Homebrew :Lock Widgets Beta release for Windows Phone

After much work, here comes the first beta release of Lock Widgets , the application that allows you to enter the lock screen of a kind Live Tile can provide information to the user, such as RSS feeds,pictures, weather, etc..In this beta version lacks many features and enhancements, but the developers have stated that they are already working on an updated and improved version.

Here are some things to know before installing Lock Widgets:

• Your device must be rooted. More specifically, the application needs root privileges. More info on that later. (That's good)
• The "debug" widget adds the last updated info to the bottom of the screen.This is useful stuff for testing.
• The widgets update every 30 minutes. This is due to background task restrictions.

Below is a video demonstration of the application:





More info at WindowsPhoneHacker

NDrive - Satellite navigator coming soon to Windows Phone

NDrive could be the first satellite navigation software with maps stored in the memory to reach 100% of the smartphone market, became available for each platform.

Already available on Android, iPhone OS and Bada, NDrive is the way! On BlackBerry through a partnership with Appeal and, according to the latest press releases, coming soon on Windows Phone, here are the words of the CEO:

"We are very excited to be able to reach all of the smartphone market with our application. In addition to Android, iPhone OS and Bada, in fact, we are bringing the BlackBerry and Windows Phone software in order to strengthen our offering in markets around the world."

Therefore expect to be able to know the plans for the temporal distribution of Windows Phone version which could be arriving in Summer 2012.

MetroCars - Automotive database for Windows Phone

Here comes a new app for Windows Phone that gives a nod to the fans of engines or those looking to buy a new model and wants to have a catalog with technical data, information on the price (in dollars) and by brand, year, type Car and more.

As you can tell from the name itself, the application invokes the interface of Windows Phone and Metro will make available, in addition to data on the engines, also a photo gallery of each model.

Do not miss then the "favorite" with the ability to save the most interesting models, on the home screen or share them via social networks.

MetroCars is a free app and can be found here in WP Marketplace

Official Google + application is coming soon to Windows Phone

Good news for the Google + users, finally Google will be providing Windows Phone users with official Google + application, as a PR Spokesperson from Google Germany, Stefan Keuchel, has revealed that an official Google+ app is on the way to Windows Phone.


This is indeed surprising because Google has succesfully avoided Windows Phone platform by not releasing any official application for it’s popular products like Google Maps, Google Mail,  Google Reader while developing simultaneously for multiple platforms like Symbian, iOS and of course Android. 

Via

ICQ is now available for Windows Phone

Several months after the announcement, ICQ had come to Windows Phone finally arrives on the client Mail.ru Group, the new owners of the platform chat and IM.

Chat for free with all your Phone, ICQ, Facebook, GoogleTalk, AIM and Mail.ru contacts using one single app - The ICQ messenger.

Main features:
- Supports chat with ICQ, Mail.Ru, GTalk, Facebook, AIM contacts
- Push notifications
- Simple sign-on by a phone number
- Automatically add contacts from your address book
- Search and add contacts from ICQ
- Chat history is keeped Between launches of app

ICQ is a free app and can be downloaded from WP Marketplace

PrimeTube: the new YouTube client for Windows Phone now available in Marketplace

It took exactly one month, but eventually PrimeTube, the new YouTube client for Windows Phone that we 've talked about in February , is now available on Marketplace.

As already written above, it is possible for a client very complete and very rich in a wide range of features such as:

• search of video using filters and sorting the result of the research;
• possibility of saying that a video like it or not, and to read and reply to comments ;
• saving of videos, playlists, and authors such as pins on the homescreen of the phone
• sharing of video through social networks, email or SMS
• creating / managing playlists and subscriptions to video feeds;
• complete  integration with music and video;
• support to different regions ;
• support for Fast-Switching App .

PrimeTube is free app and can be downloaded from WP Marketplace.

WP7 DS Supertool : multi-purpose homebrew shortcuts app

New Homebrew tool has been released from the developers of Deepshining custom ROM.
WP7 DS Supertool xap format so it can be installed on any Windows Terminal Phone unlocked or with a developer account. The application now before this was available only for all those devices that had a custom ROM since the application was pre-installed within the Deepshining ROM . 

WP7 DS Supertool main features are:

• System shortcuts for quick access to the air mode, data network, bluetooth and wi-fi
• Ability to insert six favorite contacts with its associated picture and you can call them with a tap
• A tool to quickly search for anything on the web
• News and Weather always on Tapp
• Ability to quickly enter notes
• Ability to set reminders

More information and download link at XDA .

Via

Homebrew: Windows Phone Device Manager upgraded to version 1.10

The well know homebrew application Windows Phone Device Manager, developed by Julien Schapman just got upgraded to version 1.10,and it is available in public beta.

Windows Phone Device Manager comes in package of two separate applications, one to be installed on a PC and on your Windows Phone (TouchXperience).

