29 replies to this topic

[Mr Spoon]

Very nearly taking the plunge and picking up a Nokia Lumia 920.

I understand the Nokia Lumia range have a number of free apps, although the only one I remember is Draw Something. But I wanted to know if anyone knows about replacement apps and if they cost (I really don't want to pay for something I already have!).

Data Usage
Is there an app to monitor data usage?

Maps
I currently use MapDroyd, which is great as it's basically downloaded the whole of the UK map, which I can zoom in to and search, thus saving data usage. Does Nokia's map system work in the same way?

Office
Does Windows Phone 8 come with some sort of MS Office editor? I didn't really use Office Suite on android but always had it installed just in case.

Pocket Tanks
I have just found Pocket Tanks which is a brill, simple game. One tank on each side, take it in turns to blast the other player. Is there something similar for WP8?

Transport Help
For mainline trains I use Rail Planner Live. Both allow me to say I am starting at Station A, need to get to Station B and it plans it out for me on current running information. I see there seems to be a good app for the London Underound.

SoundHound
I rarely use SoundHound, but the times I have, it has been super useful

File Explorer
I use ES File Explorer / Root Explorer to save app APK's just in case and I'd like to do the same with WP8. Can you install apps which haven't been downloaded from the market? For instance if an update comes out and I don't like it, I can always go back to the out of date version.

Also, am I right in thinking there isn't an official YouTube, Facebook or Twitter app? If not, that sucks I guess the price you pay for being an early adopter.

Thanks for any help

[-Himanshu-]

My dad bought a Lumia on my suggestion, and I tinkered with it for some time, so here's what I noticed.

There is an app Nokia Counters. It monitor Data Usage.

Nokia Drive has the ability to download maps so that they can be used offline.

It came with Office.

I didn't find anything giving access to filesystem.

Don't know about others.

[Anaron]

Here's what I know:

• Data usage: WP8 has an app called Data Sense. Unfortunately, you won't be able to find the app on your phone if your carrier doesn't support it.
  
• Maps: WP8 has a maps app but Nokia's one is even better: Nokia Maps. I'd love to use it myself but it's exclusive to Nokia devices.
  
• Office: Office Hub.
  
• Pocket Tanks: You can find a bunch of tank games here.
  
• Transporter Help: Rail Planner.
  
• SoundHound: SoundHound.

[jakem1]

In addition to Anaron's post, the Bing app can perform a music search so there's no need for a separate app such as SoundHound. Also, Rail Planner is excellent for national rail services and I use London Travel for TfL services.

Sideloading of apps is only really available for companies and there's no way to retain old versions of apps from the store in the way you describe.

The Lumia 920 is a fantastic phone and you won't be disappointed.

-Himanshu-, on 23 February 2013 - 12:57, said:

There is an app Nokia Counters. It monitor Data Usage.

I think that only works with WP7.

[Dot Matrix]

Is there any specific reason you need access to the filesystem? Windows Phone is not really an OS to buy to tinker around with like that.

And yes, there is an official Facebook and Twitter app, but for Facebook, you're better off using the mobile site.

[StandingInAlley]

This is so ****ty that all WP8 devices cannot track usage of Data. It's disappointing and I found this to be an important feature in Android which even iOS lacked. The only reason I'm posting this is because I'm looking to switch from Android to WP8 but the list of disappointment seems to be growing

[pack34]

StandingInAlley, on 23 February 2013 - 14:35, said:

This is so ****ty that all WP8 devices cannot track usage of Data. It's disappointing and I found this to be an important feature in Android which even iOS lacked. The only reason I'm posting this is because I'm looking to switch from Android to WP8 but the list of disappointment seems to be growing

The official data usage app requires carrier cooperation. As such, some carriers don't support it. On my carrier they make you use their app to monitor data usage.

[StandingInAlley]

^ So does mine but still that doesn't mean why MS wouldn't bake it in their OS

[+articuno1au]

Also Nokia Drive (which is a turn by turn GPS app) and isn't exclusive to Nokia devices. By far and away the best GPS software I've ever come across.

You can't browse the filesystem, but you can sideload apps if they're signed.

Soundhound (or whatever) is actually built into WP. You click the search button, then click the little musical note and BAM!

Not sure about pocket tanks or the trip planner.

The data issue is just a different approach. MS are trying to get all the carrier to support datasense. It's a good idea, but a complete pain in the ass if your carrier doesn't support it..

[alwaysonacoffebreak]

Almost anything Android has WP has an counterpart At least with the apps I use daily basis.

[Max Norris]

articuno1au, on 23 February 2013 - 17:50, said:

You can't browse the filesystem, but you can sideload apps if they're signed.

You can with the proper modifications. For example, my wife's 710.

[vcfan]

you can sideload apps,but they have to be signed. either you get a developer certificate ($99 a year) and sign your own apps, or you have to load signed windows store apps.

[alwaysonacoffebreak]

vcfan, on 23 February 2013 - 18:12, said:

you can sideload apps,but they have to be signed. either you get a developer certificate ($99 a year) and sign your own apps, or you have to load signed windows store apps.

Does the cert give permission to load the apps on any phone or just 1? Not sure how this works so that's why I'm asking.

[vcfan]

alwaysonacoffebreak, on 23 February 2013 - 18:22, said:

Does the cert give permission to load the apps on any phone or just 1? Not sure how this works so that's why I'm asking.

once you get a developer license, you can register up to 5 devices with your account,so you can sideload apps signed by your certificate on 5 different phones. you can load a max of 10 apps on each phone.

[Anaron]

StandingInAlley, on 23 February 2013 - 14:35, said:

This is so ****ty that all WP8 devices cannot track usage of Data. It's disappointing and I found this to be an important feature in Android which even iOS lacked. The only reason I'm posting this is because I'm looking to switch from Android to WP8 but the list of disappointment seems to be growing

It sucks that Data Sense requires carrier support. It's such a useful tool for people that don't have an unlimited data plan. It doesn't look like my carrier supports it because I can't find the app in the Windows Phone store. Fortunately, my data plan is unlimited with a fair usage policy that limits you to 5 GB for full-speed access. It would still be nice to know how much data I use per month.