MOBILE

Nokia Lumia 822 Windows Phone 8 Smartphone (Part 3)

4/25/2013 3:11:21 PM

Software

The Lumia 822 is one of the first smartphones on the market coming with Microsoft’s latest mobile OS, Windows Phone 8. Whether you're used to Windows Phone or have not tried it yet, the software is friendly and intuitive, and the setup process is extremely simple.

When you first launch it, you will be asked to select a preferred language, and then you will be asked to choose either a configuration scheme recommended or an advanced dialog that allows you to adjust the default options. This includes activating the automatic updates and the use of mobile data, together with reporting the usage routines and the nearby Wi-Fi access hotspots to Microsoft. Since the location services are the focus of Windows Phone 8, the phone will ask to report your position to Microsoft when activated. However, this is a one-time deal, and you can also choose the option of refusing to send your position.

The Lumia 822 is one of the first smartphones on the market coming with Microsoft’s latest mobile OS, Windows Phone 8.

The Lumia 822 is one of the first smartphones on the market coming with Microsoft’s latest mobile OS, Windows Phone 8.

The first-time users are given the next option to set up or login a Microsoft account, which is required to purchase applications and sync content. If the phone has been reset to its factory status, you will also find the ability to restore the settings and content from the cloud. In this regard, it will certainly be useful if the first-time users are able to configure a Wi-Fi connection to lessen mobile data use, but you can also skip the login process if this is a concern.

After setting up the Microsoft account, you are given the options to configure Verizon Wireless Backup and Sync Services, but it is only valid if you are trying to restore contacts or email account from Backup Assistant Plus. Whether the Verizon’s service is free, this utility is supposed to be redundant because Windows Phone 8 enables to sync contacts, email and calendars from Microsoft Live, Outlook.com Google and Yahoo. It also provides SkyDrive integration, allowing you to store documents, text messages, bookmarks, photos, applications and the settings to the cloud. Windows Phone 8 is also integrated with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, along with contacts and photos accompanying from those accounts.

The Nokia Drive offers detailed instructions, voice support, even without a mobile data connection.

The Nokia Drive offers detailed instructions, voice support, even without a mobile data connection.

The Windows Phone Store currently contains more than 125,000 applications, although many popular cross-platform selections are still absent from the list. It includes Flipboard, Google Voice, Instagram, MOG, Pandora, Pinterest, Pocket, Sonos, Spotify, Stitcher, TiVo and TuneIn, etc. Naturally, there are third-party apps that fill the gaps for some of these selections, but you will need to consider this before entering the Windows Phone ecosystem. These early adopters will feel comfortable when they know that Windows Phone 8 shares its code with Windows 8, which means that developers have a great incentive to offer applications for the two platforms. However, you might experience increasing pains as Microsoft’s platform sets up its roots.

If you are not used to Windows Phone 8, we encourage you to read our full review, which covers all the new features of Microsoft's operating system. Despite the smaller application ecosystem, Nokia has developed a variety of applications that make Windows Phone 8 - especially the Nokia phones - a very attractive choice. First and foremost is the Nokia Drive, which offers detailed instructions, voice support, even without a mobile data connection. By allowing users to selectively download maps from all 50 states and all over the world, Nokia Drive provides offline function better than Google Maps and completely absent in Maps for iOS 6.

Another application that Lumia owners often appreciate is Nokia Music, which offers a free service called Mix Radio. In addition to the selections of genres and chart- top hits, you will also find the ability to create your own mixes based on your favorite singers. It is better for you to download any track that is playing for offline listening, all are free. Combine this with the fact that Mix Radio is absolutely ad-free; you are likely to consider buying the Lumia 822 just for this feature. As the two additional benefits, the application also provides the lists of local concerts and its own music store.

Another application that Lumia owners often appreciate is Nokia Music, which offers a free service called Mix Radio.

Another application that Lumia owners often appreciate is Nokia Music, which offers a free service called Mix Radio.

Also being present from Nokia is City Lens, which allows you to explore the nearby interesting places such as hotels, landmarks, restaurants and shopping centers. The application is similar to the Microsoft’s Local Scout, but with an augmented reality component. However, unlike Local Scout, which combines the relevant pieces of information such as addresses, phone numbers and user reviews, City Lens lacks this integration. Instead, you will need to enter Nokia Maps to access this information, which lessens the usefulness of the application.

Nokia has a great number of other exclusive applications for Lumia owners, but you will need to download these options from Nokia Collection in Windows Phone Store. It consists of the camera applications as Creative Studio, Smart Shoot, Panorama and Cinemagraph, along with Nokia Transit, which is useful for planning trips by public transport. Strangely, this amazing application was completely absent from the Nokia Collection, and we were only able to install Nokia Transit after looking for it manually. As another disappointing thing, Windows Phone Store failed to inform the updates that were available for many applications of Nokia. Instead, we were forced to scour the Nokia Collection and privately select Nokia Drive, Maps, Music and City Lens to explore available updates.

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