Windows Phone Archives

Summer Travel & Fitness Apps for Windows Phone #WindowsChampions #VZWBuzz

July 3, 2014 by Momstart 1 Comment

Whether you’re hitting the pavement or taking to the air this summer, here are a few apps to make this summer the best yet.

1. Get Active

Start this summer off on the right foot – literally. Stay on track of your healthy lifestyle with the Bing Health & Fitness app on Windows and Windows Phone. This app features great fitness and nutrition content, along with trackers, tools and other features to get the most out of your day – and your workout. By logging into your Microsoft account, the app syncs across all your devices so your content and info will always be there. If you’re traveling or on-the-go this summer, download Bodeefit on Windows and Windows Phone for high intensity workouts, or try Yoga.com on Windows and Windows Phone, which lets you keep up with yoga workouts at your own pace anytime, anywhere.

2. Get Planning

Have a bad case of wanderlust? What are you waiting for? The Bing Travel app, available on Windows and Windows Phone, helps you explore the world and plan a perfect trip. Get inspired by the 360-degree panoramas, slideshows, photos and videos of scenic spots around the globe. Once you decide on a destination and book your flight, keep track of your travel info until you’re sitting on the plane, no matter who you’re flying with – Alaska Airlines on Windows and Windows Phone, American Airlines on Windows and Windows Phone or United, also on Windows and Windows Phone. Complete your trip by booking an affordable, discounted room from Priceline Hotels on Windows and Windows Phone and cruise stress-free to your destination.

3. Get Going

Once your feet are on the ground, you’ll need to get your bearings. Bing Translator, available on Windows and Windows Phone, is your companion when you need to overcome a language barrier. Want to make sure you hit all the best shops and restaurants? HERE City Lens, on Windows Phone, gives you an entirely new way to reveal what’s around you. Just hold up your phone like you’re taking a picture, and HERE City Lens overlays all the best points of interest right on your display – just tap the icon for more information

New PBS & Disney Apps For Windows Phone Or iOS #VZWBuzz

July 2, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Looking for some backseat fun for your little ones this upcoming weekend? Don’t forget to check out some fun summer apps featuring Disney Villains, Dusty Crophopper, and the re-imagined Seven Dwarfs! And a few PBS kids characters.

The hugely popular PBS KIDS Video App just launched on Windows phone for the first time! Windows users can now stream thousands of videos of their favorite PBS KIDS programs anytime, anywhere. http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/pbs-kids-video/c845651d-062a-4d45-a628-b1ea183f64fe?signin=true

The free PBS KIDS Video App features thousands of videos from top PBS KIDS television series, including Curious George, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Peg + Cat, and Sesame Street, and also includes resources just for parents. The app also launched this week on Android and Chromecast.

Planes Fire & Rescue App is launching just in time for the long weekend, families can enjoy the all-new interactive retelling of the upcoming feature film, Planes Fire & Rescue! In this exciting sequel, Dusty shifts gears from racing to join forces with a courageous team to battle a massive wildfire. Read-along (or enjoy the audio narration) with this interactive story, filled with tappables and fun-filled games and activities that keep you in the middle of the action.

Disney Villains Challenge will race against evil through 18 mini-games! Tap, drag, swipe, and shake as fast as you can to bring light to the darkness within the villainous worlds of Maleficent, Cruella de Vil and Captain Hook. And level your way up through 5 levels per mini-games as you thwart evil in each Villain’s world!

The 7D Mine Train is now available with five of the seven dwarfs, young travelers can play this hilariously fun adventure game and get a sneak peek into the re-imagined world of the Seven Dwarfs that will unveil in “The 7D,” a new show premiering Monday, July 7 on Disney XD at 10A/9C! Pilot your favorite dwarf on their special cart through twisting, turning mine train tracks before hurtling through the coveted jewel mine, awesome different locations, and earning special gems along the way that help you buy cool new cars and power ups.

“The 7D Mine Train” and “Disney Villains Challenge” are available for download in the App Store today!

Play Maleficent Free Fall on Windows & Windows Phone #MaleficentEvent

May 16, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Disney launched its official Maleficent Free Fall app for Windows and Windows Phone this week. This is ahead of the May 30 movie premiere and is available for download in the Windows and Windows Phone

It looks a lot like the Frozen game that my kids love to play but instead of being Elsa or Anna you get to be Maleficent and there’s a little more to it. Maleficent Free Fall takes the match-3 fun of Frozen Free Fall but with a “dark” twist. You begin the game as a young Maleficent and journey through the map to explore her untold story, unlock her raven, Diaval and discover other mysterious surprises. You switch and slide the board of enchanted gemstones to create matches of 3 or more as you trigger cascading combos and conquer original objectives. As Maleficent, you use her green magic to instantly vanish the same color gemstones. You can also call upon Diaval to swoop down and rearrange the board, or cast tendrils of thorns to clear entire row and columns. And as you play, you unlock more unique power-ups and experience Maleficent’s fierce desire for revenge.

