Tag Archives: Nokia Lumia 520

Nokia Lumia 520 surges in Europe; Verizon Getting 1080P Samsung Windows Phone + More

Lumia625

New AdDuplex data shows the Lumia 625 following the Lumia 520's growth with both Windows Phones taking Europe. Windows Phone is also shown to have had a rather successful Q4 2013.

AdDuplex, one of the largest advertising providers for both Windows and Windows Phone, has released data for the month of January. As is the case with each report we cover, the company has analysed usage from supported apps running the SDK to see how Windows Phone has altered, compared to previous months.

There were reports that Nokia failed to sell as many Lumia Windows Phones in Q4 2013 as the company did in Q3, but the ad provider recently released data to show that Windows Phone as a platform performed well through the fourth quarter.

Head past the break to see how the platform looks in the first month of 2014, including some new, unannounced hardware.

AdDuplex OS

Windows Phone 8 through Q4 2013

Microsoft maintains the stance that the company sold twice as many Windows Phones through the holiday season just passed, compared to 2012. If we look at how the OS versions chart compares against the one released in the December report, there's actually no difference at all – both figures are exactly the same. Does this mean that Windows Phone 8 completely flopped over the last 30 days? Not at all. 

For its previous report, AdDuplex collected data on December 27th – just days after Christmas as many new people presumably fired up new smartphones received as gifts. There was considerable growth for Windows Phone 8 last month against its predecessor, leading us to believe that this month we could well be looking at a return to normal levels of growth, now consumers have ceased the frantic download of apps from the store.

Let's also not ignore the fact Samsung too had a slight downer over the festive holidays with a decrease in revenue (due to high expenditures in marketing). Windows Phone 8 has had three updates since its release. Here's how the situation looks when Windows Phone 8 is broken down by those subsequent releases:

AdDuplex WP8 Updates

Less than 15 percent of Windows Phone 8 consumers have upgraded to Update 3. In fact, 18 percent of Windows Phone 8 handsets are still running Update 1, while Update 2 was detected on 67 percent of Windows Phones in the data sample. We strongly urge consumers to keep checking their Windows Phones to ensure they're running the latest version of Windows Phone – head to Settings, then hit "phone update" and check for updates.

AdDuplex US Carriers

T-Mobile growing in the US

On a rather miscellaneous note, the US telecom T-Mobile with its aggressive 'Un-carrier' marketing appears to be experiencing some substantial growth on the Windows Phone platform. The network is just behind AT&T on 25 percent, while Verizon Wireless sits in third on 21 percent. It'll be interesting to see how this alters once the Lumia Icon has been released to the general public on Verizon.

T-Mobile only stocks the Lumia 521 and Lumia 925--both top phones in their class--so it looks to be paying off for them, hitting the budget and high end range for consumers.

AdDuplex UK

Nokia Lumia 520 taking over Europe

Just like in other markets, the Lumia 520 is surging ahead, but in the UK the affordable Windows Phone has gained 10 percent in just 2 months. The Lumia 625 is now situated in the fourth position, behind the HTC 8S and Lumia 800. While we're pleased to see the Lumia 1020 enter the top ten, the Lumia 800 is still in second place, showing just how strong that particular handset was in the UK.

AdDuplex France

Joining the UK is France, where the Lumia 520 has crossed the 40 percent marker. Not only that, but the Lumia 625 is currently in second position, just shy of 10 percent. Then you have the Samsung ATIV S just behind the two Nokia Windows Phones, making France an interesting market to contrast.

AdDuplex Gemrnay

Germany holds the premium Lumia 920 Windows Phone as its number one device running Microsoft's OS. The Lumia 520 has gained more than 6 percent of the market in just two months, closing the gap between itself and the high-end sibling. Again, much like France, the Samsung ATIV S is again doing well and to top everything off the Lumia 1020 has entered the top 10.

AdDuplex Italy

Italy has always been a difficult market to convert from Windows Phone 7 to Windows Phone 8, but those days are beginning to be assigned to the dustbin of history. The Lumia 520 is in first with 30 percent, followed by two Windows Phone 8 handsets, showing consumers are indeed upgrading to newer hardware.

Unannounced devices?

