GDR 1 Not Enough.

[Great deal]

First of all, let me be clear I've been a WP user for the last four yrs. And as everybody that has used WP I have gone through all the pain and humiliation towards us. Although, I owned a Galaxy I never got rid off of my HTC Radar I love that phone [I wish HTC bring something alike to WP 8.1.] I was so happy when WP 8 was announced that I did not wait to finish my contract and I got [still have] the Lumia 925 I love this phone one of the best in the market. I wont give you a history about WP 8 cause I am pretty sure you all know it. But then our wishes finally came true, MS announced 8.1 and when they let regular users like me to downloaded the new OS I couldn't be happier: Cortana, Background, new CEO* Notification Center, Word Flow, more emoticons and so on.... Then GDR 1 came alone and I am very happy with it, I love Life Folders, Apps Corner, Device Hub, new and updated apps everyday so every thing we have been asking for is coming.

But GDR 1 is not enough. Why? Because as everybody in the tech world pointed out MS did a great job to catch up and I totally agree with that statement. MS has made many WPers very happy and that is good, but there is nothing that take us apart from the competition to attract people from other OS' [Apple, Android and Blackberry] to our platform. Yes is a great update [especially if you've been using WP for awhile] but if you like me play with Android latest update you will see we still lack behind, for example our notification center is great but too limited iOS and Android give the user more power; you shouldn't have to click twice or thrice get something done. My older son has the HCT One M7 and there is nothing in WP I can use to attract him to WP, he likes some of the features of the OS but overall he is not impressed yet and there is one app that is not helping the cause [Clash of Clans] this has been a major hurdle for him to even consider WP.

Finally, MS has to bring something that people want, even if they don't know they want it/them Cortana and live tiles are great but not enough, we need that WOW! ) moment* just like the first iPhone or Galaxy 4/4s MS need to let people speechless when they see, touch and use WP.

I want to give my thanks in advance for ready my post please be free to respond, I would like to have your input I prefer to see constructive comments but I just want you see what you think ..... What can we do to help WP get more noticed?

The real issue has been the lack of communication between teams internally at Microsoft, the teams just don't share code which is why we get software/apps/features that sometimes is beyond comprehension. The reason? well the way promotions work at Microsoft, the teams compete with each other and the winners get the kudos so no one wants to give the other teams any ammunition to out do them.

Look at Skype team and Lync team. The 2 Vice Presidents don't like each other and both want the other to integrate into their own platform. Skype has the user base but its built for VOIP using PC's and Lync has the feature set that Skype needs and they are helping each other but not embracing each other in order to deliver what WE want. Having said that Satya is creating a channel for teams to share code across the company and also restructuring management to give Microsoft as a company what they desperately need; Shared information and speed of delivery.

Takes time to implement these things and Threshold will be bearing the fruits of that integration from Desktop, Mobile hardware with WP OS.

Are Microsoft committed to change - Yes
Are they 100% behind WP - Yes
Are they focussing on enterprise to leverage WP to consumers - Yes
Will there be amazing innovation (you can only do so much on a phone, Cortana's not going to get up and make your breakfast for you..not yet!) - Yes
Does Microsoft have the potential to win back market share and really take the fight to the other 2? Yes

Will they? That's the unknown and 'Maybe' and its actually in Microsoft's hands to either screw it up or deliver.

 

[mozman68]

If it were all true it would be even better.


Sent from my iPhone using WPCentral Forums

I had to go back and read it after your comment... and it would have helped if you pointed out what you think isn't true.

The entire list is true, but possibly what you are referring to is that it is not necessarily true on one single phone... and yes, iPhone will be getting (or actually has) one or two of the items on the list (predictive and swipe).

Is that what you are referring to, or what do you feel on the list isn't actually true?

 

[ScottGeek]

Well, Microsoft is doing great with their sales aren't they? You might not like it but this is the only way. The market share is decreasing.

MS is not losing at anything really (well maybe Xbox One compared to the PS4- a little). Yes, the latest measure WP did dip a bit. But these kinds of dips are like losing weight.... 1-2 lbs shift is water/hydration. 1-2% shift in the phone market follows things expiring contracts new product launches, etc. Watch what happens when the iPhone 6 comes out.... the number will shift about a bit.

One should always be cautious as to which cooked number you look at. US sales are always skew towards Apple (it's biggest market); Whereas WP is bigger outside the US. Yeah, it's far more complicated than it needs to be, because everyone wants to proclaim "Top Dog" position. :amaze:

~ScottGeek.

