Microsoft reveals new Windows Phone hardware partners

Just when we thought Nokia was the only Windows Phone hardware maker left, Microsoft has announced a bevy of hardware partners slated to make new handsets in time for Windows Phone 8.1 this Spring which is really Windows Phone 9 if you consider the massive list of new features and upgrades. Aside from Nokia, HTC and Samsung (the last two which were the last non-Nokia makers to release WP devices), we see Lenovo, Huawei, LG, ZTE, Foxconn, Longcheer and a few other brands I've honestly never heard of. 

Microsoft VP Nick Parker says, "we're open for business on Windows Phone to anyone who wants to build one." Great for consumers who now have some choice to look forward to in the Windows Phone space.

Source: Engadget

Lenovo unveils mysterious MWC teaser

Lenovo doesn’t want to give too much away but it just wanted to whet techies’ appetites with a teaser. The tech company put out a vague tweet to get the conversation started about the “secret” they wanted to share. Well, we will find out soon enough at this year's Mobile World Congress.

WE’VE GOT A SECRET. What could it be? (Check back tomorrow @ 1pm EST) #LenovoMWC #MWC14 pic.twitter.com/FAyvghkRnj

— Lenovo (@lenovo) February 22, 2014

 

Source: Android Central

Office Lens app for Windows Phone promises scanner-like quality from smartphone document photos

If you want to take quick copy of documents and receipts, Microsoft promises it can provide you with clear scanner-like copies with its Office Lens app. The Windows Phone app is designed to leverage Microsoft OneNote, smartphone camera, and optical character recognition to give you a portable scanner. Your snapshots will be synced to the cloud, saved on your device, and automatically adjusted for readability and color. OCR technology allows you to search and edit printed documents. The app will even take out glare and shadows if you take photos of your office’s whiteboard. The product is currently in beta but you can sneek a peak here.

Source: Engadget

Samsung debuts Tizen-powered Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo

Samsung is developing its wearable technology line without Google’s Android operating system. The Korean tech company has debuted two wearable devices running on Tizen, Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo. Both devices feature 1.63-inch Super AMOLED displays, 1GHz dual-core processors, 4GB storage, 512MB RAM, heart rate sensors, pedometers, music players, Bluetooth, 300mAh battery, IR blaster, and IP67 certified dust and water resistance. The Gear 2 comes with a 2MP camera.

The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo are expected to work with a “wide variety of Samsung devices” and will be available globally around April. The Gear 2 will come with changeable straps in the color of Charcoal Black, Gold Brown, and Wild Orange. While the Gear 2 Neo will with straps in Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey, and Wild Orange.

Source: Droid Life