Samsung SM-W750V – we covered this device earlier this month, but AdDuplex has some more details to add. There's some bad news as the company has only seen the device on Verizon thus far, but the good news is that it's definitely not a Verizon variant of the ATIV S. What's interesting is the resolution is 1920x1080, but the screen size is just 4.3-inches, according to collected data. This could well be inaccurate i.e. an emulator of some sort, but we'll hopefully have concrete details at a later date. This 1080p device would join the Lumia Icon aka Lumia 929 as forthcoming devices.

Nokia RM-997 –​​ another phone that has been spotted several times in the past. Running Windows Phone 8.0, this device has a 4-inch WVGA 800x480 screen and has been seen almost exclusively in China. 

This AdDuplex report is based on data collected from 2,899 Windows Phones running the AdDuplex SDK version 2. While this report is by no means 100 percent accurate, it's a solid look at the Windows Phone platform. Data was collected over the day of January 23rd of this year. 

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Best Apps of Nokia Lumia 520

Lumia 520

Did you a get a new Windows Phone in your stocking above the fireplace or in a box under the Christmas tree? If you did, odds are it might have been a Nokia Lumia 520. Why’s that? It’s only the most popular Windows Phone ever. Last we checked, over one in four Windows Phone devices around the world are the Lumia 520. Which isn’t all that surprising. You have a smartphone that can easily be had for under $100 off-contract around the world, it’s selling like hot cakes.

Which is why we’re going to look at the 10 best apps for the Lumia 520. We’ll be focusing on apps (and games tomorrow) that run well on devices with 512MB of RAM. Which means this list also apples to devices like the Lumia 521, Lumia 620, Lumia 720 and others with just 512MB of RAM.

Facebook Beta – Best app for connecting with family and friends

Yeah, I’m putting Facebook Beta ahead of the legit version of Facebook. Live life on the edge and use the beta version of Facebook for newer features and faster updates. Whether you like it or not, Facebook is a juggernaut of a social network. It has over one billion users, which means something like one in seven people on the entire planet have a Facebook account. It’s an important app and works well on the Lumia 520. Get that Facebook Beta in the Windows Phone Store (or grab the vanilla version, aka non-beta Facebook).

QR: Facebook Beta

Bing Weather –Best app for checking the weather

There are a plethora of weather apps in the Windows Phone Store. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. However, we like Bing and recommend it as a great weather app to download right away. It’s free, has no ads and a clean interface. What more could you want in a weather app? Grab it in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Bing Weather

WhatsApp – Best app for communicating

Right now, WhatsApp has over 400 million monthly active users. Those users send 16 billion messages and 500 million images per day on WhatsApp. Those figures are astonishing, which is why WhatsApp is a must-have app for your Lumia 520. Odds are, someone you know prefers using the platform to contact you. The app for Windows Phone has had a flurry of updates in the past few weeks, adding both stability and features. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: WhatsApp

Nokia MixRadio – Best app for your next dance party

There are a lot of music apps available for Windows Phone. We’re big fans of Xbox Music, Songza, Pandora and others. Unfortunately, because of local laws and music licensing, those apps aren’t necessarily available in all regions that the Lumia 520 is. No music service is perfect when it comes to availability around the globe, but Nokia MixRadio comes pretty close and seems to be available in most places. Availability aside, it’s just a great music platform. We’re big fans of the mixes that are created by real human beings and not some computer algorithm. The app is a mix of free features and an affordable subscription ($4.99 per month). Grab it in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: MixRadio

HERE Maps – Best app to never get lost

Smartphones are wonderful devices, mostly because they combine the features and functions of multiple devices into one. You can leave your GPS navigator at home thanks to HERE Maps on Windows Phone. Odds are you already have HERE Maps loaded up on your Lumia 520, but it’s always worth highlighting because it’s so good and it’s free. HERE Maps lets you save on data by downloading maps for offline use. You’ll never get lost as long as you’ve got HERE Maps on your Lumia 520. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: HERE Maps

myTube – Best app for watching YouTube

The “official” YouTube app on Windows Phone sucks. There’s the whole tussle between Google and Microsoft on the issue, but that doesn’t matter so much since we have myTube on Windows Phone. It’s the best way to use YouTube on Windows Phone and works great on the Lumia 520. Sign in with your account and you’ll get access to your subscriptions, favorites and more. The UI is pretty snazzy and there are tons of features that make this a great YouTube app. Grab myTube from the Windows Phone Store.

