The Wrap is a digest of useful, interesting, and unapologetically random stuff you might have missed from the world of Windows Phone this week. Have a great weekend—and don’t forget to share your own favorite news of the week in comments.
AT&T now taking Nokia Lumia 900 preorders
Want to ensure you get your hands on Nokia’s gorgeous Lumia 900 when it launches in the U.S. on Easter Sunday? Head down to your local AT&T store, which today started to take preorders for the award-winning $99.99 phone. You can also order online. As I noted earlier this week, the phone initially comes in black and cyan. On April 22, AT&T plans to add a high-gloss white version (shown below) to the lineup. AT&T is currently offering a $100 discount to new customers on web orders, meaning you can essentially pick up Nokia’s flagship phone for free. I can’t wait to get my hands on this thing. You?
Windows Phone wins (another) PC Magazine Reader’s Choice Award
PC Magazine readers once again voted Windows Phone their favorite mobile operating system for reliability and overall satisfaction. As the magazine reported this week, Windows Phone scored an 8.7 out of 10, easily beating Android and tying with Apple’s iOS for top honors. The editors wrote: “While Apple and Microsoft rated the same for overall satisfaction, Windows Phone actually received slightly higher satisfaction ratings than iOS in several key areas, including reliability, text messaging, Web browsing, and gaming.” Results by carrier were even more impressive. Samsung’s Windows Phones won a decisive victory on AT&T, while the HTC Trophy tied for top honors on Verizon. Read the full report on the magazine’s site. Last year Windows Phone won Honorable Mention just months after launch.
Windows Phone Minute returns
After a brief pause, Microsoft’s Laura Foy returned this week with a new installment of her video tip series, Windows Phone Minute. This time around she tackles the handy (and sometimes overlooked) Groups feature. Watch it below. I’ve added a link to the series (and her popular Windows Phone app review show, Hot Apps) on the blog’s favorites list. Laura’s vids are also headed to our official YouTube channel. Whether you’re new to the phone or have carried one for a while, Windows Phone Minute is 60 seconds well spent.
Meet the superstar students behind Marketplace
The Verge on Thursday took an in-depth look at a group you don’t often hear about: students making apps for Windows Phone. Read it here. Told mostly through the eyes of students themselves, Tom Warren’s piece focuses on emerging standouts like Quinn Damerell, 21-year old author of the popular Baconit app, and grad student Wilson To, who recently snagged a $75,000 Imagine Cup grant for his work on a Windows Phone app to detect malaria. My buddy Ben Lower, who recently covered our Big App on Campus contest, also makes a cameo.
This Windows Phone takes the cake
Feeling creative? In case you’ve missed it, the wacky folks behind our official Facebook page have issued a call for Windows Phone fan art. To have your tribute featured, just post it to our Wall or tag us. Judging by the entries so far, it appears lots of people are hungry for Windows Phone.