Free Disney Games Windows Phone & Windows 8/8.1 Machines #WindowsChampions

January 14, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I’m a Windows Champion an ambassador for Microsoft and when I see deals like this I have to share them with you. I do occasionally receive products to review as an ambassador.

FYI, for those you out there looking for some decent games for your Surface or Windows Phone, Disney has made several of their titles free for a limited time. Some of these I already have and my kids love. The one they love the most I think is Where’s My Perry!

So what are you waiting for, load up your Kid Zone, and tablets today! (Kids Zone is a great way to let your kids play on your phone and it’s completely protected)

Windows 8/8.1

Where’s My Perry

Toy Story: Smash It!

Avengers Initiative

Where’s My Mickey? XL

Windows Phone 8

Skype: Connecting The Family with Face Time #WindowsChampions

July 2, 2013 by Momstart 3 Comments

Skype: Skype is the always-on app that makes staying in touch with all your contacts easier than ever. If you can’t be with your Dad on Father’s Day, mom on Mother’s Day, family on Thanksgiving or Christmas, Skype is the next best thing. No matter if you’re on a PC, Windows Phone, Mac, tablet, iPhone or Android device, Skype keeps you connected and always available. (Free)

I’m in Texas because my grandmother is in the hospital. I travel all the time and while I’m dealing with mixed emotions I really really miss my kids. I don’t usually have all this extra time on my hands when I’m away from home but I have had a lot of time. So I decided that I’m going to make skype work on my phone. All I had to do was install it and sign in with my Windows Live account which is the same way you sign into Windows 8 on your computer. My husband called me and the first time I answered on my laptop. It worked great.

Then when I was at the hospital visiting my grandmother I called him on my phone and we skyped phone to phone. I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 and He has a Windows Phone 8x. Then I made sure that my moms phone works so she could call the kids when I go home. My mom has an iPhone 4 and hers worked really well. We chatted over skype. Then my husband called me with his Microsoft Surface and I answered with my phone. It was so great, I actually tucked the kids in over the phone. They were going to bed. I miss them so much but seeing their smiling faces helped so so much. It really lifted my spirits. I needed to see my kids and their faces. Zoe was able to tell me how they went shopping and I could really see the excitement on her face and how much fun she was having with dad. Miles talked to me once for about 2 minutes and then I could hear him yelling I love you mom. But he was too busy to talk to me the second time. Oh how I really need a hug. We did give each other hugs and lots of kisses.

So from device to device and network to network Skype keeps connection the family.

New Version of INRIX Traffic 4.5

June 18, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

INRIX released the latest version of its traffic app for Android and iOS users, INRIX Traffic 4.5, which now offers custom INRIX Departure Alerts that tell you when to leave so you can arrive to every sports practice, birthday party and family dinner on time.

Even more, the new INRIX Departure Alerts, allows you to alert your carpools, play dates and other family members of when to expect you – turning your texts from an “OMW” to an “ETA.”

Key features of the 4.5 version include:

· Free Features:

o *NEW* INRIX Departure Alerts – Be informed of when you need to leave to arrive on time. Share your arrival time with friends.

o Fastest Routes – See the best routes for saved places in the app giving you travel times and arrival times right now or hours in advance.

o Full Screen Maps – Instantly identify major delays and faster routes to your destination.

o Personalized Traffic Alerts – Get personalized alerts for accidents and other traffic-causing delays.

o Community Traffic Reporting – Instantly see accidents and other incidents reported by members of the INRIX community.

o Custom Routes – Know whether your secret route to a destination is faster or slower than other more common routes.

· Premium Features:

o Gas Prices – Locate the cheapest gas stations on your route with fuel prices updated daily.

o View Traffic Cameras – See firsthand how traffic and weather conditions impact your drive times.

o Save Unlimited Destinations – Get the fastest routes for an unlimited number of saved destinations.

Get Angry Birds Free Until May 15th Windows Phone #WindowsChampions

May 2, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

My son loves to play Angry Birds and I’ve even found it to be a little addicting once you start but don’t tell anyone. I told myself I wasn’t ever going to get Angry Birds, and I did a great job until the grandparents brought it into the house. Then my husband bought Star Wars Angry Birds for his phone and my son assumed that I purchased it for my phone too. Actually, I have a feeling he just thought it was free. I don’t have it. But I will because it’s free, Angry Birds is free on your Windows Phone.