QR: myTube

Wikipedia – Best app to quench your thirst for knowledge

You probably hit up Wikipedia a few times a day if you’re anything like us. Thankfully, we have a stellar Wikipedia app on Windows Phone from Rudy Huyn. It’s called, wait for it, Wikipedia and has the blessings of the Wikimedia Foundation (organization behind Wikipedia). The app by Rudy shows of the Windows Phone design language with aplomb and performance is solid. It’s the best way to get Wikipedia on your Windows Phone. Which is why you should get it for you Lumia 520 from the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Wikipedia

Weave – Best app to be the king of news

Outside of tech you probably have a few other hobbies and interests right? There’s no better way to stay on top of your favorite news sites and blogs than with Weave for Windows Phone. The app was just updated to take advantage of their in-house Weave Cloud Services that allows your feeds, favorites and more to sync across Weave on Windows Phone and Windows 8. There’s also a web version of Weave coming, so you’ll never be without your news. Weave is available for free on Windows Phone, but you can also pony up and get the ad-free version for $9.99. Grab the Weave for free in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Weave

Nokia Camera Beta – Best app for photography

The Lumia 520 isn’t known for producing stellar photographs. Mostly because it has a relatively ho-hum sensor, it is a budget friendly phone after all. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t push the limits of what is possible with it. To do that, you’ll want Nokia Camera Beta. The app is more or less like the regular version of Nokia Camera, except not limited to high-end Lumia’s with PureView technology. To get the same features and fine level of control over your camera on the Lumia 520 make sure you grab Nokia Camera beta in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Nokia Camera Beta

6tag – Best way to Instagram

Sure, there’s finally an official Instagram client for Windows Phone, but it doesn’t come close to the performance and features found in 6tag. The app was recently updated to version 3.0 and brings support for the newest feature on the photo social network, Instagram Direct. That’s a feature you can’t even get in the official version on Windows Phone. It’s free and available in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: 6tag

(Bonus) WPCentral – Best way to get learn about more apps for your Lumia 520

OK, time for a shameless plug. You should probably get our app (WPCentral) for Windows Phone to easily learn, discover, and download new apps for your Lumia 520. We constantly highlight new apps, big updates, and more. Our app for Windows Phone is easily the best portal for staying abreast on all the news and happenings on the platform. It’s free, but you can pay to unlock some extra features. There’s also a new update out right now where Jay really outdid himself with new features and bug fixes. Pick it up in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: WPCentral

And there you have it. The best apps for your Lumia 520 (or any 512 MB device really). Of course your opinions on what apps are a must-have for your Lumia 520 might differ from ours, which is where the comments below come in. Rocking a Lumia 520? Sound off below with some of your favorite apps. Don’t worry about games, since we’ll cover those tomorrow. For now, this is all about apps. 

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Top Games for Lumia 520

Lumia 520

Yesterday we shared with you the best apps for your Nokia Lumia 520. Why the Lumia 520 and not Windows Phone in general? Because if you have a device like the Lumia 920 or 1520 you can run practically any app in the Windows Phone Store. However, the Lumia 520 and other devices with just 512MB of RAM (think Lumia 521, Lumia 620, Lumia 720, etc) might come across certain apps and games that don’t work or don’t work too well.

The overwhelming majority of apps in the Windows Phone Store do work on all devices, including those with just 512MB of RAM. It’s when we look at games that we see the frequency of support drop a bit. All too often this year we’ve seen a highly anticipated game come to Windows Phone, but without initial support for 512MB devices. That said, here are the best games you can run on your Lumia 520.

