPhone 3GS, but I have fallen in love with the size.
• Even at the lower resolution, my screen is bright and beautiful.
• The cameral is great. My understanding is it puts the Nokia camera (Lumia 800, at least) to shame.

Reason to switch? Only 16GB. HTC Locations not supported in Japan. I find this odd, because there have been HTC handsets in Japan before. Go figure. But the second reason is just like last year, I expect to see more support in Japan and potential choices with my carrier and better hardware. The Samsung in particular looks great.

If 7.8  will have even just the new start screen I was counting myself happy but, if there COULD be more count me in. My wish list?

• Integrated Skype
• Updated IE 10
• Office 2013 support

Short list. Now here is why I am encouraged:

1. Nokia is rumored to be creating a new low-end 7.8 device for emerging markets. This would only be practical if Microsoft intends to add more value and potential updates to 7.8.
2. MS is asking what would be a wish list of items from Windows Phone 8. Again, this is only practical IF they have already included SOME of the features beyond the start screen. It is getting late in the game to be upgrading that OS as I think it HAS to launch near the launch of Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

So I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Death of the Zune Desktop software

Got your email on the "features" of the Zune desktop program? A laundry list of the things I will not be able to do. Microsoft better come up with a way for me to sync my Zunes, use my Zune passes, etc. Otherwise, big trouble ahead.

My phone is crippled here in Japan, but through PayPal, Xbox Points etc. I am able to enjoy my Zune passes. But I can7t sync anywhere except on my PC, and when I purchase with my Live ID, I better be able to play the content on my HD. Period.

Always waiting for something...

Well, the tension is building. On September 5th, it is expected that Microsoft and Nokia will be announcing Windows Phone 8 (Apollo) and 2 new Nokia WP8 devices. Hot on their heels, Samsung is bringing 2 WP8 phones to market and HTC (my current device) is announcing 3 new devices.

The question then for me (the most immediate) is when is Windows Phone 8 actually hitting the streets? There are a couple things to consider:

• The Zune client will not be used for Windows Phone 8. So, where is the replacement?
• Some say Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 will be joined at the hip, so no connection until October 26?
• Where does all this leave those WP7.5 devices waiting for the WP7 "Refresh" (WP7.8)?

This is my most immediate question. There is little doubt I will be switching to WP8 sometime, but not until I get a good look at the contenders. I may decide it is in my interest to stick with the HTC line, though I have no real reason to do that, other than liking my Titan. HTC is no friend of Japan and Japan is ignoring the Windows Phone completely, by all accounts.

Finally! My HTC has upgraded to Tango (Windows 7.5 refresh). There were actually three updates, 2 of WP7, and one from HTC. I am a little uncertain what was involved, but I will say, I still cannot post a photo in SMS. This must be a product of my Softbank connection, not of the phone or of the OS. All the more reason it is time for Japan to get more phones, more choices, more CARRIERS!!!!!

I am perfectly happy with my Titan. The next step is to get the Windows Phone 7.8 update, bringing me the new Start screen. I am ready. Bring it on!

But....in typical MS style, I have seen rumors that current phones will not get 7.8 until Windows phone 8 is out...and rumors that Nokia will get the WP8 first....exclusive for a month. Say it ain't so, Steve!

Waiting again. Will it arrive here, or do I have to again purchase and have it shipped...

This is the best news I have heard in a long time. But I am cautious. What I am hoping, is that the features that allow me to use multiple accounts on my Acer with the Consumer preview will also allow this to be my next Windows purchase. Killer machine! Love the Touch Cover....why didn7t Apple think of that? ;)

Office 13 Consumer Preview

Wow! I am so far loving the Office 2013 Consumer Preview. It will be interesting to see how this all interfaces soon.

However, it did bring up a ton of issues when I went to install...just like the post below. I am curious who is running the show at Microsoft Japan. Perhaps the whole thing is down the toilet.

• Japan was not included in the list of countries to install (Worldwide English)
• To actually install required following the link for "if your country is not listed here"

From there, I said, "Bag it" and installed from the US. This all amazes me and seems to play into a meme that Japan has no interest in actually joining the rest of the world.

So, Microsoft Japan, (not that you are listening), quit tweeting about Windows 8. Quit tweeting about Office 13/15. Quit tweeting about Windows phone. Put up or shut up, because I think you deserve your current position: left in the dust.

Still waiting...

I'm still calling this "Waiting in Japan" despite the fact that just a year ago next week, Japan introduced the first WP7.5 (Mango) phone, listed on this page.

Here is what we are missing, that I am still waiting for:

• Bing update.
• Local Scout
• Full mapping
• Music marketplace
• Phones on all carriers, not just KDDI AU.

Why am I still hopeful? Well, WP7.5 is dead, and the Fujitsu phone will be going nowhere. It has beeen eclipsed by hundreds of Andoid clones. But here is what is going to be the real kicker. Whether Japan again gets everything, I can't say:

• Windows 8 is on the horizon. It will be implemented worldwide.
• Full implementation of Windows 8 will hopefully herald a morerobust Marketplace in Japan through
• XBox Music.

But though I am hopeful, I am not completely without fear of Japan, in its unique insularity, leaving out features:

• XBox is not fully supported in japan.
• Bing may not come to XBox as it has in America.

But there is still hope. Japan is not the only market getting less than complete support.

So time will tell. Meanwhile, I am still "Waiting in Japan."