Microsoft, upping its Game

So I got some new tech for Father’s day ☺ Of course I had to buy it for myself, but I am not complaining. It is the Nokia 928 Windows 8 phone. Exploring the operating system has proven clunky but rewarding. Once having found features I was looking for it was interesting exploring the different avenues to that end. One of the things I have always appreciated about Microsoft is that they always provided different paths to achieve a goal whether it is multiple commands for opening a document or, in this case, alternative tiles for the phonebook. It isn’t a phonebook at all, really. It is more a real-time nexus of connective sinew that allows the user to weave a tapestry of all relationships, be they social in person or social online. This is not to say that the whole set up process was completely seamless. Initially the text feature was incomprehensible and then I found that no texts could be received and photos could not be sent. By the end of day one I was required to locate a Microsoft store, yes they are taking a page from the Apple book and creating showcase specials for the display and demonstration of signature products. So I find this place in the upscale mall downstairs from the Tesla showroom. Yes Tesla is creating a distribution network in malls, but that is a story for the Sustainability Desk. The Microsoft store looked something like this one in Tyson’s Corner VA. I claim no part in this video other than to say I like the opening music. It appears courtesy of Bob’s Video Channel YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/pvreditor All credit goes to him and Mikey for the nice demonstration of the table sized Surface.

   

Finding the store itself was an event of serendipity and once their Ray was super excited, enthusiastic, and helpful but in the end it was Fernando that made the suggestion to merely restarting the phone. That seemed to do the trick, so once again a Microsoft OS requires a hard restart in order to clear a fault. But I am not knocking, since then the Nokia 928 seems to be firing all cylinders. The exchanges and animations are smooth and the action of the flick keyboard in pretty good. Also the (in my case) much-needed autocorrect allows you to choose the word rather than force-feeding you “ice cream” when you meant Rice Dream.

The phone is available in an assortment of candy colors, I chose white. What can I say old habits die hard. 

Anyway now it is an effort to learn the apps and find the stuff that is useful, I will keep you posted. Anybody know any app developers for Windows 8?

Thanks