Rovio has confirmed that a new, revamped version of the original Angry Birds will be completely free to download for the next two weeks, until 15 May. It is the full game too, not a cut back version, so you’ll be able to fling tiny feathered friends with special powers into evil round-headed pigs to your heart’s content. And what’s more, an extra 100 all-new levels will be available from the off too.

Free for a limited time only! Download before May 15th to get the full game for free! Use the unique powers of the Angry Birds to destroy the greedy pigs’ defenses! The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the greedy pigs who stole their eggs. Use the unique powers of each bird to destroy the pigs’ defenses. Angry Birds features challenging, physics based demolition gameplay with hours and hours of replay value. Each of the over 300 levels require logic, skill, and force to solve.

In addition, the Windows Phone 8 version will have Xbox Live integration, featuring leaderboards and achievements.

The new version of the game is a separate release to the first, so will not wipe over your original game saves. Rovio felt it needed to release it this way, instead of as an update because more work was needed on the app’s infrastructure. "The reason why we’re re-releasing the game is that it will be technically easier for us to support in the future, so we’re really happy to get this out there," the company said.

Bright Stylish Nokia Lumia 920 on AT&T Fast and Functional Windows Phone #WindowsChampion

March 15, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

My new favorite phone is the AT&T Yellow Nokia Lumia. I LOVE this phone, it’s the perfect size (DH calls it a brick but he’s wrong), brightly colored and fast and very functional. The camera on it is crisp and clear and of course it a Windows Phone which I just adore. I’ve been traveling with the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone for about two months now, and this weekend my husband who yes called it a brick, took it with him on a trip. He wants it for photos, and I can’t remember what his other excuse was but he took my phone!

About the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone Camera

With the incredible PureView camera and stunning PureMotion display, you can easily capture, share, and relive the best moments of your life. The advanced Qualcomm® processor that powers Windows® Phone 8 and Live Tiles connects you with people at 4G LTE speeds. Plus, with optional wireless charging, you can recharge without having to physically plug in.

The kids love playing with Kid’s Corner on my Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone

My AT&T rep was recently interviewed by KING5TV about wireless safety tools that help parents manage the mobile device experience – including what content, how much, and when. The interview included him demonstrating the Windows Phone Kid’s Corner on his Nokia Lumia 920. Kid’s Corner grants little ones access only to the apps, games, videos, and music you choose for them, so you can relax and let them play. They can open Kid’s Corner on their own, but your Start screen, apps, and info are protected by a password you set. I set up Kid’s Corner on my phone giving them access to the apps that I chose to give them access to. They don’t have my new phone password so they can’t get into any of my apps, or into any trouble.

The Kids also loved the AT&T TV app.

The U-Verse app allows my children to watch Disney Channel programming which is great when I need a moment at a meeting or a conference call at home. We don’t have conventional cable at our house so it’s nice to use this app. There is a monthly fee involved but it’s so much cheaper than cable and there are other channels that adults love. As part of the new multi-year deal, AT&T U-verse will introduce several new services, including the full suite of authenticated WATCH products, ESPN 3D, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Buzzer Beater, Disney Junior and the upcoming ABC News/Univision Joint Venture, a 24/7 news, information and lifestyle multi-platform network for English-dominant and bilingual Hispanics, the youngest and fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. In total, approximately 70 services are covered by the broad scope of this agreement including: ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, ESPNEWS, ESPN Classic, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Buzzer Beater, ESPN 3D, ESPN GamePlan, ESPN Full Court, ESPN3, The Longhorn Network, and retransmission consent for WABC-TV, KABC-TV, WLS-TV, KGO-TV, KTRK-TV, WTVD-TV and KFSN-TV, as well as more than 10 high-definition networks.

It’s also fun to Tap & Send apps and photos to each other (with my husband I mean)

Sending apps and photos to my husband is quite easy. All you have to do is bump phones back to back and you can share photos and apps. We also love sending media from our phones to the Xbox. It really gets the WOW factor from house guests. People and apps are just a tap away with Windows Phone 8 customizable Live Tiles. Instantly share across multiple screens and devices including your Xbox® or tablet. Under the hood you get fast browsing with 4G LTE speeds powered by the 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor and 32GB of internal storage plus SkyDrive® cloud storage.

AT&T gave me a Nokia Lumia for review purposes. All opinions are my own and I’m a Windows Champion.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with HTC Windows Phone 8X

February 3, 2013 by Momstart 4 Comments

HTC has created an amazing phone, my husband has one and I’ve played with it a lot. It’s the HTC Windows Phone 8X. I love the Windows 8 Phone software and the list of apps is growing larger and larger every day.