 

[EC Translating Services]

First of all, let me be clear I've been a WP user for the last four yrs. And as everybody that has used WP I have gone through all the pain and humiliation towards us. Although, I owned a Galaxy I never got rid off of my HTC Radar I love that phone [I wish HTC bring something alike to WP 8.1.] I was so happy when WP 8 was announced that I did not wait to finish my contract and I got [still have] the Lumia 925 I love this phone one of the best in the market. I wont give you a history about WP 8 cause I am pretty sure you all know it. But then our wishes finally came true, MS announced 8.1 and when they let regular users like me to downloaded the new OS I couldn't be happier: Cortana, Background, new CEO* Notification Center, Word Flow, more emoticons and so on.... Then GDR 1 came alone and I am very happy with it, I love Life Folders, Apps Corner, Device Hub, new and updated apps everyday so every thing we have been asking for is coming.

But GDR 1 is not enough. Why? Because as everybody in the tech world pointed out MS did a great job to catch up and I totally agree with that statement. MS has made many WPers very happy and that is good, but there is nothing that take us apart from the competition to attract people from other OS' [Apple, Android and Blackberry] to our platform. Yes is a great update [especially if you've been using WP for awhile] but if you like me play with Android latest update you will see we still lack behind, for example our notification center is great but too limited iOS and Android give the user more power; you shouldn't have to click twice or thrice get something done. My older son has the HCT One M7 and there is nothing in WP I can use to attract him to WP, he likes some of the features of the OS but overall he is not impressed yet and there is one app that is not helping the cause [Clash of Clans] this has been a major hurdle for him to even consider WP.

Finally, MS has to bring something that people want, even if they don't know they want it/them Cortana and live tiles are great but not enough, we need that WOW! ) moment* just like the first iPhone or Galaxy 4/4s MS need to let people speechless when they see, touch and use WP.

I want to give my thanks in advance for ready my post please be free to respond, I would like to have your input I prefer to see constructive comments but I just want you see what you think ..... What can we do to help WP get more noticed?

If you care my opinion (which you may have read other times) for US users it's lacking marginal things (i am even surprised at users not migrating out of a game or out of the lack of Facebook but i understand users have their tastes and needs). For global users it's lacking a variety of things i have mentioned many other times so i'll skip. The bottom line is people like me like the concept, want to stay but have to carry an Android to make things happen. Lack of keyboards for some languages, Office that doesn't work properly. I need to take notes on a split-screen with a webpage and a note (like One Note) while reading stuff, and if possible also listen to youtube in the meantime. I need a variety of specific apps, i need encryption i need a ton of things WP simply doesn't have. I have said other times (deliberately sarcastically) that MSFT keeps releasing updates where they add a few new options which most passionate fans consider the best thing after sliced bread. But if you do Cortana and give it magic powers to forecast the future and users need to type in a language for which there is no input on the phone (US users don't have this issue so most of them won't care), Cortana becomes hilarious (not to mention many hate it, like Siri and the alikes). Opening password protected files was allowed only with GDR 1 on Beta. But you can't edit the file. Imagine me having to deliver, say, a few things of terminology to a customer and A) being unable to use the input i need to type in a given language and B) being unable to edit Office files....add this to the scenario where you need a 6" phone to have the screen split in two for work and MSFT won't allow you. Then you mentioned another thing, and i agree. Too many "clicks". Switching off Wi-Fi takes you to the Wi-Fi tab. Why can't you just put an On/off button in the notification center? Did it take much? Was it too hard to think?

The OS is improving and i admit i am starting to like it. But it's really exasperating to have to waste so much time when an Android device does it in 10 seconds, like a king and you're there relaxed listening to your music and working with a screen split in two.

Encryption: Why Bitlocker (which is by no means safe to be clear) is just on corporate devices? Can't you just allow any user to encrypt his/her device? I carry a lot of sensitive data on the phone...how am i supposed to protect it in case of theft or loss?

I ran away from Android because of security issues. WP is a bit better in some areas but has no options to protect your data.

Sometimes i think i need to go back to Blackberry....all the advantages of the Android world without having to deal with Google. Just a few apps and i am happy. If only they had a big screen device i'd be sold on BB. Doesn't matter what customers think. BB offers stuff others don't.

Hope this is constructive enough. If not, feel free to comment. I appreciate all sorts of opinions as long as they make sense

 

[carlos12001]

The funny thing is, lately I've been bragging about my Windows Phone. While I get teased about it at work a little bit (I don't care) I always slap it right back at them. To all iPhone users...

1. Do you have a glance screen with the notifications and time always there?
2. Can you double tap to wake?
3. Do you have live tiles that show counters and live data like the weather or meetings?
4. Can Siri remind you to buy something at the next grocery store?
5. Do you have a 41mp camera?
6. Why is your screen so tiny?
7. Do you have an alphabetical list of apps with a jump link navigation for those rarely used apps?
8. Can you merge email accounts?
9. Do you have a family room or groups that pull in social data, calendars, messages, etc.?
10. Do you have predictive texting?
11. Do you have a Swype style keyboard?
12. Can you talk to text through Bluetooth in your car?
13. Can you have a multi-point conversation with Siri?
14. Do you have NFC?
15. Do you have wireless charging?
16. Cam you resize and arrange tiles based on visual hierarchy, etc?
17. Can you have a theme color that is used throughout the OS and many apps?
18. Can you remote desktop to your PC and use Siri to call up that connection?

