Lumia 900 Available at AT&T Starting April 8th

[Deeko]

WP8 should have increased support for different resolutions, which shouldn't be that big of a deal assuming that there aren't any oddball ones. Apple locks it down for their own reasons, but my understanding is that Android handles it pretty well.

There will be some challenges. Much like iOS, Windows Phone is built with a very specific resolution in mind - and that permeates the SDK as well. The only way the transition can be truly seamless (in terms of 3rd party apps) is if they keep the aspect ratio the same and implement some sort of pixel doubling, like what Apple did. That would potentially leave us with some odd resolutions, maybe 1200x720, 1600x960? If they don't do that, its going to be a mess trying to coordinate the app developers to release updates. as well.

 

[TheStu]

There will be some challenges. Much like iOS, Windows Phone is built with a very specific resolution in mind - and that permeates the SDK as well. The only way the transition can be truly seamless (in terms of 3rd party apps) is if they keep the aspect ratio the same and implement some sort of pixel doubling, like what Apple did. That would potentially leave us with some odd resolutions, maybe 1200x720, 1600x960? If they don't do that, its going to be a mess trying to coordinate the app developers to release updates. as well.

Well, you actually have developed for the platform, so I'll take your word on it. I was just thinking about the apps I use and trying to figure if the interface could grow.

 

[dagamer34]

There will be some challenges. Much like iOS, Windows Phone is built with a very specific resolution in mind - and that permeates the SDK as well. The only way the transition can be truly seamless (in terms of 3rd party apps) is if they keep the aspect ratio the same and implement some sort of pixel doubling, like what Apple did. That would potentially leave us with some odd resolutions, maybe 1200x720, 1600x960? If they don't do that, its going to be a mess trying to coordinate the app developers to release updates. as well.

The Windows Phone OS isn't as chrome-heavy as iOS or Android. Relying on lots of text means that it scales well to different resolutions. I don't expect a major problem in developers updating apps.

 

[Deeko]

The Windows Phone OS isn't as chrome-heavy as iOS or Android. Relying on lots of text means that it scales well to different resolutions. I don't expect a major problem in developers updating apps.

Sure, and they did include various styles that will help with this - for instance, for font size, you can use the resources like PhoneTextSmall or PhoneTextLarge, that I imagine would automatically be altered with the new resolution. However, you can also specify a static font size, which would not. Similarly, if you built your layout with grids, you can specify percentages for rows/columns, or you can specify exact pixel counts.

Its not that it would be difficult for app developers to update - its that they'd have to do it, and when you have 70,000 apps and counting, you need a lot of developers to do it. This is why the transition would be made a lot easier with some sort of automatic scaling mechanism for non-updated apps - sure, they wouldn't look great, but it would be better than apps being completely broken.

 

[Deeko]

Reviews are out. As one might expect, some love it, some hate it, and it generally hinges on what the reviewer thinks of Windows Phone.

Gizmodo:

The Lumia 900 is a phone that every single person should consider owning.

http://gizmodo.com/5898783/nokia-lumia-900-review-this-might-save-windows-phone

TheVerge:

I really wanted to love this phone, but while the hardware delivers, the device as a whole does not

http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/3/2921472/lumia-900-review

Engadget:

Filter out the marketing noise and focus on its superb performance as a reliable point-and-shoot and now you've got a winner. Toss in those considerable network speeds and default access to Internet Sharing and, suddenly, it's a shining star. Sprinkle all of that with an attractive polycarbonate case, a saturated and legible display and the magic eraser of its $99 on two-year contract pricing and, ipso facto, you've got a no-brainer purchase staring you in the face. Does the Lumia 900 fail to find its place amongst other smartphone hulks? Well, yes. But again, it's playing in a league of Windows Phone's single-core own. With the careful cultivation of a cultish, fashion-conscious consumer following, however, this could very well be Nokia's greatest hit.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/nokia-lumia-900-review/

As an owner of the Lumia 800, I would like to point out that when Engadget talks about the body and how it feels less premium because its not as smooth, that's probably a good thing. While the 800 does feel very premium, its also very slippery and hard to hold on to. If they made the material in the 900 a little bit more rough, I imagine that makes it a ton easier to hold.

I found the mixed reviews of the camera to be interesting. Some raved about it, others were disappointed. This is an area where Nokia usually excels - maybe they were expecting the N8 or PureView's camera quality? Not sure.

Anyway, it sounds to be about what we all expected. Great hardware, LTE speeds, fantastic price, it really comes down to if you like Windows Phone and can deal with its hardware-mandate caveats.

 

[Sheep]

I suspect the Verge might have a new record for number of comments on one post after Josh's negative review. In the time it took me to read his review and watch the ~3 minute video review, it garnered around 100 new comments. Yikes.

From his Twitter: "It's official. MSFT fanboys are the most crazy and the most mean. Guys, chill the fuck out."

LMAO

 

[Andrmgic]

I'm more amused by the idea that there ARE Microsoft fanboys..

