|
I am with you 100%.
I don't get why people keep saying, that the number of available applications on WP8 are lacking.
Soren Madsen
"When you don't know what you're doing it's best to do it quickly" - Jase #DuckDynasty
|
|
|
|
|
As someone who used Windows Phone from version 7 through to a couple of months ago, I do feel I can bring some perspective to this. While I loved the UI and the way it worked, the one thing I couldn't get past was the lack of apps. I'm not talking about numbers here - lord knows, the Windows Phone store is inundated with a huge number of truly terrible applications. What it lacked were the quality applications from companies that I wanted apps from. This is where Android and Apple have the market locked up; companies only have so much development spend, and why would they waste it on low growth devices? Let's face it, we're not bemoaning the lack of apps on Blackberry here, yet it's in a similar situation.
The thing that finally made me give up was the fact that I run my home sound system on Sonos, and there still isn't a WP version of the Sonos controller. I got an HTC M8, installed the app and it auto-opens for me when I come in the house, if the family are playing any music. Until Microsoft can persuade businesses to develop apps for Windows Phone, they are going to be a poor third relation.
|
|
|
|
|
I remember your thread here in the Lounge a few months back. What I got from it was that you were dumping WP because the integration of the social media applications worked "too well", resulting in too many disturbances for you.
Although I am not missing any applications on my WP8, I agree there is a catch 22 when you show up late for the party:
- When most companies develop mobile applications, they start with the ones that have the biggest market share.
- Many people buy a device with a large market share because companies have made applications for them.
"When you don't know what you're doing it's best to do it quickly" - Jase #DuckDynasty
|
|
|
|
|
That seems like a valid reason.
Microsoft needs to pick up on apps like that and see that they get written.
|
|
|
|
|
The came to late and the tile optic was disturbing. And a lot of people are angry since Vista.
Do you remember how Ballmer laughed about the iphone.
But most of all: the came years to late. Remember the crappy Windows Mobile - they earned what the deserve.
PS: I am also sorry about it, because I "was" a Windows programmer with MFC and C# 
Press F1 for help or google it.
Greetings from Germany
|
|
|
|
|
I use Windows Phone and like it a lot (miles ahead of Android, and I just don't want to use anything Apple). As for the market share - let Microsoft worry about it.
|
|
|
|
|
Unless market share improves, we'll always be behind Apple and Android when it comes to apps.
|
|
|
|
|
Nish Sivakumar wrote: we'll always be behind Apple and Android when it comes to apps
I honestly don't care. The only app I want that is already not coming with the phone is Kindle, and there is Kindle for WinPhone.
|
|
|
|
|
I don't either. But we are not the majority market. Most people want apps.
|
|
|
|
|
Nish Sivakumar wrote: I don't either. But we are not the majority market. Most people want apps.
My guess is if you asked 100 phone buyers what apps they need that are available on platform A but not on platform B that 99 of them couldn't name a single app which isn't available on both platforms.
It is dishonest to pretend that the number apps a phone has should have any impact on what phone the average consumer should purchase. Technology should be purchased to solve a clearly defined need - 99/100 phone buyers could pick any smart phone and have more than they'll ever require.
Nobody needs 100,000+ apps.
|
|
|
|
|
Copy/pasting my reply above :
Most common one I hear is banking apps. All the major banks in America have Android and iOS apps, but nothing for Windows.
Next most common complaint is popular trending games. By the time Windows gets it, people have moved on to newer games.
And then there's also how even apps that are ported fast enough are far slower and way more unstable that the same apps on other OSes. I'd assume it's because of the thinner pool of high quality mobile devs on Windows.
|
|
|
|
|
MehGerbil wrote: 99/100 phone buyers could pick any smart phone and have more than they'll ever require.
Yep, but 99/100 will go with Apple or Android today due to momentum. MSFT needs to build a much better mousetrap that offers something marketable and useful that the others do not (or preferably can't) do. Until then there is no good reason for the 99 to consider MSFT.
Contrary to popular belief, nobody owes you anything.
|
|
|
|
|
Nemanja Trifunovic wrote: As for the market share - let Microsoft worry about it.
