Re: Long-time WP user....*extremely* disappointed with WP8, Lumia 920, etc.
I only disagree with you in regard to fragmentation (somewhat):
- To avoid getting into a lengthy and technical debate, I would simply say that if you understand why WP7 hardware wasn't updated to WP8, then you should also be able to make your peace with the little inconveniences that has caused (which will cease to exist at some point down the road).
- The existence of 512MB and 1GB hardware variants is simply Microsoft's market segmentation strategy. It is entirely artificial, but also entirely avoidable. If you want everyone in your family to have access to the same apps, you all need devices with the same RAM configuration. If you consider all the other ways Microsoft could have segmented the WP market (which the laws of business demand), I'm sure you will agree that wasn't the worst choice.
- Finally, the fact that OEMs will release apps only for their devices is simply a fact of life. It's their way of differentiating their devices. You could just as well argue that fragmentation exists, because my company develops WP apps that are available only to its employees. This isn't actually fragmentation.
I realise I'm not helping you with this. I guess I just wanted to say that I mostly agree.
Your points are valid.
It's just frustrating when I find a cool app, suggest it to my wife, and then find that she can't install it on her WP7.8 device
We've also come across instances where we CAN both install the same app (like Chronos Calendar), but my phone can do something that hers can't.........
frustrating.....
As for OEM-specific apps, well....I "get it", and I understand their need to differentiate. Although it helps those OEMs (I guess), it doesn't help the eco-system. If I find a cool app that my co-worker cannot get on his HTC 8X, he doesn't say "geez... I guess I should've ordered a Nokia phone", he says "what the f#&k is that about?". Know what I mean?
Personally, I'd loved to see OEMs keep their own specific apps, but allow other users the ability to pay for them. In other words, "Creative Studio" would be free for Nokia phone users, but HTC users might have to pay $4.99 to get that app -- or whatever. It still makes the Nokia phones a value, but it doesn't hurt the eco-system so much. Just my $.02