Five new Windows Phone devices set to launch, in Vietnam

Windows Phone may be a distant third in the mobile platform race, but there are specific markets where that is not the case, where Windows Phone has been able to surpass iOS. Granted these are smaller, developing markets, and it has not greatly impacted the global ranking, but Windows Phone does have momentum in Asia.

In Vietnam, mobile device maker Q-Mobile, has not one, not two, not even three new Windows Phones in the pipeline for the land of the dragon. Indeed, Q-Mobile has unveiled five new mid-spec Windows Phones.

With that many smartphones on tap, you can expect a bit of variety in form factor as well. Q-Mobile has also revived a brand name that is a bit taboo in the North American market, the Storm, of which four of the five new models are named. The fifth is called the Dream. Many of the specifications under the hoods of all five devices are identical, notably the processor, which is a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 clocked at 1.2.GHz.

There is 4GB of microSD expandable storage on-hand for all but one of the new devices (the W610 has 8GB). All five Windows Phones are dual-SIM. All but one of the devices has 1GB of RAM, and all but two have 8-megapixel main cameras. The entry-level Storm W408 and its bigger brother, the W410 have a 5-megapixel cameras, while the W408 alone has 512MB of RAM.

The Dream W473 is a thin and light device with a 4.7-inch 720p display. It weighs in at only 103 grams (3.6 ounces) and will cost 3,990,000 VND (Vietnam Dong, also $183). Starting at the entry-point for the Storm line of devices, the W408 has a 4-inch 480x800 display. As the entry-level device in the line-up, it is the most affordable at 2,190,000 VND ($102).

10 WINDOWS PHONE APPS THAT WILL SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY

The Windows Phone Store is packed with apps that can greatly increase productivity and save money for business users.

If you run a company, large or small (and if you work for one, for that matter), it’s always worth considering how you can make mobile technology work for you. Here are ten apps that will help you maximize profits as well as make the most of those precious minutes and hours in the office.
Lync 2013

You’ll need to have a Lync server running or to be signed up to an Office365/Lync Online account if you want your workforce to use this, but it’s a huge productivity booster, in that it can tell you in real time which of your colleagues are available for calling, messaging or emailing. More importantly, though, it’s a tool for conference calling and instant messaging that doesn’t require long, awkward passcodes or numbers: that speeds up the whole experience. All in all, it’s a super efficient way to get immediate answers and take timely decisions with your team, while saving on on phone bills for mobile workers.


TimePunch Mobile

This is a very useful tool that allows you to parse and analyze exactly how long you (or your employees) are spending on particular tasks, which, of course, enables you to then streamline your workflow. You can sync your data to the Windows version so that you can view it on your computer, and you can export and import data that way too. Priceless – and free!


Budget Buddy

One of many budgeting tools available in the Windows Phone Store, this is an expense tracker that will allow your employees to efficiently track their work-related spending and save you time dealing with their claims: they can photograph their receipts, graph their spending in relation to their allocated budget, and export the data to OneDrive later. Quick, efficient and eliminates endless paper-trails.


Yammer

Social media is great, but it can be a scourge to productivity. Turn it to your advantage by getting your team onto Yammer: a Facebook-esque system that restricts your contacts to the people you work with. Use it to share ideas and files, ask questions, and open documents: it’s a communication tool and a collaboration tool all in one.

Xbox and Windows Store gift cards are available now

Microsoft has made available gift cards for Xbox, Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8.1. These gift cards can be redeemed at your Microsoft account and then the money can be used to buy apps, games and more at the Windows, Windows Phone, and select Xbox stores.

These gift cards can be purchased on-line from Microsoft Store and they will also be available at Best Buy store. Redeeming the gift cards is pretty straight forward, here is what you need to do:

Redeem on Windows 8.1 PC or tablet:
On the Start screen, tap Store.
Swipe from the top or right-click.
Tap Your account.
Scratch off label and enter code.
Start shopping.

Redeem on your Windows Phone 8:
Launch the Wallet app from the app list.
Tap + button at the bottom of the screen.
Select Microsoft gift card.
Scratch off label and enter code.
Go to the Store to start shopping.

Redeem on your Xbox console:
Sign in to Xbox Live with your Microsoft account.
Press the Xbox Guide Button on the controller.
Navigate to Stores tab.
Select Redeem Code and enter code.

Xbox Codes can also be redeemed on live.xbox.com.