 

[Dominato3r]

5,4 for the WP side of things, ouch.

 

[zerocool84]

I suspect the Verge might have a new record for number of comments on one post after Josh's negative review. In the time it took me to read his review and watch the ~3 minute video review, it garnered around 100 new comments. Yikes.

From his Twitter: "It's official. MSFT fanboys are the most crazy and the most mean. Guys, chill the fuck out."

LMAO

A lot of butthurt people out there. This falls short and people are crying that they should have someone that likes WP7 to review it. This phone needs people that aren't WP7 fans to like it. That's how you get more people on to your platform. This doesn't seem to have done that.

 

[Dominato3r]

The 800 got a 7.8? http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/3/2534861/nokia-lumia-800-review

 

[zerocool84]

The 800 got a 7.8? http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/3/2534861/nokia-lumia-800-review

People are crying about that too, it got a higher score and the WP7 ecosystem should have matured more by now but it hasn't. That review was in November and it's already April. WP7 hasn't matured much at all and competition gets tougher and tougher. Six months and barely any changes in Hardware/Software.

 

[dagamer34]

Here's what I don't get. The review lists "Specs feel last gen" as a con, yet plenty of dual-core Android phones feel far slower than the Lumia 900. What gives?

 

[Dominato3r]

It seems like most reviews are pinning it as a good entry level smartphone with LTE.

People are crying about that too, it got a higher score and the WP7 ecosystem should have matured more by now but it hasn't. That review was in November and it's already April. WP7 hasn't matured much at all and competition gets tougher and tougher. Six months and barely any changes in Hardware/Software.

I can't speak about the ecosystem because I haven't used a WP device but IIRC the hardware specs were set in stone a loooong ago and weren't really a surprise.

 

[Deeko]

People are crying about that too, it got a higher score and the WP7 ecosystem should have matured more by now but it hasn't. That review was in November and it's already April. WP7 hasn't matured much at all and competition gets tougher and tougher. Six months and barely any changes in Hardware/Software.

Well, to be fair, some of the criticisms have some validity. ICS was released right around the same time as the 800, its not like there has been an Android or iPhone software update since then, and with the exception of, say, Draw Something, what must-have software has been released for those platforms?

There hasn't been a Windows Phone release since then, and the hardware specs are set in stone for each release, so it was well known what you were going to get. As far as the ecosystem goes, I would argue that it has improved since then - there are 70,000 apps now, vs 40,000 in November. It has nearly doubled! How can you say it hasn't improved? There are new big name apps too, such as Spotify.

No one is going to claim that the ecosystem is at the level of the other platforms yet, but its absolutely growing, its frankly absurd to not only say it hasn't improved since November, but to also claim its gotten worse.

Finally, its not a matter of requiring a WP7 fanboy to do the review, but someone that actually takes the time to understand the platform would be nice. For example - Josh claims that many apps give you a splash screen when you active them. While its certainly possible for a developer to explictely code a hard reset of the app when its re-activated, chances are, Josh just doesn't understand how WP7 multitasking works. If you suspend an app, and then tap its icon on the hope screen, you start it fresh. To bring up the running copy, you open the task switcher by holding back. I'm not here to argue if you think that makes sense - just that there's no excuse for someone in Josh's position to not understand it.

Here's what I don't get. The review lists "Specs feel last gen" as a con, yet plenty of dual-core Android phones feel far slower than the Lumia 900. What gives?

The most valid point they have is the screen - but at the same time, the SGSII which still sells very well has the same screen, and not a lot of people complain about that. What it really comes down to is these are tech sites, and tech sites want the latest and greatest specs. The point would hold more weight if the phone was being sold for $199 or more - but its not. I'd say the specs hold their own for free for a new customer.

 

[kaerflog]

I don't see the success of WP7 depends on this phone.
Regardless of the outcome, Window will succeed in the mobile world.
Once Window 8 are on millions of PCs and laptops, people have no choice but be accustomed to the Metro UI.
Once that happenned, people will be familiarized with WP8 and it will sell.

 

[Sheep]

I can't speak about the ecosystem because I haven't used a WP device but IIRC the hardware specs were set in stone a loooong ago and weren't really a surprise.

And that's the problem. The Palm Pre faced the same issue--its specs were competitive with the handsets of the time but by the time it actually hit store shelves it was paled in comparison to other phones being released. Of course, it didn't help that webOS was quarter-baked and the hardware was shit. I couldn't get away from that phone and get an Evo 4g soon enough.

The most valid point they have is the screen - but at the same time, the SGSII which still sells very well has the same screen, and not a lot of people complain about that.

I actually passed on the SGSII because of the screen. The same resolution as my Evo 4g on a bigger screen = WTF. Considering the SGSII came out almost a year ago, I'm not sure the saying the Lumia 900 has the same screen scores points for the Lumia. Maybe it's fine for the average Joe, but I'm not sure I could live with an 800x480 screen for another two years which is what you'll be doing if you buy the Lumia subsidized.