I suspect this thread was started as a result of this News post: http://www.codeproject.com/Messages/4975589/Is-Microsoft-s-Windows-Phone-at-long-last-dead.aspx[^]
If Microsoft kills off their phone product, your post suggests that it might affect you too. Still, there is no sense in us spending time worrying about it  .
Soren Madsen
"When you don't know what you're doing it's best to do it quickly" - Jase #DuckDynasty
|
|
|
|
|
Exactly right.
If they kill Windows Phone I'll consider jumping to Apple.
I'm tired of Microsoft killing cool stuff.
|
|
|
|
|
I am absolutely with you!
i can´t see why People are bashing Windows 8.x
i guess, it´s some sort of "i am against everything MS developed " or "i am against Technology x, although i have no idea of it, because i´m using y...."
 
IMHO Win8.1 is the "highest-performance" OS Ms developed so far.
Just my opinion...
|
|
|
|
|
And apple people don't remember when they were begging Bill Gates to rescue their company. And now they believe they invented smartphones (I remeber using a treo with Windows mobile).
I think one of the most important facts is the hipster era, I'm developer, and at work, they believe they are the genius of programming because some of then can use Excel to make reports, or auto-name them videogamers because play candy crush in their phones.
You can sell them vegetables soup at $2, or name it potage aux légumes (french name) at the cost of $5.
|
|
|
|
|
I'm with you... I really like Windows Phone 8.1. Onedrive works great. MS is finally starting to understand how to build the ecosystem. There is no doubt that MS sat on Windows Mobile 6 way to long and should have acted sooner when the iPhone came out. I think it is going to be hard to get someone who is already in the Apple ecosystem to switch, and while the Android ecosystem is not as compelling to me, those users have something that works for them and likely will resist change.
Here in Canada I think a MS has done a terrible job of prompting WP and I would think that is the main reason WP is not catching one here. I would be only 20% of the population even knows what Windows Phone is! Last time I visited a Bell Mobility store they did not even have a display for the one windows phone that they carry. At the local Rogers store, there is a display in the back corner for the one Windows Phone they carry. Blackberry has a much larger presence in these two stores and they are the two largest carriers in Canada. With Representation like that it is a wonder anyone in Canada has a Windows Phone. MS has to do a better job of getting awareness of this great product.
|
|
|
|
|
I agree. It saddens me too. But only because of what Microsoft could do, but don't seem to be interested in. They have the potential to create a device that is nearly the equivalent of a laptop computer and that's small enough to fit in your pocket so you always have it with you. In that vision, having the same interface across the whole gamut of devices makes a lot of sense. I thought that's what they were doing with Win 8 and the tiles, but they don't seem to be following through.
We can program with only 1's, but if all you've got are zeros, you've got nothing.
|
|
|
|
|
The problem right now is phone availability. There are no new releases and others are due for upgrade, hence the decline and those who stay are waiting for windows 10.
