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[snap0212]

oh no weeks?! some one call the whaambulance.my dad still uses android donut(v1.6). be happy microsoft is at least updating every phone.

Are you serious? If you want to complain about Android, look for the Thread or create a new one. This one is about the Windows Phone 7. And I am happy about the fact that Microsoft is updating every Windows Phone 7 device. I knew that before I've bought the device. What I did not know is that the first update will not be out before March. In fact, the first update was supposed to be “compelling” and available “very, very soon”. That's what Microsoft said in November. Now it's February and the update is still not available. As a bonus we found out that (even though the update is supposed to be in the first two weeks of March), people may have to wait even longer until they can update their device.

It may or may not be the same for phones from other manufacturers.

How can I find out if my phone is branded? :/

 

[Complex Shadow]

Are you serious? If you want to complain about Android, look for the Thread or create a new one. This one is about the Windows Phone 7. And I am happy about the fact that Microsoft is updating every Windows Phone 7 device. I knew that before I've bought the device. What I did not know is that the first update will not be out before March. In fact, the first update was supposed to be “compelling” and available “very, very soon”. That's what Microsoft said in November. Now it's February and the update is still not available. As a bonus we found out that (even though the update is supposed to be in the first two weeks of March), people may have to wait even longer until they can update their device.

first of all chill out. i don't even own an android, i am just saying waiting a couple weeks doesn't sound so bad imo. of course this if from a guy who stopped updating his iphone after v3.1.2 plus this is microsoft, its not like they are gonna be on target every time.

 

[VanMardigan]

Yeah, how can I debrand my Focus? Is this the same as unlocking?

 

[thirty]

Xbox.com just announced 6 must have games for WP7 all bring released within 6 weeks. Games include Angry Birds, Sonic 4, Hydro Thunder, and Doodle Jump. Woohoo!

 

[maeh2k]

To be fair, when Microsoft talked about the update experience, it sounded more like iOS (evey phone gets it immediately) than a better Android variant (every phone gets it eventually) , so I can understand the frustration.

With so many manufacturers it's probably not possible to do a simultaneous release like on iOS. Especially when they use as many firmware versions as Samsung, which all have to be tested (or at least should have been tested ^^). Unless of course they'd hold the update back for the manufacturers that could release it early.

But I'd say it's still way better than on Android. This way the manufacturers just have to test their phones. On Android they all use their own "UI enhancements" like HTC Sense. That probably makes the update somewhat more difficult.


Besides, I don't expect that many problems with future updates. I'm pretty sure they'll learn from this one.

 

[antiquegamer]

Aside from that: I don't think Microsoft made the right decisions. The first update for any device should not brick it... ever. If that happens (no matter how few people it happens to) you've done something seriously wrong.

Again, my first iPhone update "brick" my phone, it bound to happne. Not saying it's good. Problem seems to be with early Samsung phone (my was launch day Focus). It's not something within MS control of Samsung decided to use old firmware and not provice update after they have newer version. (That is what seems to be the case here).

My Focus hasn't reboot without the SD card but goddamm it's suck to constantly having to watch what you sync to the phone. All my music collections are mostly remove, I only keep one podcast episode now. Another strange behavior on this phone even without the SD card is that after exiting app the tile on home screen lower half take about 2-3 sec to populate. I hope I am not trading in one problem for another.

 

[antiquegamer]

Xbox.com just announced 6 must have games for WP7 all bring released within 6 weeks. Games include Angry Birds, Sonic 4, Hydro Thunder, and Doodle Jump. Woohoo!

Awsome about Hydro Thunder, not sure if I want another Angry Birds. Whatever happen to the Gameroom stuffs, it can't be that hard to port Asteroid and stuff over.

 

[Complex Shadow]

Xbox.com just announced 6 must have games for WP7 all bring released within 6 weeks. Games include Hydro Thunder, Hydro Thunder, Hydro Thunder, and Hydro Thunder. Hydro Thunder!

fixed=/

 

[dream]

Any Hydro Thunder screens?

 

[Vanillalite]

Xbox.com just announced 6 must have games for WP7 all bring released within 6 weeks. Games include Angry Birds, Sonic 4, Hydro Thunder, and Doodle Jump. Woohoo!

I guess... outside of Hydro Thunder if it's new tracks haven't we basically played all of this already before? Do I really need to play Plants Vs. Zombies or Angry Birds yet AGAIN?

Why doesn't you know MS instead of having MGS help port shit over you know actually make their own games? Why not a Halo or a Forza game exclusively on WP7?

