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.