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Verizon offers trade-in, gift card deals for Nokia Lumia 2520

Publié: novembre 21, 2013, 8:34pm CET par Alan Buckingham

November 22 is a big day for Microsoft, with the Xbox One officially hitting store shelves, and Nokia releasing its latest devices, including an extra-large smartphone and a new Windows RT 8.1 tablet. The latter, known as the Lumia 2520, is being offered by Verizon for $399 with a two-year contract or $499 on a month-to-month deal.

While the price seems reasonable, at least in the realm of Windows tablets, Verizon is sweetening the deal with an offer for your old tablet. It's a deal similar to what Microsoft has offered as bribery in the past -- "trade in your current iPad in good working condition and receive a Verizon Wireless gift card up to $300. See how much your iPad is worth".

Don't dig out your Nexus 7, or anything that doesn't hail from Cupertino, Calif. Verizon is looking for iPads only, and trade-in values start at $100 for the iPad 2, while third-generation versions of the tablet, along with the first-gen mini, will net you $200, and the newer Retina display model puts $300 in your wallet.

There is the usual array of small print to pay attention to -- you'll need to purchase the two-year contract Lumia 2520, you will receive an activation code that must be used at trade-in (within five days of purchase) and the money comes in the form of a gift card. "Once we receive your device in good working condition, we will send you a Verizon Wireless gift card via email".

Still, if you were planning this purchase anyway, its a nice deal. But only if you also just happen to have a rival device laying around that you are able to pry out of a family member's hands.
Microsoft updates SkyDrive for iOS with camera backup and more

Publié: novembre 21, 2013, 7:31pm CET par Brian Fagioli

While Microsoft has its own mobile operating system with Windows Phone 8, the company generously supports its competitor's products too. After all, with its own OS having such a small user base comparatively, it would be insane not to.

Back in June, the company's flagship non-OS software, Office 365, was released for Apple's iOS to the surprise of many. Today, while less of a surprise, Microsoft announces some major changes to its cloud-storage SkyDrive app.

"One of the most popular features on Windows Phone is the ability to automatically upload the photos and videos you capture to SkyDrive. With the new SkyDrive app for iOS, we're bringing that same capability to those of you who use iPhones and iPads. The update also includes improved editing and viewing in Office Mobile, and OneNote integration. Finally, we're also really excited to share some updates to our Facebook integration on SkyDrive.com, an experience that no other cloud provider offers", says Ryan Hoge, Lead Program Manager at SkyDrive.

With camera backup, Microsoft is offering iOS users the ability to upload their photos to the cloud, so they can clear some space on their Apple devices. With higher-megapixels comes larger photo files, so this will give users some much needed breathing room. After all, Apple charges a considerable amount for every storage spec-bump when configuring the device. Microsoft could be saving them money by reducing the need for increased internal storage.

Of course, a sad fact with modern cellular carriers is that data being capped and throttled has become the norm. With that said, backing up photos over cellular data could have dire (and potentially costly) consequences. No worries though, Microsoft has users covered by allowing them to only backup over Wi-Fi if they choose. Users can then share these photos on Facebook with improved tools through Skydrive.com.

In addition, the SkyDrive for iOS app is gaining new features for opening Office files. Previously, the app would launch the files in a quick-view mode, which was great for viewing documents but not so much for editing. Now, the app can open these files directly with Office Mobile or OneNote, which empowers the user to decide how they want to interact.

If you are interested in trying the new SkyDrive app on your iOS device, you can download it here.
Scroogled is marketing genius

Publié: novembre 21, 2013, 7:04pm CET par Joe Wilcox

My colleague Wayne Williams calls Microsoft Scroogled gear "pathetic" and a "new low". I agree that the anti-Google hat, hoodie, mug and Tees are more crass than class but they tap fanboy sentiments. The Scroogled product line is brilliant marketing, I say.

Look at the amount of attention generated across blogs, news sites and social networks today. Scroogled is everywhere. Microsoft rarely gets such viral uptake, and any advertising consultant will tell you that all news is good news. Controversy is sweet marketing, and here pointed. Scroogled isn't just anti-Google, it's pro-discussion -- as fanboys from both sides and everyone between them argue about one company against the other. Microsoft marketers want flaming debate about Google search.

Scroogled taps into legitimate fears about Google watching you. Consider Google Now, which offers information without your asking -- everything from when UPS will deliver a package to suggesting nearby events. Google Now knows if your flight is on time -- heck, that you're flying and where. I often refer to the search and information giant as "Google God", for being all-knowing, like the deity.

Not for the first time, Vic Gundotra, Google senior veep of engineering said during the October 29th launch of new Google+ features: "We know who is important in your life". Is that a promise or threat? Think about it.

That's not to say Microsoft, with Bing, would be any better with your personal information. The difference: Google generates more than 90 percent of revenues from search-related products and services. Microsoft loses money, profiting from software and related cloud services instead.

So, there is something to talk about. Trust. Whom do you trust with your personal information? How much do you willingly expose to use Google Now and other services?

Then there is what Microsoft's Scroogled line gives the Faithful. Fanboys and those disenchanted with Google can make statements about privacy and their concerns -- perhaps legitimate fears -- that the search and information giant gathers too much information.

How funny if after ordering a "I'm Watching You" T-Shirt, Google Now informs when will be delivery.