 

[brotkasten]

Oh hey, this is nice.

Free #wp7 application submission limit raised from 5 to 100. Should cut down on the shitty 0.99 apps

We can't take total credit, but we did push that free application limit during Chevron/Microsoft talks #wp7 (cc: @ChevronWP7)

 

[VanMardigan]

Do I really need to play Plants Vs. Zombies or Angry Birds yet AGAIN?

Why are you assuming that everyone else, like you, has played all these games already? My biggest concern is the pricing on them, but really, I don't want to complain about them porting over great games. These are must have apps for folks, whether this is their first smartphone, or they are coming from other platforms and these are their favorite games. We all want more original games, but ALREADY, WP7 is a better overall platform for gaming than Android (ignoring emulators, of course). The platform is filling out nicely, and I'm sure a lot of the heavy hitters you mentioned will be here this year.

 

[brotkasten]

Oh hey, this is nice.

Or not. Man, browsing the marketplace is so frustrating. I'm not talking about the experience on the phone or whatever, but there's sooooo much crap, it's hard to get motivated for my app posts. And we're still under 10k apps. I can only imagine how horrible it must be on the iOS or Android platform.

Why are you assuming that everyone else, like you, has played all these games already? My biggest concern is the pricing on them, but really, I don't want to complain about them porting over great games. These are must have apps for folks, whether this is their first smartphone, or they are coming from other platforms and these are their favorite games. We all want more original games, but ALREADY, WP7 is a better overall platform for gaming than Android (ignoring emulators, of course). The platform is filling out nicely, and I'm sure a lot of the heavy hitters you mentioned will be here this year.

This.

It's nice to want new things, but missing popular apps or games is a huge entry barrier for people. "Whaaat? There's no PvZ/AB on WP7? Why would I wanna buy that?!

edit:

Okay guys, this is serious. We need a new gaming thread. The old OP looks like shit and the guy who made it didn't update it once. Whoever makes a new thread gets my help. Pretty please?

 

[Vanillalite]

Why are you assuming that everyone else, like you, has played all these games already? My biggest concern is the pricing on them, but really, I don't want to complain about them porting over great games. These are must have apps for folks, whether this is their first smartphone, or they are coming from other platforms and these are their favorite games. We all want more original games, but ALREADY, WP7 is a better overall platform for gaming than Android (ignoring emulators, of course). The platform is filling out nicely, and I'm sure a lot of the heavy hitters you mentioned will be here this year.

Call me selfish, but I was thinking about me personally. So far that hasn't been a single high profile game I've actually wanted not named Ilo. I guess it's still early, but if I just wanted iPhone ports I would have IDK gotten an iPhone?

Meh I feel like I'm the ultimate WP7 hater in this thread as of late despite not wanting to be. :|

 

[antiquegamer]

I guess... outside of Hydro Thunder if it's new tracks haven't we basically played all of this already before? Do I really need to play Plants Vs. Zombies or Angry Birds yet AGAIN?

Why doesn't you know MS instead of having MGS help port shit over you know actually make their own games? Why not a Halo or a Forza game exclusively on WP7?

Well, probably because MGS doesn't have any studio left after all the gutting they done during the last few years. You can see all the hiring frezy MS is doing now to pad up their studio.

Don't mind the port if they are solid (and not insane price, looking at you Puzzle quest).

 

[jagowar]

They posted some screenshots of the games listed (and quite a few more). Very impressive lineup coming (and a good mix of exclusive stuff and gets from other platforms)

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=335233&id=16547831022&closeTheater=1 (not sure if you have to follow xbox to view them)

Is it just me or is there is there a pretty big difference between the ports from other platforms (iphone ports) and the native wp7 games. The native wp7 games just look to be on another level in terms of graphics.

 

[thirty]

I guess... outside of Hydro Thunder if it's new tracks haven't we basically played all of this already before? Do I really need to play Plants Vs. Zombies or Angry Birds yet AGAIN?

Why doesn't you know MS instead of having MGS help port shit over you know actually make their own games? Why not a Halo or a Forza game exclusively on WP7?

IPhone ports they are but you fail to recognize that a few of the games never even made it to the Android platform and MS, in one fell swoop, just leapfrogged WP7 past Android in the gaming department. That is a big deal, this announcement is a big deal. Add Xbox Live achievements and leaderboards, a profitable ecosystem for developers, and WP7 will be gunning for iPhones gaming crown by end of the year.