The application has the following features:

• Applications management: view, install / uninstall homebrew applications
• File management: explore device, exchange files with your phone
• Sync files, folders and favorites with phone
• Send to Phone Windows (to send files, apps, ringtones, web links in one click)
• Detailed device information (CPU, ROM, RAM, storage, network, battery, OS, ...)
• Add and manage custom ringtones
• Send SMS, E-mail, notes Directly from PC (without needing cloud services)
• Take screenshots of the phone
• Programming sends notifications to phone
• Shared clipboard with PC and phone
• Integration with Windows Explorer (drag & drop, copy / paste, view apps icons and details)
• Integration with Control Panel (Device Stage, task links)
• Nice integration with Windows Vista / 7 (Jumplists, widgets, aero effects, ...)
• Initiate connection from PC or phone
• Wireless connection support
• Auto pairing (no need to enter the PC IP address or phone)
• Notify phone applications updates
• Backup Applications
• Use your phone as a remote control (control mouse, and keyboard navigation in Windows Media Center)
• Open marketplace for non-commercial applications (if developers are interested)
• Improved remote screen (up to 30 fps)
• Improved general stability
• Fixed error on backup app unlocked devices
• Fixed screen capture not working Because of memory limitation background agent
• Put files in \ My Documents are copied in Office hub for all devices

Changelog :
Version 1.10.0.0

• Compatible with Windows 8
• Minor UI changes
• Bugfixes

Requirements :

• Unlocking the device or developer account
• Windows Vista or Windows 7 32/64 bit
• Net Framework 4.0
• Latest version of zune
• Windows Phone SDK 7.1

The application is compatible with:

• HTC HD7
• HTC Mozart
• HTC Trophy
• HTC Surround
• HTC Pro 7
• HTC Arrive
• HTC HD2
• HTC Titan
• HTC Radar
• Samsung focus
• Samsung Focus S
• Samsung Omnia 7
• Dell Venue Pro
• LG Optimus 7
• Nokia Lumia 800

More information and download link at Touchxperience

The Windows Phone marketplace exceeds 70,000 applications!

In just over a month, in the marketplace Windows Phone 10 000 applications have been certified, passing the 60,000 achieved in the third week of January to 70,000 users in these days.

The amount of applications that are submitted daily on the marketplace is around 250 units.Of these 70 000, more than 28 000 have been added in the last 90 days and almost 7 000 were added in the last 30 days. Of allapplications, 65% are distributed for free, paying 11% are distributed along with a free trial and the remaining 24% are distributed for a fee, without a trial.

The most populated section of the marketplace is "entertainment" with 18%, followed by the "tools and productivity", with 14%, after "games" with 13% and follow "books", "news and weather," "travel and navigation "," lifestyle "and the remaining sections cover a percentage below 5%.

 Via

Nokia creates tools for developers to advertise Windows Phone apps

Now are months that Nokia and Microsoft are working closely together to expand the ecosystem Windows Phone. So, after having organized several meetings with developers, while also offering free terminals, Nokia has decided to create tools that allow you to create banner ads and video banners to promote the applications.

The images and videos are of course based on the designs of Lumia Windows Phone and the recent advertising campaign Amazing everyday.

Via

Nokia Transport App Beta Now Available For Download

Nokia Transport is an application that allows to get traffic details and to choose which path to use to move faster. Furthermore, the application will be able to release information on the metro, trams, trains and buses by more than 500 cities in 45 countries. Just little notice Nokia Transport is Nokia exclusive app and its available only for Nokia phones.

"Nokia Transport aggregates information from over 700 of the leading public transit agencies, such as BVG and VBB in Berlin, Rejseplanen in Denmark and DeLijn in Flanders. So you are guaranteed to have the best-in-industry information. Check the timetables to see your scheduled departure and arrival times, as well as how long you’ll be en route to your destination. You can even keep an eye on transit disruptions and delays (right now in Berlin and Potsdam, with more coverage on the way).

In 46 countries, 512 cities, and 24 languages— Nokia Transport has got you covered."

More info about this app at nokia.betalabs

Homebrew: ‘Lock screen widgets’ development for Windows Phone 7

The image shown above is a snapshot of a new application they are working on. Practically the homebrew application under development will allow to insert the lock screen a sort of Live Tile able to provide information to the user, suchas RSS feeds, pictures, weather, etc.

The application name was not decided as yet, but have in mind to call it "lock widgets" or something like that. Another interesting feature that would implement this application is to change the lock screen wallpaper automatically according to the images that offers bing day after opening the app using the search button.

More info about this project at WindowsPhoneHacker

Marketplace expanding to 23 more markets, plus emulator update

Joe Belfiore has just announced via the Windows Phone Developer Blog that the Windows Phone Marketplace is being enabled in 23 new regions. 

The WP Marketplce in the coming month will be extended to the customers in 23 more markets, including:

• Bahrain
• Bulgaria 
• China
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Estonia 
• Iceland 
• Iraq
• Israel 
• Kazakhstan
• Latvia
• Lithuania 
• Qatar
• Romania 
• Saudi Arabia 
• Slovakia
• Slovenia 
• Thailand 
• Turkey
• UAE
• Ukraine 
• Venezuela 
• Vietnam

That’s 23 new consumer markets this year alone, for a total of 63 markets worldwide where your Windows Phone apps may be sold. In terms of actual potential app customers, the addition of new price points and customers in China and the other new markets represents a near 60% increase in the total addressable market for Windows Phone.

