New to Windows 8...Have 1 MAJOR and 1 Minor Concern. PLEASE HELP...

[peacefulberry]

Greetings Everyone,

Traditionally I am a BB user, and this year I decided to also explore other non-Android/non-IOS platforms (just a personal preference). I am currently considering the HTC 8X, and I need to clarify something before I make my final decision.

MAJOR CONCERN:
I recently read that some HTC 8X users on Tmobile were experiencing straight to voicemail calls and/or not receiving SMS/MMS messages and then getting them flooded after toggling airplane mode ON/OFF. I need to know if this issue has been resolved. Also, do you think this is an HTC issue or T mobile issue?

Minor Concern: I searched, but couldn't find the answer...I love using my mobile phones in landscape mode. Can anyone tell me if you can call, send all messages/emails, browse, and use apps in landscape mode? Please specify which things you can or can not do in landscape.

The above minor concern has been answered...thanks to all who helped me understand the landscape mode features! I still would like comments about the Major issue and overall satisfaction with the device. Thanks again!

Lastly, please tell me overall if you are pleased. I'm not concerned with apps, just functionality, speed, display, ease of use, etc. Thanks so much for any all all of your help!

 

[Curtieson]

I don't use TMobile so I'll leave that for someone else...

Lastly, please tell me overall if you are pleased. I'm not concerned with apps, just functionality, speed, display, ease of use, etc. Thanks so much for any all all of your help!

I think 99% of who you will run into here will tell you they love their phone. There is also a reason it is the #1 rated OS on Amazon and other sites. Those that use it, love it.

Minor Concern: I searched, but couldn't find the answer...I love using my mobile phones in landscape mode. Can anyone tell me if you can call, send all messages/emails, browse, and use apps in landscape mode? Please specify which things you can or can not do in landscape.

I use my phone in landscape about 95% of the time. Downfall #1, the start screen DOES NOT rotate, at all. It is always portrait. Also, I do not think calls go to landscape, but you are only on the call screen for like 2 seconds and then put the phone to your head so that isn't really all that important.

I do all my email typing in landscape though, I can not type with my thumbs at all, so I use my index fingers. Most browsing and read my RSS feed is all landscape too. But, for the apps...it is all up to the developer. You are in the minority with wanting to use your phone 'sideways'...so it isn't a crazy popular option....but it is there.

 

[peacefulberry]

I don't use TMobile so I'll leave that for someone else...
I use my phone in landscape about 95% of the time. Downfall #1, the start screen DOES NOT rotate, at all. It is always portrait. Also, I do not think calls go to landscape, but you are only on the call screen for like 2 seconds and then put the phone to your head so that isn't really all that important.

You're right about the calling in landscape (forgot about the actually putting the phone to your head LOL!) I use speakerphone a lot, and I guess I wanted it to be able to rotate while I had it on speakerphone. BTW, can you browse the web, and do other things while on speakerphone in a call?

 

[peacefulberry]

Also, what about the straight to voicemail calls and/or not receiving SMS/MMS messages and then getting them flooded after toggling airplane mode ON/OFF. I read it was on other networks as well...

 

[pavvento]

You're right about the calling in landscape (forgot about the actually putting the phone to your head LOL!) I use speakerphone a lot, and I guess I wanted it to be able to rotate while I had it on speakerphone. BTW, can you browse the web, and do other things while on speakerphone in a call?

Yes, while you're in a call you can hit the home button and do anything you'd like. The only problem is the notification bar stays on showing you're in a call, but the screen doesn't re-size, meaning the very top part of the screen may be obstructed.

 

[Microsoftjunkie]

If this is all you are concerned about, "functionality, speed, display, ease of use, etc", then you will love this phone.

I have this phone on Tmobile and I do not have those missed SMS and mms problems. In my area, Northwest Indiana, I have had problems regarding reception that in turn led to me not knowing I had missed calls, SMS, mms, etc. If anything its Tmobiles doing with the other ppl experiencing those issues because it seems like they're always having tower problems.

Things you CANNOT do in landscape:

You can not call someone in landscape mode. Your "aggregated call history" you cannot view in this mode,
the marketplace doesn't support it,
HTC's specific "hub" (clock tile) doesn't support it,
Music, Game, People hubs, Wallet

Thing YOU CAN use in lm

individuals call histories
Calender, settings, calculator, messaging, Nokia Drive, IE, E-mail, maps, alarm

I am very plz with my phone after the Portico update. Yours will already have it. Battery life is great. I have this phone for school, and I can't begin to tell you how resourceful this phone has come to be. Recording lessons and pasting it into OneNote, keeping my school and work email accounts organized and generally getting things done MUCH faster than my S3. The best part of it all is that it took me months before I got the correct setup. It basically forced me to decide things that are necessary. Using the lock screen and start screen gives me enough notifications, some may need a "Center", but this way is just fine. My most important notifications will always be on my lock screen, while my fun, and miscellaneous apps take up the rest, being my start screen.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed

 

[peacefulberry]

The only problem is the notification bar stays on showing you're in a call, but the screen doesn't re-size, meaning the very top part of the screen may be obstructed.

I'm sorry, I don't quite understand...can you elaborate please, or maybe post a screenshot so I can better understand? Thanks so much for all of your info!

 

[Curtieson]

BTW, can you browse the web, and do other things while on speakerphone in a call?