 

[dream]

IPhone ports they are but you fail to recognize that a few of the games never even made it to the Android platform and MS, in one fell swoop, just leapfrogged WP7 past Android in the gaming department. That is a big deal, this announcement is a big deal. Add Xbox Live achievements and leaderboards, a profitable ecosystem for developers, and WP7 will be gunning for iPhones gaming crown by end of the year.

I dunno...that doesn't seem too realistic to me. I can't see top tier developers not targeting the iPhone as their lead platform and hobbyists are coming out with surprise hits (like the Tiny Wings game we've been spooging over in the iPhone thread) exclusively on iOS.

I do agree that WP7 is far far ahead of Android though. I don't expect that to change.

 

[VanMardigan]

Man, we complain (and rightly so) about WP7 and its updates, but lemme tell ya, things aren't very peachy in Android land. Here's a quick story:

My wife's captivate, which launched last JULY, is finally getting Froyo. So, great, how does it work? Is it an OTA like my Nexus One? Nope, get a load of this update page fellas: How do I update my Captivate?

You think my wife could update her phone with those instructions? Not a chance. Good thing she married a geek. But wait, what's that? The program doesn't work on 64 bit versions of Windows (which are what both of my laptops and desktop run)? Fine, I'll drive over to my sister's house and borrow her laptop. But I'm not done yet:

-The instructions are missing key steps that you only discover through trial and error (like the fact that you have to remove "debug mode" (which you are asked to enable early on) in order to access "kies mode".

-The software on that website is the old version. So after downloading 40 MB's of file, you have to download a newer version as soon as it checks for any updates.

-If the software crashes (which it probably will), you have to restart the computer. It won't start up again otherwise.

-For whatever reason, the actual binary is NOT a part of the download, so you have to download the binary after the installer starts, which is terrible news because....

-The binary download hangs repeatedly, prompting you to remove the battery cover on your phone and restart the installer (you don't really have to do that, it'll just kick back to the first step).

Not sure why I bothered to type all that up, but yeah, things could be worse in terms of WP7 updates.

 

[kehs]

Man, we complain (and rightly so) about WP7 and its updates, but lemme tell ya, things aren't very peachy in Android land. Here's a quick story:

My wife's captivate, which launched last JULY, is finally getting Froyo. So, great, how does it work? Is it an OTA like my Nexus One? Nope, get a load of this update page fellas: How do I update my Captivate?

You think my wife could update her phone with those instructions? Not a chance. Good thing she married a geek. But wait, what's that? The program doesn't work on 64 bit versions of Windows (which are what both of my laptops and desktop run)? Fine, I'll drive over to my sister's house and borrow her laptop. But I'm not done yet:

-The instructions are missing key steps that you only discover through trial and error (like the fact that you have to remove "debug mode" (which you are asked to enable early on) in order to access "kies mode".

-The software on that website is the old version. So after downloading 40 MB's of file, you have to download a newer version as soon as it checks for any updates.

-If the software crashes (which it probably will), you have to restart the computer. It won't start up again otherwise.

-For whatever reason, the actual binary is NOT a part of the download, so you have to download the binary after the installer starts, which is terrible news because....

-The binary download hangs repeatedly, prompting you to remove the battery cover on your phone and restart the installer (you don't really have to do that, it'll just kick back to the first step).

Not sure why I bothered to type all that up, but yeah, things could be worse in terms of WP7 updates.

That's a crappy implementation from samsung(surprise, surprise), and shouldn't reflect entire android land. I think at this point samsung has proven to be horrible at dealing with software.

 

[Let me in]

That's a crappy implementation from samsung(surprise, surprise), and shouldn't reflect entire android land. I think at this point samsung has proven to be horrible at dealing with software.

Sprint pulled the Epic 4G's latest update as well. Counting myself as lucky that I don't have a Samsung WP7 at this point.

 

[VanMardigan]

I love my Focus, but this is a very disturbing trend for them.

 

[Jadedx]

Anyone with a dell venue pro have the update?

 

[jagowar]

I dunno...that doesn't seem too realistic to me. I can't see top tier developers not targeting the iPhone as their lead platform and hobbyists are coming out with surprise hits (like the Tiny Wings game we've been spooging over in the iPhone thread) exclusively on iOS.

I do agree that WP7 is far far ahead of Android though. I don't expect that to change.

I think what you will see from wp7 are some ports from ios but the key games for them will be from the xbla games that are easily ported from the console version (ilomilo is a good example). That is where the real power for wp7 gaming is.

