It's time for another From the Forums where e bring you the latest discussions currently taking place over on our community forum. It's been a busy handful of days, so what have you potentially missed?
Microsoft is set to kick off a more frequent update cycle, starting with Windows "Blue." We're expecting this upcoming update to patch not only Windows, but Windows Phone and other Microsoft products too. While the Portico update is being pushed out as we speak, what do you make of Blue? Forum member snaqvi91 asks if you believe Blue will solve many problems for Windows Phone?
"So apparently reports are that Microsoft is moving to a yearly update cycle. That sounds awesome. But only if that means there will be major changes every year to help windows phone catch up very fast and also go ahead of the other platforms. The fact that Microsoft is not addressing so many of the issues people have with windows phone may be because they're holding off for blue."
Microsoft is well aware of what it has to do to help grow Windows Phone and bring it up to speed with competing platforms. But what do you think will happen with Blue? Be sure to add your thoughts and predictions in the "Do you think Windows Phone Blue will solve all the problems?" thread.
Big and heavy Surface Pro?
The Surface Pro. Microsoft's second Windows tablet, running a full installation of its desktop operating system. Packing an Intel chip, the tablet was always going to be a beast, but how does it compare to competing products? Is it really that much heavier than the Apple iPad and Android tablets? Also, is the functionality worth the added size?
Steve Ridges decided to take his Pro into work:
"Since everyone knows that the Surface pro is unusable because it's too big and heavy, I brought mine into work with my type cover to compare to my co-workers tablets. Get what? It's thinner and lighter than one guy's iPad in some Targus case with a keyboard and it's the same as my friends Samsung Galaxy Note in his portfolio case...and while they're dinking around with Angry Birds, I'm syncing source code via SVN, and setting up VMWare. This thing rocks!"
That's right, folks. There's not a lot in it if you're thinking the Surface Pro is slightly on the heavy side compared to other tablets. You've also got to consider what's in the package too. A full installation of Windows 8. You can do a lot with more access to the system, apps and the ability to install executables downloaded off the Internet.
What are your thoughts on the Surface Pro? Be sure to add your $0.02 in the "It's too big and heavy" thread.
Typing on Windows Phone
How's your typing on Windows Phone, specifically Windows Phone 8? Have you noticed improvements in moving across from 7 to 8, or are you still experiencing issues entering flawless text? Forum member ncxcstud shares a quick look into how things have progressed since moving to a Lumia 920:
"So, I've had a Nokia Lumia 920 since a week after it launched here in the US. As i used it I was pretty struck how 'poor' the keyboard was compared to my trusty Focus [...] Well, I think that 'click' happened for me in the last few days as I have been able to fly through text messages, e-mails, and posts with ease and with very few spelling errors."
So how's your typing on Windows Phone? Has it improved with recent updates, and do larger screens help you at all? Add your experience in the "How is your typing now?" thread.