|
|
|
|
|
It's real simple. Back in the early 90's Bill Gates dad, a lawyer, with the help of his government buddies created a 'legal' process. Back then Microsoft would express interest in a product to the inventor or company that creates it. They would invite the creator to visit Microsoft and to bring the specs of their product which Microsoft was interested in buying. When the creator went they would have a pleasant experience. Microsoft would tell the creator to leave their specs and that they would receive an offer for their work in the near future. A couple of weeks later the creator would receive a rude phone call from someone at Microsoft telling them their product was not mature enough. That is was not "commercial grade" quality. Everyone was told the same thing. Their product was not commercial grade. Then Microsoft would mail the specs back to the creator. During the two weeks after microsoft obtained the product specs they would give the specs to an attorney. The attorney would give the specs to a technical person and ask them to make a copy of the specs with the wording changed. Then both sets of identical specs with different wording were returned to the attorney. The attorney would then take the new specs with different wording and give them to a programmer and tell them to write the software described in the specs. Software would be created that accomplished the same thing as that of its original creator with different variable names and code executed using a different approach. And that is how microsoft stole most of what runs in windows and the internet. Some people tried to sue. There was even a news television show that showed every step of the 'legal' process Bill Gates' dad created with the help of his government buddies. I have had my work stolen by microsoft in more than one way. I am the inventor of patent 7,987,168 which is the process that taught browsers and apps how to talk directly to web sites without having to type queries or whatever in the site's web page. You use my invention on your phone, tablet, and computer on all operating systems and browsers. Jeffrey Richter of Wintellect, a microsoft consultant back in 2006, mentored me to get my patent application before I told him anything about my idea. Jeff said he was going to help me market my idea to microsoft. When he saw screen shots of inTriever his eyes almost came out of his head. Our professional and personal relationship ended by his doing and seven months later I saw a new input box over to the right of the web address input box in internet explorer 7 for users to submit queries directly to web sites. Microsoft told the other tech giants to incorporate my method in their browsers and they all did. That all happened while my patent examiner was changed from an american man to a middle eastern woman who did not speak english and knew nothing of the patent application process. My attorney and I were not allowed to argue and demonstrate in the customary way as is legally allowed. And Sana Al Shaid broke the law when she cited the same prior art five times over the course of five years. I live in Orlando and go to Disney and the other parks. I love watching crowds and know when I see them using their phone tablet or handheld that they are all using my invention which was stolen from me, a poor person who did his best to get off social security, by some of the riches companies in the world. Pay attention when I tell you Microsoft was literally put in the palm of my hand. All of Bill and Belindas money will be ceased including their foundation. All of Microsoft money and assets will be ceased. I'm going to give some of that money to the inventors and companies who had their work stolen from them by Microsoft. I'm not sorry when I say Microsoft and Wintellect are done. Windows is a thing of the past and will be no more. Don't worry there are web sites popping up on the internet that show how to put other better comercial grade operating systems and apps on your phone. Now you know why Microsoft is no more. Fin.
|
|
|
|
|
I've used several Windows Phone over the years dating back to Windows Mobile and started with WP 7 at launch. I also run a small business where most of the users use iPhones.
The most common objection I hear is the cost of getting new apps to replace the one's they purchased on iOS. If Microsoft wants to become serious in the market they need to subsidize the cost to replace the apps while jumping from Android or iOS.
Would it really hurt to MSFT to off a $50-100 store credit for new OS users in order to grow market share.
MSFT should also consider building a team to work with other corporations to build 3rd party apps for corporations. Just like they did with Facebook.
Go Beavs!!!
|
|
|
|
|
First you have to practically beg a sales person to sell you a windows phone so the causal public will never be prompted windows phone is an option. Second we are in a drought of new/any windows phones. I have gone to Best Buy and the AT&T store to look at windows phones many times and they don't even have them on display. You have to buy them directly from Microsoft or online from say Amazon. I think most people who buy new things online go the store to look at options then buy online. If you don't have the options in physical stores you are cutting your potential buyers. So mostly people who buy windows phones are those who know what they are and where to get one. Also they are ok with buying unlocked upfront.
I know 4 other windows phone users in my extended family.
|
|
|
|
|
Mindshare...
Microsoft Lost it! Especially on the phones.
The problem is that Billy Boy was only interested in the CRIPPLING LICENSING MONEY, not in the technology. Certainly not in the user (Ribbons? Windows 8? Original Windows Phones?)
They set out to find a way to sell OS licenses, not a way to make cool products, or change the world.
The surface, is pretty cool... But OMG, how many tries did it take? And I would prefer that I could use one as a traveling PC (The only reason I would buy one). So I am not the target audience (we have an iPad).
Having programmed to the WinCE (Properly written as Wince, which is what you do when you realize that your .Net Code wont run on it, because it is newer, or WinCE does not support the assemblies)... Ughh.
So, you don't have the developers. You don't get the apps. You can't get the users. You cannot grow, you stagnate, start dying, and look for other companies that are dying, and buy them. Find cool technology, and buy them. The one things M$FT has is $$$. That buys it time.
Personally, I think that if they don't change how they treat developers and projects, that they are going to be the IBM of this decade (and not in a good way).