Sometime this week I’ll be getting my own Windows 8X Phone by HTC in red, my husband bought it for me yesterday on his way home from work. They were out of red at the store so it will come in the mail. I’m really looking forward to upgrading from my Windows 7 phone. I’ll be able to organize my tiles and change the size of them. I love how you can have three differently size tiles and that you can even group certain tiles together. I can create a group of friends and keep up with them. I mean, I think it’s cool that you can group your friends together.

The Windows Phone 8X has an amazing front-facing camera with HTC ImageChip. ImageChip allows you to take perfect pictures in almost any conditions with minimized blurriness and sharp, true-to-life colors. Even in low light, the light-pulling f/2.0 aperture lens and backside sensor illumination helps make your pictures bright. You can take great photos easily with a dedicated button, which means your camera is one press away. The wide-angle front camera captures more in self- portraits and video chats. Another feature of the Windows Phone 8X is Beats Audio, which belts out studio-quality sound. Hear deep bass, crisp vocals and detailed high notes. There is also a built-in headset amp, which means more power and bigger sound with less distortion and noise. The built-in speaker amp boosts speaker performance for maximum loudness and bass. Beats Audio enhances all the audio on your phone including Xbox Music. We just started paying for a membership of Xbox Music. It’s a great program with a smart DJ playing music you like based on similar bands, artists or genres. We also love using the SmartGlass app for Xbox. You can control your Xbox 360 from your phone.

Post pictures to Facebook faster than ever. Go from shooting to sharing in seconds, with one-touch tagging and auto-uploading built in. And with the People Hub, you can bring all your social media together. Some phones make you jump between Facebook, Twitter, Outlook, and all your other apps to keep up. On the Windows Phone 8X you can see and respond to everyone’s updates, chats, calls, messages, even photo uploads, all in one place. Plus it’s built for peace of mind because every single app is tested for malware before you download it. It also works with Windows so you can access your documents and pictures from virtually anywhere with SkyDrive. Come meet your Windows Phone, and see why the phone you bring to life is as unique as you are.

Over 7 billion people in the world but just one perfect person for you. Give your special someone something as unique as they are – the Windows Phone 8X by HTC. With bold, eye-popping colors and live tiles customized to their wants and needs, the Windows Phone 8X by HTC delivers the most personalized mobile experience on any smartphone. Pick one up today at any T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless or AT&T store for just $199. HTC has a number of devices perfect for your significant other this Valentine’s Day other than the Windows Phone 8X by HTC. There is the Droid DNA by HTC, the HTC One SV, and the new HTC One X+. I’ve used a phone or two in the HTC One line and I really like that phone too.

I received this information from HTC, we are purchasing our own phone because I love it so much, my opinions are my own and I’m a Windows Champion disclosing all my connections.

Windows Phone 7 Apps and Netflix Saved the Day

September 5, 2012 by Momstart 12 Comments

By: Ashley

Just over a month ago, I ended up taking Atticus to the doctor. It was one of those weird, random, super high fevers that just wouldn’t go away. He was pitiful. The little boy that usually doesn’t even know how to just walk, was barely moving from his little camp on the couch.

We got to the doctor’s office, and my poor little boy started to fall apart. He basically fell asleep on me in the waiting room, then started shivering back in the exam room. (Feel free to say “Aawww..” or “Poor little guy!” here. I know I was saying it.) Moments like those are not the best mommy moments.

Now enter my Windows Phone! (*fanfare* ;))

I will be the first to admit that the selection of apps for the Windows phone is different than that of iPhone or Droid. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t good apps – especially for kids. We actually started out playing Baby Sound Cards – one of our favorites. I’ve already sung the praises of Windows Phone apps for kids on Momicles, though. And a trip to the doctor meant I needed something more.

One app in particular saved the day for me (and Atticus) at the doctor – Netflix. Sometimes I forget about the sheer amazingness (a new word of mine;)) of Netflix streaming. I found a movie about trains and let it roll. No, it didn’t make Atticus healthy again, but it certainly made our 45 minutes at the doctor’s office less miserable. He was able to forget about how uncomfortable he felt just for a little while. I think any parent will agree, that alone is worth its weight in gold.

The video was clear, the content was quick, and the sound was great. My battery was already pretty low and lasted through 45 minutes of streaming video, which I thought was pretty good. I really have no idea how long you could stream with a full battery, but definitely long enough to watch your favorite show.

I can honestly say that I love my Windows phone. I love the tiles, the sliding screens, the super fast search times. I also LOVE the voice recognition software and how it actually knows what I’m saying. I can also say that my Windows Phone has apps that save the day.

About Ashley (Managing Editor at MomStart): Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at Momicles and follow her @Momicles2010 .

Momicles and MomStart are both a part of the Windows Champions program.