On AT&T at least... That is no issue at all. I do it all the time when I am talking to my mom (she gets a little long winded, so I clean up my email inbox while she is telling some stories)

Also, what about the straight to voicemail calls and/or not receiving SMS/MMS messages and then getting them flooded after toggling airplane mode ON/OFF. I read it was on other networks as well...

Thinking back, I actually DID have 1 issue with MMS. A couple buddies were all having a chat, and the 1st message I got was the 3rd person in line. I didn't get msg 1 until 2 days later, and msg 2 until 3 days later. That is is the only issue I've had...I've had about 20 other MMS conversations without a hitch. In that issue, I was the only phone that was NOT a Verizon Android (and mine is an AT&T WP8)

 

[peacefulberry]

If this is all you are concerned about, "functionality, speed, display, ease of use, etc", then you will love this phone.

I have this phone on Tmobile and I do not have those missed SMS and mms problems. In my area, Northwest Indiana, I have had problems regarding reception that in turn led to me not knowing I had missed calls, SMS, mms, etc. If anything its Tmobiles doing with the other ppl experiencing those issues because it seems like they're always having tower problems.

Things you CANNOT do in landscape:

You can not call someone in landscape mode. Your "aggregated call history" you cannot view in this mode,
the marketplace doesn't support it,
HTC's specific "hub" (clock tile) doesn't support it,
Music, Game, People hubs, Wallet

Thing YOU CAN use in lm

individuals call histories
Calender, settings, calculator, messaging, Nokia Drive, IE, E-mail, maps, alarm

I am very plz with my phone after the Portico update. Yours will already have it. Battery life is great. I have this phone for school, and I can't begin to tell you how resourceful this phone has come to be. Recording lessons and pasting it into OneNote, keeping my school and work email accounts organized and generally getting things done MUCH faster than my S3. The best part of it all is that it took me months before I got the correct setup. It basically forced me to decide things that are necessary. Using the lock screen and start screen gives me enough notifications, some may need a "Center", but this way is just fine. My most important notifications will always be on my lock screen, while my fun, and miscellaneous apps take up the rest, being my start screen.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed

Thanks so much! This helped a lot! You mentioned Nokia Drive, but this is an HTC Phone, is the Nokia Drive available on this phone?

 

[peacefulberry]

Thinking back, I actually DID have 1 issue with MMS. A couple buddies were all having a chat, and the 1st message I got was the 3rd person in line. I didn't get msg 1 until 2 days later, and msg 2 until 3 days later. That is is the only issue I've had...I've had about 20 other MMS conversations without a hitch. In that issue, I was the only phone that was NOT a Verizon Android (and mine is an AT&T WP8)

Ok, thanks so much for that info! I did read that it was happening on ATT as well...do you think its an HTC or a Microsoft issue? Also, did it disappear after the latest update?

 

[peacefulberry]

On AT&T at least... That is no issue at all. I do it all the time when I am talking to my mom (she gets a little long winded, so I clean up my email inbox while she is telling some stories)

So I can definitely check email, browse the internet and send/receive MMS messages while on a call. Sorry for all the questions. I will be buying this device at retail (off contract) and want to be sure before I purchase it.

 

[Curtieson]

Ok, thanks so much for that info! I did read that it was happening on ATT as well...do you think its an HTC or a Microsoft issue? Also, did it disappear after the latest update?

I actually have a Nokia L920, hahaha. I think it was an AT&T issue. It only happened the one time. It was Christmas Day...that was it (my buddies from College were all wishing each other a Merry Christmas)

So I can definitely check email, browse the internet and send/receive MMS messages while on a call. Sorry for all the questions. I will be buying this device at retail (off contract) and want to be sure before I purchase it.

Yes. All that stuff works. That isn't specific to WP.

Also...THIS is a Toast Notification, but also the same size bar is what you will see when you are on a phone call, the blue at the top.:



It works FINE when you are on the start screen or in any native apps, but if an app has information in that top 1 cm, you won't be able to click it while you are on a phone call.

 

[peacefulberry]

It works FINE when you are on the start screen or in any native apps, but if an app has information in that top 1 cm, you won't be able to click it while you are on a phone call.

Oh ok...I get it...thanks for the photo and all the info!

 

[absonj]

Thanks so much! This helped a lot! You mentioned Nokia Drive, but this is an HTC Phone, is the Nokia Drive available on this phone?

Yes, its called Nokia Drive Beta, and it works perfectly. And is free. I have a Verizon HTC 8X, and it works great. You really have to get it if you want voice turn by turn navigation.

 

[berty6294]

You could not have chosen better words! "functionality, speed, display, ease of use" are exactly what the Windows Phone OS is built around!

I'm in love with my 8x! My only problem is that sim error. (I don't think tmo has that issue) The phone is fast, lightweight, and absolutely gorgeous! It really is a head turner! Do get a case though, I feel they might be a little delicate.

 

[peacefulberry]

Yes, its called Nokia Drive Beta, and it works perfectly. And is free. I have a Verizon HTC 8X, and it works great. You really have to get it if you want voice turn by turn navigation.

You know, that is awesome! One of the selling points for the Nokia Lumia Windows devices was the Nokia Drive with voice turn by turn directions, and I thought it was awesome. Now that I know that I can get it on the HTC as well, I'm ecstatic! Thanks again for letting me know! :smile: