The Nokia Lumia 720 Journal Part 7: Beyond Apps

One of the major reason why Windows Phone is not getting serious attention before was because of its applications offering, it doesn't have most the vital apps offered and enjoyed by users from competing system. Very true indeed a year ago, but this doesn't apply recently because the system is now nearly equip with most of the popular applications in the industry. Whats still missing can only be counted within human fingers because of Microsoft's and Nokia's vigorous effort to address the problem. It wouldn't be long before everything is covered.

Windows Phone Store

The store had now passed the 145,000 mark of application and counting. Solid developers support extended by both Microsoft and Nokia and the invigorating sales of Nokia Lumia line-up could be among the main reasons behind it, but nonetheless, they still needs to continuously entice developers for support because as I said, it still had missing apps compared to other leading systems. Also they must provide cost worthy applications because they had the most expensive prices of all. Take for example, the good old Angry Birds game, Nokia Store, Apple Store and Google Play offers it for free, why is it being sold for a dollar on Windows Phone Store? App's accessibility and affordability is an important factor in third world countries, hopefully they were aware of this.

What I like about the Windows Phone store is its savvy interface, the detailed descriptions of each app and its social network integration where users can share favorite apps online, via messaging or email. Though I would love the store to have an in-depth connection socially to the point that users can know all the apps their friends use on Windows Phone Store so they could download it as well for a much deeper social interaction, and so forth.

Anyway, among my app wishlist were Gravity, Flipboard, SWYPE, Talking Clock, Tong-its Tournament, GetGlue, Candy Crush and a dedicated app for Blogger.com.

Lumia Exclusive Apps

Nokia have been working very hard to pollute the system with important apps. They collaborated with developers and gave them all the support needed in exchange for its exclusivity to Lumia line-up, and I believe the plan had worked effectively with quite a number of apps now listed on the elite list, and that consumers choosing Nokia instead of other brands because they could enjoy more apps and features they deserved.

The Nokia Lumia 720 though unlike its elder brethren had only 512MB of RAM which resulted to compatibility restrictions. The phone doesn't support two of Nokia's priciest applications for the time being, the Nokia Music and Nokia Xpress Browser for the time being but could be ported to the phone in no time. Other than those, the rest of the exclusive apps works perfectly well on the phone like the critically acclaimed Cinemagraph, Creative Studio, Smart Shoot, Panorama, Weather, ESPN Hub, App Highlights, Burton, HERE City Lens, HERE Maps, HERE Transit, Nokia Glam Me, Nokia Trailers, PhotoBeamer, SophieLens for Nokia, CNN, Soundtracker, You Send It, Angry Birds Roost, Draw Something, among others.

Of all the apps, I like Creative Studio big time because of its photo editing prowess. The Focus Blur, Color Pop, Collage, these were just among the features I like much not to mention that its also very easy to use. With only my first to try it, I was already able to create the Focus Blur enhance image below.

Another outstanding app in the exclusive list is the Smart Shoot. It shoots five frames for each picture and users can then pick the best faces from each frame, remove any people or objects within, then integrate them automatically in to one perfect shoot.

Weather was also outstanding. It is a work collaboration of Nokia and The Weather Channel bringing together an exceptional feature like the Weather AR, My Friends’ Weather and My Amazing Day. What I like most in the app is the live tile, it brings a punch to the menu screen.

Being a movie freak, the Nokia Trailers brings the best and the coolest experience in viewing teasers and trailers for new and upcoming movies. It can browse and discover new movies, watch trailers through direct stream or download and lastly, share favorites with friends, another of Windows Phone's social flare. Users can also set reminders for movies and find nearby movie theaters. Perfect app to monitor Man of Steel showing dates, screening times, cinemas and all.

A more comprehensive review on these apps will be featured on the blog soon, watch out for it.

Wrap Up

RAM limitation on the Nokia Lumia 720 is a bummer for the phone because popular apps like the Temple Run game cannot run on it unlike the Lumia 820 and 920, though it is still well compensated with a huge number of good exclusive apps making it a very much worthy than its competitors in the target market, it cannot make a huge impact against Chinese branded Android phones with high end quad core specs. Microsoft and Nokia need sto bring all the best apps to the table to make a difference. Its apps or nothing for both companies.

The Nokia Lumia 720 Journal Part 1: Beyond Dreams  
The Nokia Lumia 720 Journal Part 2: Beyond Illusion  
The Nokia Lumia 720 Journal Part 3: Beyond Glimpse  
The Nokia Lumia 720 Journal Part 4: Camera and Beyond (Day Shots)  
The Nokia Lumia 720 Journal Part 5: Camera and Beyond (Night Shots)
The Nokia Lumia 720 Journal Part 6: Camera and Beyond (Video Test)
The Nokia Lumia 720 Journal Wrap Up: Beyond Compare, The 7-2-0 Reasons To Consider

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Nokia Trailers, Lumia Exclusive App For Upcoming Movies

Movies had been a big part of me, growing up, I'm always mesmerize by its capability to offer imaginative worlds beyond norm, limitless adventures and stories far reaching, and I'm still is, now, and forever may be, that is why I'm excited to find out about Nokia Trailers on my Nokia Lumia 920 trial device.