 

[WelshBloke]

Depends on the OS they runs, I'll take a single core WP7 device over a dual core Android any day of the week. Dual core doesn't instantly mean better.

You didnt though did you? IIRC you have an Android phone.

 

[WelshBloke]

I don't see the success of WP7 depends on this phone.
Regardless of the outcome, Window will succeed in the mobile world.
Once Window 8 are on millions of PCs and laptops, people have no choice but be accustomed to the Metro UI.
Once that happenned, people will be familiarized with WP8 and it will sell.

You're talking about Microsoft struggling in the mobile sector for about another 3 or 4 years then?

 

[Puddle Jumper]

The most valid point they have is the screen - but at the same time, the SGSII which still sells very well has the same screen, and not a lot of people complain about that. What it really comes down to is these are tech sites, and tech sites want the latest and greatest specs. The point would hold more weight if the phone was being sold for $199 or more - but its not. I'd say the specs hold their own for free for a new customer.

This does not have the same screen as the SGS2, if you look at Anandtech's review the screen in the SGS2 is over 100nits brighter than the one in the 900. To top it off the 900 was the least bright phone in the table of devices they have tested.

You don't need to spend $199 to get high end phones these days, At&t has the LG Nitro and Galaxy S2 for $99 and they are both better devices in every way.

Ultimately it comes down to the fact that no one has ever won by aiming for third best and that's exactly what Microsoft is doing. If they want to compete with Android and iOS they need to be better in every way and they obviously are not. According to the latest reports their market share is still falling. To me WP7 looks like the next WebOS, a decent os with some good ideas but absolutely horrible execution on the hardware side of things and people running the show who don't seem to have any desire to fix it.

 

[darkewaffle]

...they are both better devices in every way.

Ultimately it comes down to the fact that no one has ever won by aiming for third best and that's exactly what Microsoft is doing. If they want to compete with Android and iOS they need to be better in every way and they obviously are not. According to the latest reports their market share is still falling. To me WP7 looks like the next WebOS, a decent os with some good ideas but absolutely horrible execution on the hardware side of things and people running the show who don't seem to have any desire to fix it.

Bit of hyperbole I'd say. Some people want a pretty phone, some people just want a phone that works, some people want quad core phones, some people want a phone with a ton of space, some people want a phone with a great screen, some want a great camera. There is no 'perfect' device but to take the 900 and say it's inferior in every way to devices that are quite generic and will likely be easily upstaged in a matter of months (so the Android cycle goes) is unfair to the design behind the 900.

It's a flagship product in the sense that it's their "go to" device; if someone wants WP7 I think the 900 will likely be recommended as the best overall experience. Not in the sense that it's got the most megabytes and cores to put on a press release.

 

[WelshBloke]

Reviews on TheVirge and Engadget are pretty Meh!

 

[Oyeve]

Phone looks cool. Nice specs. Too bad its on a shitty carrier. Wish it would come to tmobile.

 

[shortylickens]

Phone looks cool. Nice specs. Too bad its on a shitty carrier. Wish it would come to tmobile.

Yeah and the funny part is Tmobile was the last of the American carriers to regularly stock Nokias. Now they have the worst Nokia smartphone, the 710. I dont know where to get the 800 except unlocked from Amazon.

 

[Deeko]

This does not have the same screen as the SGS2, if you look at Anandtech's review the screen in the SGS2 is over 100nits brighter than the one in the 900. To top it off the 900 was the least bright phone in the table of devices they have tested.

I'm curious, did you read the review, or just scan the charts? A few blurbs you may have missed:

Nokia was able to get the Lumia 900 display nice and close to 6500K, which is interesting considering how many other AMOLED displays I’ve seen which are up near 8000K or higher and noticeably blue all the time.

Incoming diffuse light gets vertically polarized by a surface polarizer, which becomes right hand circularly polarized when passing through the quarter wave plate. When circular polarized reflects off of a surface, it changes handedness - in this case from right to left handed circular. Upon passing through the quarter wave plate on its way out, this becomes horizontally polarized, which is then strongly attenuated by the surface polarizer with its fast axis aligned vertically on its way out, which acts like an analyzer. The end result is that outdoors the only reflection you’ll get is from the first surface, not the surface of the display itself, which does reduce resulting glare.

This change also permits the Lumia 900 to still look bright outside, and in turn allows Nokia to run the display at a lower brightness and save some amount of power. For a while I was waiting for some OEM to introduce a system using polarization to diminish back reflections, and Nokia has done it with ClearBlack.

So to sum it up - whiter whites than normal AMOLED screens, fewer reflections, and thanks to the latter, a display that appears as bright despite using less backlight. Those do not sound like negative trade offs.

 

[QueBert]

You didnt though did you? IIRC you have an Android phone.

When I bought my phone WP7 wasn't on the market yet, so it's not like I saw both and decided on Android. My next phone will be the Lumia 900. Only downside to this phone to me is the screen, but outside of the HTC One X/S I'm not going to get a phone with an IPS display.