Microsoft is aiming to make Windows Phone a strong No. 3 in the smartphone market, behind Android and iPhone, but first it has a different rival to overcome: Samsung’s Bada smartphone operating system. Not to mention RIM and Symbian. The Redmond company remained in sixth place in smartphone operating system sales in the first quarter,… Read More…
LinkedIn finally released its first official app for Windows Phone this week. It’s an important addition to Microsoft’s catalog of apps, particularly as the Redmond company tries to make inroads with business users. More than that, it’s a well-designed app that is better, in some ways, than its counterparts on iPhone and Android. The Windows… Read More…
Microsoft’s “Smoked by Windows Phone” challenge might not always be fair — focusing on speed tests where the Microsoft operating system has an inherent edge, and pitting experienced Windows Phone users from Microsoft against mere amateurs wielding iPhones and Android devices. It also hasn’t been without controversy, requiring the company to apologize after one challenger… Read More…
One of the first Windows Phones to hit the market was the original Samsung Focus. It’s the Windows Phone that I’ve used the most to test new apps and features. My biggest criticism is that it feels insubstantial in the hand — a lightweight piece of plastic, basically. Today AT&T announced the new Samsung Focus… Read More…
Microsoft’s Windows Phone is at the back of the pack in the smartphone race, but how will the company do in the Kentucky Derby? Looking to elevate its brand on the national scene, and maybe just end up in the winner’s circle, Microsoft is sponsoring a thoroughbred named Hansen in the 138th Run for the… Read More…
New numbers from comScore Networks show Microsoft’s mobile market share falling to 3.9 percent of total smartphone subscribers in the U.S. in the three months ending in March — another significant decline at a time when Microsoft is hoping for a rebound instead. But here’s the big catch: The numbers don’t reflect the U.S. launch… Read More…
Microsoft is taking steps to improve its Windows Phone Marketplace, notifying developers this week that it’s keeping an eye out for trademark abuse and bulk app submissions that reduce the quality of the experience for end users. The company is also promising to apply a more “stringent interpretation” of its existing ban on apps that… Read More…
Microsoft is trying hard to win fans for Windows Phone. And while the mobile operating system is still way behind rivals such as Android and iOS, the company received an unexpected endorsement this week from none other than Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. In his remarks on The Report podcast, the outspoken geeks says that he prefers… Read More…
Skype took its Windows Phone app out of beta this weekend, releasing a 1.0 version with updates including video calling in portrait mode and new features for adding and managing Skype friends. The official release comes two months after the company came out with the beta of the app. Here’s the bigger question: When are we… Read More…
GeekWire Summer Bash, June 21: We’ll be breaking out the ping-pong tables for this giant summer celebration at the Showbox SODO — with expert and intermediate tournaments, foosball, prizes, and more. Sign up to compete, or just come to enjoy the party and cheer on your friends. Tickets available now.
Join us at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® awards gala to see who will take home top honors in the Pacific Northwest. The finalists are high-growth entrepreneurs and leaders who are innovating, expanding and creating jobs and enhancing our communities. June 15, 2012 | Hyatt Regency Bellevue | 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Come celebrate!
You’re invited to HAPPY HOUR, a monthly meet up for leaders in the film, music and interactive industries to share, learn and make meaningful business connections. This month features guest speaker Trey Gunn, guitar player for King Crimson, Brian Eno, Tool, and more. Trey will speak to the value of original voice, how to find it, and how, as an artist and business professional, to use it to your advantage.
See you Wednesday, May 30th, 5-7 PM at Spitfire in Belltown, free admission (21+)
In case you haven’t heard, Splunk’s Seattle office is responsible for the company’s developer platform and Microsoft offerings. Join us for our open house, where you can geek out at demo stations, enjoy food and drinks, and meet our CEO, Godfrey Sullivan, and more Splunkers. The event is free, but if you’d like to make a donation, check out Year Up Seattle.
RSVP for this free event, and we’ll see you on Wednesday, 6/20, 5-8 PM
FounderDating is a premier online network for entrepreneurs to connect with cofounders. You should apply if you want to a part of a network that is:
Ideas change, people don’t. FounderDating: Where Founders Meet. @founderdating
On May 22nd at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, join 800 tech and business leaders at the Technology Alliance’s 2012 State of Technology Luncheon for a timely conversation with John McAdam, President, CEO & Director of F5 Networks, Inc.
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Windows Phone’s real horse race, quitting the Internet, and other quotes of the week
A few of the best quotes, tweets, comments and random zingers we heard this week. “Oh, Hansen’s hard to control!!!” — Kentucky Derby announcer Larry Collmus, on the 3-year-old colt sponsored by Microsoft’s Windows Phone, at the midpoint of the race. Combined with an earlier reference to the horse overheating, the sponsorship wasn’t exactly a brand-affiliation… Read More…