Software
The Lumia 822 is one of the first
smartphones on the market coming with Microsoft’s latest mobile OS, Windows
Phone 8. Whether you're used to Windows Phone or have not tried it yet, the
software is friendly and intuitive, and the setup process is extremely simple.
When you first launch it, you will be asked
to select a preferred language, and then you will be asked to choose either a
configuration scheme recommended or an advanced dialog that allows you to
adjust the default options. This includes activating the automatic updates and
the use of mobile data, together with reporting the usage routines and the
nearby Wi-Fi access hotspots to Microsoft. Since the location services are the
focus of Windows Phone 8, the phone will ask to report your position to
Microsoft when activated. However, this is a one-time deal, and you can also
choose the option of refusing to send your position.
The
Lumia 822 is one of the first smartphones on the market coming with Microsoft’s
latest mobile OS, Windows Phone 8.
The first-time users are given the next
option to set up or login a Microsoft account, which is required to purchase
applications and sync content. If the phone has been reset to its factory
status, you will also find the ability to restore the settings and content from
the cloud. In this regard, it will certainly be useful if the first-time users
are able to configure a Wi-Fi connection to lessen mobile data use, but you can
also skip the login process if this is a concern.
After setting up the Microsoft account, you
are given the options to configure Verizon Wireless Backup and Sync Services,
but it is only valid if you are trying to restore contacts or email account
from Backup Assistant Plus. Whether the Verizon’s service is free, this utility
is supposed to be redundant because Windows Phone 8 enables to sync contacts,
email and calendars from Microsoft Live, Outlook.com Google and Yahoo. It also
provides SkyDrive integration, allowing you to store documents, text messages,
bookmarks, photos, applications and the settings to the cloud. Windows Phone 8
is also integrated with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, along with contacts and
photos accompanying from those accounts.
The
Nokia Drive offers detailed instructions, voice support, even without a mobile
data connection.
The Windows Phone Store currently contains
more than 125,000 applications, although many popular cross-platform selections
are still absent from the list. It includes Flipboard, Google Voice, Instagram,
MOG, Pandora, Pinterest, Pocket, Sonos, Spotify, Stitcher, TiVo and TuneIn,
etc. Naturally, there are third-party apps that fill the gaps for some of these
selections, but you will need to consider this before entering the Windows
Phone ecosystem. These early adopters will feel comfortable when they know that
Windows Phone 8 shares its code with Windows 8, which means that developers
have a great incentive to offer applications for the two platforms. However,
you might experience increasing pains as Microsoft’s platform sets up its
roots.
If you are not used to Windows Phone 8, we
encourage you to read our full review, which covers all the new features of
Microsoft's operating system. Despite the smaller application ecosystem, Nokia
has developed a variety of applications that make Windows Phone 8 - especially
the Nokia phones - a very attractive choice. First and foremost is the Nokia
Drive, which offers detailed instructions, voice support, even without a mobile
data connection. By allowing users to selectively download maps from all 50
states and all over the world, Nokia Drive provides offline function better
than Google Maps and completely absent in Maps for iOS 6.
Another application that Lumia owners often
appreciate is Nokia Music, which offers a free service called Mix Radio. In
addition to the selections of genres and chart- top hits, you will also find
the ability to create your own mixes based on your favorite singers. It is
better for you to download any track that is playing for offline listening, all
are free. Combine this with the fact that Mix Radio is absolutely ad-free; you
are likely to consider buying the Lumia 822 just for this feature. As the two
additional benefits, the application also provides the lists of local concerts
and its own music store.
Another
application that Lumia owners often appreciate is Nokia Music, which offers a
free service called Mix Radio.
Also being present from Nokia is City Lens,
which allows you to explore the nearby interesting places such as hotels,
landmarks, restaurants and shopping centers. The application is similar to the
Microsoft’s Local Scout, but with an augmented reality component. However,
unlike Local Scout, which combines the relevant pieces of information such as
addresses, phone numbers and user reviews, City Lens lacks this integration.
Instead, you will need to enter Nokia Maps to access this information, which
lessens the usefulness of the application.
Nokia has a great number of other exclusive
applications for Lumia owners, but you will need to download these options from
Nokia Collection in Windows Phone Store. It consists of the camera applications
as Creative Studio, Smart Shoot, Panorama and Cinemagraph, along with Nokia
Transit, which is useful for planning trips by public transport. Strangely,
this amazing application was completely absent from the Nokia Collection, and
we were only able to install Nokia Transit after looking for it manually. As
another disappointing thing, Windows Phone Store failed to inform the updates
that were available for many applications of Nokia. Instead, we were forced to
scour the Nokia Collection and privately select Nokia Drive, Maps, Music and
City Lens to explore available updates.