More into at Windowsteamblog

Skype Windows Phone app hits Beta (Video)

After much waiting, here is a few minutes ago that Microsoft has released Windows Phone marketplace in the first beta version is Skype.

The final version of the application will be available starting in April, but starting today, all Windows Phone users can download a beta version of Skype from the marketplace.

Skype for Windows Phone allows you to make free calls and video calls using the network data from our end. Do not miss the chance to chat, view profile, or use our Skype credit to call land lines or mobile.

Here is video for Skype Beta for Windows Phone:

Skype is now available in WP Marketplace

Windows Phone Marketplace Hits 70,000 apps

It was just a month ago when we posted about it going past 60,000 and now it is at 70,000+. As we speak, apps are getting published to the marketplace at a rate of 250 apps a day.

We should be hitting the all powerful 100,000 app milestone sometime in the summer of 2012.

 Source

Photosynth for Windows Phone is already in testing

The guys from Gemind in Brazil found some references to the Photosynth for Windows Phone via Twitter - it seems that Microsoft employees create accounts on the microblogging site to test the integration with the same app. The references are strong and lead us to believe that it is only a matter of (little) time for the application to be available publicly.

"AugmentedReality PhotosynthWP_Main Build 

PhotosynthWP_Main_20120214.4 Pass"

"PhotosynthWP" would, obviously mean "Photosynth Windows Phone." In the picture above we can  sets of tests created in Photosynth  with Windows Phone smartphones - HTC HD7, HTC Radar, Nokia Lumia 800 and Samsung Focus. 
More info at Gemind.com.br 

 Via

(Homebrew) Folders for Full Unlocked and Rooted Devices (Video)

Homebrew Folders is an application developed by Jaxbot at Windows Phone Hacker that allows you to create folders on Windows Phone devices.  


Jaxbot posted a video showing the features he is working on for this app. The Folders app will allow you to group your apps into folders and pin it to start screen 


Here is video on the mentioned application:

More info at Windows Phone Hacker 

"Bazar" Windows Phone Homebrew Marketplace comes to your Windows Desktop

For all lovers of homebrew applications, here come the PC version of Bazaar,the homebrew marketplace that can be used by users with unlocked Windows Phones.


Previously though, Bazaar was restricted to custom ROMs as an addon app for Windows Phone. While extremely useful and impressive, this limited its influence.


Bazaar is an application that allows you to browse Homebrew applications.Within the market you can search different app categories, using the search field, share and download and install them directly on your Windows Phone device. More info about Bazar Homebrew marketplace at Bazar Source Bazar for PC via Plaffo

The official Facebook for Windows Phone now has updated to version 2.3

Official Facebook app for Windows Phone has been update to version 2.3.The announcement had come directly from the official Windows Phone Facebook page. 


Test out your groups. Visit your pages. Look at who likes your posts. Change the banner image. Check out  the improved news feed performance. Use the new filters. Explore the improved navigation. 


 Focus areas for the v2.3 release: 


• News feed performance improvements 
• New panorama design.
• New profile design. 
• Banner Images. 
• Improved navigation. 
• Pages • Groups 
• View “likes”. 
• Feed filters. 
• Posting privacy. 
• Bug fixing 


 The official Facebook app can be found here at WP Marketplace.

Carbon Twitter Client for WP7 Finally Lands on the Windows Phone Marketplace

Carbon is a Twitter client that was initially created for the operating system webOS, with the release of Windows Phone, the developers have decided to make a version for devices equipped with the Microsoft platform.

The current version on the Marketplace is v.1.1.

• Full inline Pictures on the Timeline(needs to be enabled from settings)
• Double Tap on tweets for quickly replying to tweets without the need to leave timelines
• Quickline: A swiss army timeline for accessing all kinds of timelines from Lists, Retweets, Saved Searches.
• Live Ties for every account, pinnable to the Home Screen with Mentions & Direct Messages background checks
• Compose Tile, pinning a compose tile on the Home Screen for a speedy tweet composition
• Search Tiles, pin a #hashtag or keywords to your home screen for quick access to a search timeline
• Threaded Direct Messages View
• And of course, Bit.ly Pro URL shortening, Read Later support(Instapaper & Read It Later) and a lot more…

Next Update, v.1.2, Scheduled for Feb 15th will bring:

• We’re almost done with the next update, in v.1.1 we added new features to the timelines such as Inline Full Image Previews that slowed our timeline scrolling a bit, fret not, we smoothened it out quickly and v.1.2 will have it all fixed and buttery smooth again.
• Trial Mode, with v.1.2 we’ll have our Trial Mode enabled so that users can try the app before buying
• A few new features and one more new cool gesture that goes nicely with our double-tap quick reply.
• Performance tuning and improvements and fixes

Carbon has a price tag of $1.99 and it can be found here at Windows Phone Marketplace