 

[antiquegamer]

That's a crappy implementation from samsung(surprise, surprise), and shouldn't reflect entire android land. I think at this point samsung has proven to be horrible at dealing with software.

Yep, it's Samsung WP7 that failed at updating. I hope Nokia deal yield some nice phone for At&t, mine other phone will come up for renewal next year and it will be time to change.

 

[Hammer24]

Made a quick Gears background, thought you guys might like it:

http://i53.tinypic.com/swbpd1.jpg

 

[adelante]

Is it just me or is there is there a pretty big difference between the ports from other platforms (iphone ports) and the native wp7 games. The native wp7 games just look to be on another level in terms of graphics.

It really does. I mean it doesn't look as good as the bestlooking games available only for the iPhone4, especially texture-wise but I'm pretty surprised with the level of graphical fidelity they've managed to squeezed into HydroThunder Go...water with undulating polygonal waves AND reflections??? DAYUMM

 

[Sikamikanico]

Read this update from Zune in my facebook feeds:

Zune
Yes, it's true! As many of you have already noticed, we've got new and updated apps in the Marketplace! NEW: Zune Reader and Penalty! UPDATED: Live Messenger, Tiki Totems and Shuffle by Album! Not seeing them yet? Just hang tight - they'll be available for you soon!

Live Messenger??? Anyone found it yet?

 

[brotkasten]

Read this update from Zune in my facebook feeds:

Zune
Yes, it's true! As many of you have already noticed, we've got new and updated apps in the Marketplace! NEW: Zune Reader and Penalty! UPDATED: Live Messenger, Tiki Totems and Shuffle by Album! Not seeing them yet? Just hang tight - they'll be available for you soon!

Live Messenger??? Anyone found it yet?

A Windows Live Messenger client for the Zune HD was released in November and it's a really good client with Facebook integration, far better than anything on WP7.

 

[Label]

Made a quick Gears background, thought you guys might like it:

http://i53.tinypic.com/swbpd1.jpg

Looks awesome, thanks!

 

[brotkasten]

Oh god, what's happening?! First transparency at Microsoft, now GOOD ads?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrhpXQqS3Is

Thurrot spoke with someone from Microsoft and the guy confirmed that the update has been pulled for Samsung users. Everyone else will still get it.

“We have identified a technical issue with the Windows Phone update process that impacts a small number of Samsung phones. This software update remains available to customers with the exception of Samsung as we are in the process of temporarily taking down the update for those phones in order to correct the issue as soon as possible.” – Microsoft spokesperson

 

[snap0212]

I guess... outside of Hydro Thunder if it's new tracks haven't we basically played all of this already before? Do I really need to play Plants Vs. Zombies or Angry Birds yet AGAIN?

Yes, absolutely. We need Plants vs. Zombies on as many platforms as possible. If your girlfriend were as happy as mine playing Plants vs. Zombies you'd want the same thing. What we don't need are ports that cost four times as much as on every other platform...

Why doesn't you know MS instead of having MGS help port shit over you know actually make their own games? Why not a Halo or a Forza game exclusively on WP7?

I agree. Microsoft has a lot of exclusives that could work on Windows Phone. Trials HD? Splosion Man? Shadow Complex? Especially Trials could be awesome.

 

[Vanillalite]

Please you know these games are all gonna be at least 5 bucks. The idea of a good xbl wp7 game for a buck or two is loltastic to MS.

 

[brotkasten]

The minimum for an XBL game on WP7 is $2.99.

 

[VanMardigan]

I know Apple redefined how we look at mobile game prices, but if a game is good, I won't whine about paying $3-$7 for it. They have free trials, that helps a lot. I don't care if it costs less on another platform, especially with the xbox integration, a dollar or two more won't kill me.

 

[ElNino]

I know Apple redefined how we look at mobile game prices, but if a game is good, I won't whine about paying $3-$7 for it. They have free trials, that helps a lot. I don't care if it costs less on another platform, especially with the xbox integration, a dollar or two more won't kill me.

The trials is a good thing here. One of the reasons (IMO) behind the $0.99 iPhone games is that there were no trials, so they needed to be priced low enough that people would buy them even if they weren't sure they would like it. The higher costs will also come from there simply not being as many people in the ecosystem, which obviously isn't great for the users but the developers need to price it so that they can make money.

I know this all too well living in Canada. Prices for the same items are often much higher here simply because we don't have as many people buying the products as in the US.

 

[jagowar]

I agree. Microsoft has a lot of exclusives that could work on Windows Phone. Trials HD? Splosion Man? Shadow Complex? Especially Trials could be awesome.