They could do a comeback. But I truly hope to NOT develop a windows phone app! HTML5 and JavaScript
|
|
|
|
|
I also don't like to see it doing poorly, for two reasons, one is that it is a fairly creative, different alternative, and the other is that I'm for more market variety rather than less.
My opinion is that most people have entirely missed the reasons for its failure so far to capture much market share. It isn't because they are "too late to the party," that means nothing. Apple was too late to the party when the iPhone showed up. Google was too late to the party, Altavista, Yahoo, Lycos and others already had that market covered. Innovation can and regularly does disrupt markets, and I think the belief that one has to be first to market is mistaken.
I think there are two primary reasons:
1) It is called "Windows Phone". That was a stupid decision. "Windows" doesn't have the same appeal as "Apple" as a brand. It says, "boring business product," or at best, "thing I use all the time but don't pay much attention to because it sits in the background." Why would you name a device after Microsoft Windows if you want it to have any appeal in the sort of market that the iPhone is in? Apple didn't call theirs the "OS X Phone", and the largest platform isn't called "Google Phone". They recognized the need for appealing branding that was independent to some degree from their main, existing products, even though their existing products have way more sex appeal, and way more likelihood to get press coverage depicting them attractively, than Microsoft Windows.
2) This one is more obvious, but for a reason that not everyone is aware of: lack of apps. I have a Windows phone, and I'm constantly unable to do things that I used to do all the time on my Android phone, or that my wife does on her iPhone. Everyone knows there is a certain hesitance on the part of developers to jump on board a platform when they don't know yet how many users will be there...and yet there is also a love among developers of being ahead of their competitors on the newest, latest, greatest platform, so there is a bit of counterbalance as well. What everyone doesn't realize is that Windows Phone 8 placed serious restrictions on what applications were even capable of doing, making WP versions of many Android / iOS apps completely impossible.
For example, I used to use KeePassDroid constantly. There is no Windows Phone equivalent. By which, I mean, there is no app I can install to open my KeePass databases without having to grant that application permissions that a password manager shouldn't have. How can I trust one of my most secure tasks-- password management-- to an app written by some random guy on the Internet? Only one way-- by knowing that that application has no ability to communicate my data to anyone. KeePassDroid asks for no network access, nothing except the right to read the files it needs to read. That's exactly right. On the Windows 8 platform, this is actually impossible, because there is no way for an app to access a file you copied onto your phone from your computer! It simply isn't allowed, except for music/media files. This means that I now have to trust app-written-by-random-internet-guy with not only Internet access privileges, but also with the right to access my Onedrive or Dropbox account as well.
It is not an uncommon issue to read reviews of applications in the WP store where people are complaining about features missing that exist on the same app in other platforms, and see responses from the developers giving the excuse that it is impossible to do that on WP.
If you hamstring your developers, then you won't get a good variety of apps, and if you don't have that, then you won't get the users. And if you don't have users, for a long enough period of time that you aren't new anymore, then you will attract even fewer developers.
I believe they've made some progress with WP 8.1, but that may be too little and too late.
I personally think the tiles thing is nice, the execution on the OS itself is not bad (except for copying the godawful "back button does everything" UI problem from Android), but the two issues above have really hindered the platform.
|
|
|
|
|
I totally agree about WP. 100%.
I want to like Win8, but it's like the Windows team looked at WP and asked, "How can we turn this into a bad idea?". It's got nothing to do with m&k vs touch etc. or one OS to rule them all. It's simple stuff like the horizontal scrolling on W8 being pixel perfect scrolling rather than pages like it is in a WP pivot/panorama. Little things like that, not to mention the crap in the app store and the limited/broken API's in WinRT.
I also tend to find a lot of things don't, "just work together" the way I way I expect (or at all), but it is certainly nice when they do.
Certainly as far as phone goes I don't get the hate or diminishing market share either. I love WP and everytime I try to use iOS I find it confusing and horrible (which must make me the dumbest person on the planet because apparently there has never been anything so "user friendly" and "intuitive" before).
|
|
|
|
|
General 
News 
Suggestion 
Question 
Bug 
Answer 
Joke 
Praise 
Rant 
Admin 
Submit an article or tip