The list goes on. Anyone who claims they are ashamed should just STFU and go to Android or iOS. Like you said, no one is forcing them to buy WP.

4. Siri can tell you to do whatever you want based on location.

8. False. All my accounts are merged.

10. Ios 8-true for now

11. Ios 8-true for now

12. False. I do all the time through MS sync.

13. False. You can have all kinds dialogue with Siri, but it would be pretty stupid to do so.

18. Not sure, don't care.


Sent from my iPhone using WPCentral Forums

 

[mozman68]

4. Siri can tell you to do whatever you want based on location.

8. False. All my accounts are merged.

10. Ios 8-true for now

11. Ios 8-true for now

12. False. I do all the time through MS sync.

13. False. You can have all kinds dialogue with Siri, but it would be pretty stupid to do so.

18. Not sure, don't care.


Sent from my iPhone using WPCentral Forums

4. He was very clear to mention "any" location. With Siri, you HAVE to utilize a specific location. Example, with Cortana I can say, "Remind me to pick up flowers at any flower shop." (yes... just like the commercial) With Siri, I would have to specify a specific store... talk about multiple steps.

8. iOS does not merge accounts... it only places them under a single "mail' account. When you open "mail" on iOS, you see all of your accounts. In WP, I have a single merged mail tile for personal accounts and another tile for business. Then on my Glance screen, I only have to see which ones are business versus iOS which could show you have 25 new emails. Can you tell how many are personal or for business?

12 -- I have no clue...I drive a Jeep without doors or windows most of the time, so the using Bluetooth in there is useless.

13 -- Siri cannot handle follow up questions and understand what the original question was. Cortana is more advanced in many areas from a "context" mode. Siri isn't even close to it at this point and Apple has given no signs that it is coming.

18 -- Not sure, don't care either.

 

[carlos12001]

4. He was very clear to mention "any" location. With Siri, you HAVE to utilize a specific location. Example, with Cortana I can say, "Remind me to pick up flowers at any flower shop." (yes... just like the commercial) With Siri, I would have to specify a specific store... talk about multiple steps.

8. iOS does not merge accounts... it only places them under a single "mail' account. When you open "mail" on iOS, you see all of your accounts. In WP, I have a single merged mail tile for personal accounts and another tile for business. Then on my Glance screen, I only have to see which ones are business versus iOS which could show you have 25 new emails. Can you tell how many are personal or for business?

12 -- I have no clue...I drive a Jeep without doors or windows most of the time, so the using Bluetooth in there is useless.

13 -- Siri cannot handle follow up questions and understand what the original question was. Cortana is more advanced in many areas from a "context" mode. Siri isn't even close to it at this point and Apple has given no signs that it is coming.

18 -- Not sure, don't care either.

We'll I guess he's mostly right then. My apologies.


Sent from my iPhone using WPCentral Forums

 

[masterchief1984]

After reading the first entry of the post I have to say that I agree whole heartedly with him. WP has let everyone that they are in the room but their voice is still not loud enough. I mean we still have apps in beta that should have been caught up to their iOS and Android cousins. Now with the GDR1 update was a significantly step in the correct direction. The live folders are ridiculously good. You get the both of best worlds having folders and keeping live tiles for updates. I say the only thing left for WP to fully be able to stand aside iOS and Android is to one: Make minor adjustments to things like being able to customize your action center with whatever actions you want immediate access. And two: Put their foot down on these ridiculous beta apps like FB and IG. See if they can make their own or request the help of our own community to help out.

 

[mozman68]

Facebook is Microsoft's version...not dine by Facebook. The Facebook beta is finally there imho.

 

[realwarder]

4. He was very clear to mention "any" location. With Siri, you HAVE to utilize a specific location. Example, with Cortana I can say, "Remind me to pick up flowers at any flower shop." (yes... just like the commercial)

I didn't know that (the 'any' capability) until the commercial and so I tried it the other day. "Remind me to pick up ice cream at the supermarket (any)". Then I was out driving for work and in my pocket my phone keeps pinging... sure enough, as I was driving past Kroger's and the likes it's chiming the reminder! Worked pretty well.

 

[Jorge Holguin]

I just want to thank you all for your input I really enjoyed and learned one or two, three things I didn't know. Blessings to you all

 

[Guytronic]

I just want to thank you all for your input I really enjoyed and learned one or two, three things I didn't know. Blessings to you all

Yes thanks to all!
This thread has had a good run...
Closed