Disclosure: I was provided with the use of a Nokia Lumia 920 phone and compensated for this post as part of the Microsoft #summerswitch program
I started this summer off by doing something really crazy that took everyone by surprise.
I switched from using my iPhone to a shiny new Windows phone.
You’re shocked, I know.
Here’s the thing... when I was asked to become part of Microsoft Canada’s #SummerSwitch program, I had a few reservations because (and this is hard for me to admit) I had a lot of preconceived ideas about using any Windows products. Since switching over to Mac and then the iPhone when it first came out, I fully admit that at times I can be a Mac snob.
The truth comes out.
But pretty much as soon as I opened it up after it’s arrival, I quickly fell in love with this fancy new gadget in my hands
After researching about the different options of the phone, I couldn't wait to get started, especially with the photos and apps.
The 8.7MP camera sensor with PureView made even photos in low light come out really well, and the closeup details were amazing.
I really liked the ability to use the SkyDrive cloud for managing and sharing files. The Windows Phone has built-in access to SkyDrive from the Office and Pictures hubs. It can also automatically upload pictures that you take to SkyDrive for easy access.
The HERE City Lens is a very cool app that give you a brand new way of revealing what’s around you. Just hold up the phone as though taking a photo, and HERE City Lens overlays the best shops, restaurants and points of interest right on your display. Lots of fun to discover interesting new places.
I also had some fun with the CamWow photo app
The Windows phone can connect to Xbox Live, which is great to connect and play with friends wherever you are. The Music + Videos Hub combined with an Xbox Music Pass gives unlimited access to millions of tracks you can download to your phone or stream from the cloud. Your iTunes library can also be synced to the Windows phone.
I really enjoyed the People hub and Live Tiles that are featured on the Windows phone. It made it super easy to find and navigate through contacts and apps. Kids Corner made is super easy for me to put apps just for my kids in one spot and not have to worry about my other apps getting accessed by them accidentally. It’s like a phone within a phone, just for the kids.
The one drawback of the Windows phone? The lack of apps, specifically ones that I use daily for my job as a community manager. Although the Windows phone features a huge range of apps, not having ones like Hootsuite, Stumbleupon, and Instagram made things a little more difficult.
The good news, though, is that Windows is adding new apps constantly, so if there are ones you are missing now, they will possibly be available soon.
So now that I’ve been through a #summerswitch with my phone, the question is — will I keep using the Windows phone? The answer is...for personal use, yes. Unfortunately for work use, it looks like I’m going to have to keep my iPhone in my pocket for the time being.
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