Jetpack Joyride – Best game to get addicted

Jetpack Joyride hit Windows 8 first, then finally came to Windows Phone over the summer. The game is highly addictive, so be careful before playing in this endless adventure. It’s free and comes with Xbox Live integration, hard to beat that killer combo. Pick it up in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Jetpack Joyride

Halo: Spartan Assault – Best game for saving the universe

Is there anything better than playing Halo on Windows Phone? It’s tough to say, because Halo: Spartan Assault does an excellent job of bringing Halo from your television to your phone. Your game also syncs across the Windows 8 and Xbox One/360 versions of the game. It’s expensive for a phone game, sure, but it’s so good and performs well considering the hardware we’re working with here. Pick it up for $7.99 in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Halo Spartan Assault

SongArc – Best music game

We’ve been covering SongArc over the course of its inception, beta, launch, and present success. It’s the best music game you can get for Windows Phone and it supports 512MB devices. Its success is also highly dependent on the support of the community, which is really strong. Users can make their own music sheets and put them up for other players to download and play along with. The game is free, but you can buy more coins via an in-app purchase. Those coins are currently on sale, so you better hurry and grab them and save anywhere between 50-70%. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: SongArc

Rayman Jungle Run – Best platformer

Rayman has been on the video game scene for nearly 20 years and he recently joined Windows Phone this past year. Rayman Jungle Run instantly became one of the best games in the Windows Phone Store. It features great gameplay, graphics, and music to create a really fun experience on your phone. It goes for $0.99 and is worth every penny. Pick it up in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Rayman Jungle Run

Wordament – Best game to get your brain buzzing

Is there any question about how fun Wordament is? It’s been out on Window Phone for a very long time and has an interesting story. It was started by two Microsoft guys in their spare time, eventually that became their full-time gig at Microsoft as Wordament was absorbed into Microsoft Studios. Since launch its gained Xbox Live support and is available on every mobile platform. It’s free, has Xbox Live achievements, supports a handful of languages, and is super fun. You do require an internet connection to play, but it’s worth it. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Wordament

Rail Rush – Best endless runner

Oh yeah, time for a little controversy. You’re probably wanting Temple Run or Temple Run 2 as the best endless runner right? Well Temple Run 2 isn’t available for the Lumia 520 (yet) and Temple Run doesn’t have quite the depth and variety you can get with Rail Rush. Graphics look good and gameplay is smooth on 512MB devices. Rail Rush is also free, so that’s a nice bonus. The only downside to Rail Rush is the lack of Xbox Live and the need to use in-app purchases if you don’t feel like grinding it out to level up. Either way, it’s worth playing on your Lumia 520 so grab it in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Rail Rush

Asphalt 8: Airborne – Best racing game

When it comes to mobile racing games, Asphalt is king of the hill. Gameloft is one of the biggest game developers in the mobile space and they’ve mastered the racing genre. On Windows Phone we have the 7th and 8th installment available, with the former having Xbox Live integration and the latter lacking it. So why are we picking Asphalt 8: Airborne as the best racing game? Because it’s newer with better graphics and (in our opinion) better gameplay. You really can’t go wrong with either. Asphalt 8 goes for $0.99 in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Asphalt 8 Airborne

Reaper – Best role playing game

Picking a great role playing game is hard because they all vary wildly in graphics, gameplay, content and more. We’re going with Reaper for a few reasons. It has great graphics, gameplay, and value. It’s a free that’s really just really fun to play. There are in-app purchases, but you can decide to indulge once you encounter them. Grab Reaper in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Reaper

Angry Birds Star Wars II – Best Angry Birds

Yeah, the category is a bit of a gimme, but it’s true. Angry Birds Star Wars II is the best Angry Birds we’ve ever played. The first mashup between Angry Birds and Star Wars was a hit, but the second installment takes it to another level. Addictive gameplay with cameos from your favorite Star Wars characters. The game is super fun and probably the best Angry Birds game yet. Grab it for $0.99 in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Angry Birds Star Wars II

Sparkle 2 – Best puzzle game

10tons makes some of the best games on Windows Phone. Sparkle 2 comes to us from them and is an excellent little puzzle game. Shoot your colored marbles to other marbles with a similar color before all the marbles reach the end. The game features a trial, but will set you back just $1.29 in the Windows Phone Store.

QR: Sparkle 2

It’s tough to pick the top anything, especially games. Our tastes are all so different that no one list is going to satisfy everyone. Which is where the comments come in. Which games are must-haves for your Lumia 520 (or any device with 512MB of RAM)? Sound off below in the comments with your favorites! 

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