Its an application that integrates all movie trailers into one savvy and interactive user interface that users can only experience in Windows Phone system. Smooth transitions between menu and sub-menu pages; graphic effects all over; unparalleled community integration for users; these were just among the few best features of the app, not to mention the continuous streaming of videos conforming perfectly to the phone's video capability even in my low bandwidth internet connection.

I specifically mention the continuous streaming because I had never experience this before on my Symbian running Nokia N8 or on my Android capable tablet with the later performing worsts by uploading videos in HD via tablet's browser without the ability to changed preset options. Same story as well with other video trailer apps in Goggle Store.

Opening the app takes you to the Featured  where it highlights a certain film, currently featured is Oblivion, a futuristic post apocalyptic film that stars a Hollywood heavyweight, Tom Cruise. On the page, users can read a brief description of the film, its release date, director and so forth. For further info about the film and play its trailers, users can press the movie link taking them to individual film page where they can vote, play versions of the trailer via streaming or download them all for later viewing.

Individual Film Page

A swipe to the left in the Featured page, shows the Just Added film trailers while a swipe further to the left shows more Just Added page.

Another swipe to the left from the Just Added page is the Highlights, while a left swipe further is the Menu where it features films currently shown in the theaters, the coming soon's, the most popular among viewers, user's personal watchlist, downloaded movies, movie theaters nearby, among others. Users can also change the settings to preference.

 

Though most of these community integrated features is not locally available here the Philippines, the information's and flawless streaming it offers is unparalleled making it among the best in the Lumia exclusives.

A highly recommended app here for movie lovers!

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Top 10 Fun Apps For Kids On Your Nokia Lumia

It’s not an easy task to keep your young ones occupied and entertained all the time. Thankfully, mobile technology has presented more options and activities that will allow kids to learn new things, play games and explore their talents. Now, while you’re in transit to the mall or waiting for your kid’s turn at the dentist, you can lend your Nokia Lumia smartphone to him and kill some time. Better yet, turn this opportunity into another bonding moment with him -- solving puzzles, answer quizzes and creating artworks together.

Here are 10 free fun and educational apps that can help you keep your kids busy virtually anywhere, anytime!

10. Origami Pro. Learn the ancient Japanese art of paper folding with this app. Your little one can choose what to make from a host of traditional and non-traditional origami models. Step-by-step diagrams with easy instructions will guide him through creating ingenious items.

9. Simon Cow. Kids and adults alike will get hooked in this highly amusing and devilishly addictive version of the classic Simon Says memory game. Repeat the exact sequence of sounds from the different animals on the screen, which starts off really easy and soon becomes a stern test of your memory. An online leader board keeps the highest score for whoever can remember the longest sequence, so you can see your standing against friends and other people from all over the world!

8. National Flags Quiz. Bond with your kids over this fun game that tests your knowledge of more than 200 national flags. National Flags Quiz has a practice mode for learning the national flags. Learn the correct answers for each flag if you get the question wrong. A timed mode will test you on random flags around the world or by continent. Your score will be based on speed and accuracy. Submit your score to an online scoreboard and see how you fair with other players around the world.

7. Pixelator. Encourage your kid’s creativity with this fun and simple pixel art drawing app that lets you draw and color your art one pixel at a time! The pixel art can be saved on your phone, uploaded to image sharing site imgur, and also be set as your Lumia’s lock screen.

6. Draw FREE. Let their imagination come to life with this conventional finger drawing app for your Lumia. Start from scratch or draw over and add effects to an existing photo. Your kids will also enjoy creative features, such as fun rainbow brushes and animated fills, stamps to add colorful graphics, sound effects, and warp and twist options. You can undo and redo actions and shake your phone to clear the artwork.

5. Hangman. This classic word game is transported on your Nokia Lumia to let today’s young generation experience the thrill of solving the puzzle. Choose from different word categories that range from basic English words, animals and colors to sports, weather and world countries. It comes in three classic themes: Pencil on paper, Chalk on blackboard, and Parchment.

4. Breakout. A little arcade action is sure to delight your kid. The objective of Breakout is to block the ball as it falls down the screen and use it to smash the bricks as it rebounds back up. This free game hosts great features, such as 150 levels, different weapons and power-ups, and online scoreboards. Plus, you can even create your own game screens.

3. 4 In A Row. This challenging game, also known as 4 in a Line or Connect 4, will test one’s strategic skills as you try to outthink your opponent. You can play the game with your kid with the two players’ mode or play against the phone. Be the first player to get four pieces of his color in a row, whether in horizontal, vertical or diagonal. This game has 8 levels of difficulty and features cool graphics and sound effects.

2. NumberTap. Make learning Mathematics fun for your kids. NumberTap is a competitive math game where his arithmetic skills will be tested against other players around the world for the highest scores. Tap for the answers fast, starting from easy and quickly becoming harder, as the clock ticks.

1. Sketch Match. This app combines the element of drawing and gaming. Your kid will be challenged to sketch an image shown within the allocated time. The better your artistic efforts are, the higher your rating will be. Another fun way of playing this app is the ‘search by sketch’ feature. Sketch an object and hit the search button to see photos of similar items.

With these great apps for your Nokia Lumia phones, you are sure to keep kids occupied anytime and anywhere.

I will surely enjoy this apps myself being young at heart on my soon to be Nokia Luma 920 phone! :) How I wish!

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