You have to remember these games will all come out in the coming weeks, before e3.... I expect to see some of the bigger ms franchises shown off at ms's e3 presentation due out towards the end of the year. I think the gaming stuff on xbox live will be treated very much like a xbox portable.

 

[Vanillalite]

I know Apple redefined how we look at mobile game prices, but if a game is good, I won't whine about paying $3-$7 for it. They have free trials, that helps a lot. I don't care if it costs less on another platform, especially with the xbox integration, a dollar or two more won't kill me.

Xbox live integration doesn't actually do anything for me right now though besides some meh achievements. I'm not gonna pay an extra 3 bucks just for that. :|

 

[Zerokku]

Looks like Verizon might not be too far off -

With Sprint starting up its Windows Phone 7 adventure on March 20th with the HTC Arrive, Verizon is now said to be matching its CDMA competitor with its own offering, the HTC 7 Trophy. We already knew this particular handset would be coming to this particular network in "early 2011," but now WinRumors has narrowed that down to a launch at some point in late March. Verizon's announcement is expected as early as February 28th, this coming Monday, and we're hearing the NoDo update -- the one with copy and paste -- should be preloaded on the device from the start. Should this solid-sounding rumor bear out as foretold, Microsoft should finally be on all US carriers by the start of April.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/windows-phone-7-coming-to-verizon-in-march-starting-with-htc-7/

 

[Vanillalite]

Oh god, what's happening?! First transparency at Microsoft, now GOOD ads?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrhpXQqS3Is.

Just finally got around to watching the ad. This is what they needed at launch verses that other garbage they threw out there. Definitely a HUGE step up IMO.

 

[jagowar]

Hydro Thunder has a video of the game in action.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ke5g7QkL6g&feature=player_embedded

 

[dream]

Hydro Thunder has a video in action.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ke5g7QkL6g&feature=player_embedded

Good lord that's really Hydro Thunder. I thought it would end up being some sort of top down line drawing game.

Please don't be exclusive forever.

Just finally got around to watching the ad. This is what they needed at launch verses that other garbage they threw out there. Definitely a HUGE step up IMO.

Agreed. I see that commercial about 30 times a night during the basketball games and it gets my attention every time.

 

[Complex Shadow]

Just finally got around to watching the ad. This is what they needed at launch verses that other garbage they threw out there. Definitely a HUGE step up IMO.

i dunno i liked this ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHlN21ebeak

 

[Discusguy]

Hydro Thunder looks pretty damn nice. I'm just hoping the price isn't going to be too high or I'm just going to have to wait for the discounted price.

I'm a samsung focus owner so I'm kind of reluctant to buy anything. Do the games get
backed in the zune also?

 

[Earl Cazone]

i dunno i liked this ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHlN21ebeak

i always thought the ads sounded like "we have no features so you wont use your phone as often"

 

[Vanillalite]

i dunno i liked this ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHlN21ebeak

Oh god that ad sucked and showed jack about the phone.

 

[antiquegamer]

Hydro Thunder looks pretty damn nice. I'm just hoping the price isn't going to be too high or I'm just going to have to wait for the discounted price.

I'm a samsung focus owner so I'm kind of reluctant to buy anything. Do the games get
backed in the zune also?

You can always redownload any contents you have previously download yeah but it's clunker as hell. When I have enough of dealing with limited 8 gb space and stick in another SD card it's going to be another painful restoring all the apps I got over the air. I now try to only "buy" app when I am using zune software so it will remember what I have.

Oh and it's been 3 days where is our Samsung update!

 

[thirty]

so the "must have 6" games begin to release on april 5th, right after the verizon and sprint releases wouldn't you say?

also shown in the xbox showcase were-

super monkeyball

ghostscape

jet car stunt

tentacle

and a few others

 

[U2NUMB]

Made a quick Gears background, thought you guys might like it:

http://i53.tinypic.com/swbpd1.jpg

Love it.. looks fantastic on the phone. Thank you!

 

[snap0212]

The minimum for an XBL game on WP7 is $2.99.

Which is what I don't like about gaming on the WP7. There's no reason for that (aside from wanting to make more money). Xbox Live games on Windows Phone 7 are not really better or offer more than games on iOS. I don't really care about Achievements and even if I did, I don't think they're enough to justify a premium price. I just don't like the idea of having premium priced content just because they want to make more money when I could get the same game for ¼th of the price on the competitor's platform.

And Need for Speed has to go away from the top of that list!