Questions before I switch from Android

[AirSlab]

Hi guys,I'm seriously considering buying a Lumia 930 when my contract runs out (I have a GALAXY S II right now). I just had a few questions about Windows Phone in general. I'm really new to WP so if my questions seem obvious please bear with me.

1. On Google Play, there's one app store for everybody and Play automatically converts app prices into your local currency. I'm South African so that makes it SA rands. I've noticed on the WP Store that there's a US store (prices in dollar) and an SA store (Rands). Does this mean that I can only buy apps from my local store, and that unlike in Play, there will be some apps that are available to US users but not me, or vice-versa?

2. I saw that some games in the store (like Angry Birds) have an Xbox logo on the icon. The requirements of the game state that I need "Xbox". I've never seen such a thing in Play before, so does this mean that since I don't own an Xbox, I can't own some of the WP Store games? Or am I missing something?

3. I've read that Microsoft intend to support WP 8.1 until 2017. My question is though, if I buy an 8.1 phone, how many major software updates like Windows 9 can I expect to receive? Android OEM's tend to give you whatever Google unveil up until 18 months after your device was launched, so my S II which started on Android 2.3 is now on 4.1.1 and the difference is obviously huge. Can i expect to still receive Windows 9, 10, etc. when my 930 is 18 months old?

Thanks for reading, your comments will be much appreciated!

 

[Pranjal Rai]

1. Yes, there are region specific apps on the store. Meaning that if you live in some other country, you can't download 'em. But, this problem can be easily overcome by switching the region on your Windows phone. (but then, paid apps won't be displayed in your local currency.)
2. This is easy. Xbox logo means that the game comes with Xbox achievements. There achievements increase your gamerscore. You definitely DON'T need an Xbox for playing those games. Majority of them are paid, but we don't mind spending some extra bucks for multiplayer and leaderboards, do we?
3. Hmm. All I can say is that if you buy a high memory device, you can enjoy most of the games on the store(and possibly future updates of firmware) . It is highly possible that Microsoft will make 1gb devices as the lowest benchmark(standard), in the future, and they MAY not get wp8.2 or wp9.

And finally, welcome to the community.

 

[L Beezy]

I'll answer what I only know from experience:
1. That question I have no answer to, because I'm from the US.
2. As long as you have a Microsoft Account Account (same as Xbox Account) you are fine. This account is used to back up your phone's data like Google does with Android. I don't own an Xbox anymore, and I'm able to own those Xbox games and get points and achievements for it. So you don't actually need an Xbox to play and Xbox games on WP.
3. This is just me speaking on what I have researched about this, but I believe that the update will apply only to Windows Phone 8 OS up to 2017. Bear in mind, don't let the .1 update fool you...it was a MAJOR update to the OS itself. I would compare the 8.1 update to be comparable to the Android 2.xx to 3.xx updates--of course, that's my opinion. As for the updates to WP9, WP10, etc., I'm not too sure about those. I don't think anyone is to be honest.

Hopefully those 2/3 answers helped somewhat!

 

[xandros9]

Hi guys,I'm seriously considering buying a Lumia 930 when my contract runs out (I have a GALAXY S II right now). I just had a few questions about Windows Phone in general. I'm really new to WP so if my questions seem obvious please bear with me.
Welcome aboard! we hope to see you soon, 930 in hand.

1. On Google Play, there's one app store for everybody and Play automatically converts app prices into your local currency. I'm South African so that makes it SA rands. I've noticed on the WP Store that there's a US store (prices in dollar) and an SA store (Rands). Does this mean that I can only buy apps from my local store, and that unlike in Play, there will be some apps that are available to US users but not me, or vice-versa?
I'm not sure personally.

2. I saw that some games in the store (like Angry Birds) have an Xbox logo on the icon. The requirements of the game state that I need "Xbox". I've never seen such a thing in Play before, so does this mean that since I don't own an Xbox, I can't own some of the WP Store games? Or am I missing something?
Xbox is the gaming service baked into Windows Phone. It does not require an Xbox console or anything for the most part. (I don't have one, newest console here is a Gamecube) So don't worry about needing an Xbox, you already do. However, some apps like Smartglass aren't games, but companion apps for Xbox consoles, which would natually need Xbox.
TL;DR, don't sweat, its just a brand for the achievements + multiplayer stuff onboard.

3. I've read that Microsoft intend to support WP 8.1 until 2017. My question is though, if I buy an 8.1 phone, how many major software updates like Windows 9 can I expect to receive? Android OEM's tend to give you whatever Google unveil up until 18 months after your device was launched, so my S II which started on Android 2.3 is now on 4.1.1 and the difference is obviously huge. Can i expect to still receive Windows 9, 10, etc. when my 930 is 18 months old?
The standard is 18 months of support for a phone. We don't expect any Windows Phone 8/9 chasm like the 7/8 fiasco anytime soon, as that may ring WP's death knell.
However, the support timeframe is for the OS itself, Windows Phone 8.2, 8.3, 9, 20, whatever is bound to be out by then and available for your device. You can definitely reasonably expect to see "9" or whatever version number it is, but 10, its a bit far off. We don't know MS's plans for sure, or if they even have detailed plans like that. But I'm sure they're relatively reasonable.

Worth noting that carriers often have the last say in updates. Example, T-Mobile barred the Lumia 810 from receiving official updates beyond WP 8.0 + Lumia Amber but will be updating the Lumia 925 and 521 to WP 8.1 + Lumia Cyan this summer. Also worth noting that unlike Android, there is not much in the way of custom ROMs as of now. Not too big of a deal for most people, but some might prefer otherwise.

Thanks for reading, your comments will be much appreciated!

my answers are in bold above as per usual with my responses to these kinds of queries.

 

[Enuniq]

I remember reading on a WP blog post that all wp8 phones will get the update for w9... So yeah no need to worry about it getting to the end of it's life. The reason for w7 to w8 was hardware compatibility...

 

[SammyD_L625]

If Microsoft will offer the update to your phone, then you will get it( I hope they do). And if they do, you don't have to worry about vodacom, mtn and cellc holding the update back for long. They're very free flowing with updates. The only device that took some time to get Black was the L625.

 

[hopmedic]

Welcome to WPCentral! We're glad to have you. It looks like your questions have already been answered. :wink:

 

[anon(7900571)]

Hey Welcome to WPCentral ! :wink:

 

[Muessig]

Hey Air, we'd love to hear what has happened, if you decided to go for the 930?

 

[eusty]

I'm new here too!

When I got my S3 a while back I thought of getting a WP but the lack of apps put me off at the time.
18 months later after checking the apps available and reviews I decided to give a Lumia 630 a go.

The reason was as it was only ?100 I could try WP and not get stuck with a OS I hated for 2 years with my contract.

I was going to get an S5 in October, now its going to be a 930

 

[TheMightyCraken]

I just joined the WP world so please correct me if I'm wrong
1. I really don't know because I have never tried my new Lumia out side the US.
2. You DO NOT need an Xbox as it is just like Google Play Games
3. I am sure Microsoft will support the Lumia 930 whereas it is VERY New
BTW WELCOME TO WINDOWS PHONE!

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