Windows

Phone 8
SUPERGUIDE
GET STARTED WITH YOUR WINDOWS PHONE
2
Contents
Meet Windows Phone 8
Which Smartphones Can Run Windows Phone 8?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Whats New in Windows Phone 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Get Started
Move From Your Old Smartphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Meet Live Tiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Gestures and Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Navigation Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Other System Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Windows Phone 8 Tips and Tricks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Change Your
Settings
System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Application Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Work With Apps
Connect and Communicate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Productivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Meet the Windows App Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
10 Apps Every Windows Phone 8 User Should Own . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Go Beyond
Windows
Sync With SkyDrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Integrate With Xbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Use Your Phone With Other Platforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
3
Foreword
Initially, when I was given the beat to cover Windows Phone 8, I was a little
intimidated. After all, Id never even handled a Windows Phone 7 handset, and
the idea of learning a whole new mobile operating system from scratch was
a wee bit intimidating. But in the first few weeks of learning and familiarizing
myself with Windows Phone 8, a funny thing happened: I became a hearty
advocate for the OS.
While adoption of Windows Phone 8 has been more of a slow and steady thing
than a blastoff, its hard to ignore all the great things the OS offers: beautiful
hardware, a fluid and gorgeous user interface, and intuitive features you wont
find on other mobile OSs. It can show you all of your social media updates in one
screen, its almost endlessly customizable, and it smoothly integrates across desktops, smartphones, and tablets.
Windows Phone 8 is a major upgrade from the previous incarnation, and it continues to gain fans and support-
ers because it does things in a distinctly different way than other mobile operating systems. As the OS matures,
Microsoft is adding more and more functionality and apps, and more and more people are realizing theres
definitely a space for it in the smartphone market.
We put this book together not only to show off what Windows Phone 8 is capable of, but also to provide a
resource for users who have recently taken the plunge and purchased a Windows Phone 8 handset. We want
you to get to know every nook and cranny in your Windows Phone 8 device, from Live Tiles to Xbox SmartGlass
and everything in between. With such a customizable OS, you should know exactly what your Windows Phone
8 device is capable of and how to make it work best for you.
So Im proud to present this Windows Phone 8 Superguide: It provides extensive detail on handsets, features,
and functions, and its an excellent resource and reference if youre new to the OS or thinking about switching
over. The guide lists which handsets run Windows Phone 8 and describes the options they offer, gives a full ac-
count of how to customize settings, and provides information on all of Windows Phone 8s great new features.
We hope you enjoy our superguide, but, more important, we hope youll enjoy Windows Phone 8 as much as
we do. Its a unique OS, and were pleased to recommend it. This guide will help you get the most out of your
handset, and it may even turn you into an advocate for Windows Phone 8 as well.
Amber Bouman
San Francisco, March 2013
4
Windows Phone 8
Superguide
EDITOR: Amber Bouman
-----------------------------------
SVP AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Jason Snell
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Jonathan Seff
EDITOR: Jason Cross
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Serenity Caldwell
ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR: Sally Zahner
COPY EDITOR: Gail Nelson-Bonebrake
ART DIRECTOR: Beth Kamoroff
DESIGNERS: Kate Henke
PRODUCTION: Tami Gargus, Nancy Jonathans
Copyright 2013 IDG Consumer & SMB, Inc. All rights reserved. PCWorld, Macworld, and TechHive are trade-
marks of International Data Group, Inc., used under license by IDG Consumer & SMB, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-937821-23-4
Have comments or suggestions? Email us at ebooks@techhive.com.
6
Meet Windows
Phone 8
WE CAN REBUILD IT Windows Phone 8 represents a major software upgrade from the
previous version.
Windows Phone 8 is the best mobile OS Microsoft has released yet, with plenty of additional features, intuitive
shortcuts, and customization options. Lets get started by showing you just what your new Windows Phone 8
handset is capable of. Well begin by listing which smartphones run Windows Phone 8, and explain its relation-
ship to the Windows 8 desktop operating system. Then well give you a tour of all the new features available in
Windows Phone 8.
C H A P T E R 1
7
C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Which Smartphones Can Run Windows Phone 8?
As of this books publication, three major smartphone manufacturers have released handsets that can run Win-
dows Phone 8: Nokia, HTC, and Samsung.
Nokia Lumia 920
NOKIA LUMIA 920 The Lumia 920 is one of Windows Phone 8s flagship models.
Nokias Lumia 920 stands out with its bright colors, large size, and one-of-a-kind camera. The Lumia 920 has a
4.5-inch 1280-by-768-pixel display, weighs 185 grams, and stands 130.3mm tall by 70.8mm across by 10.7mm
thick. It comes in red, white, black, yellow, and blue, in both slick and soft-body finishes.
The devices back camera uses Nokia PureView technology and has an 8.7-megapixel sensor, a Carl Zeiss lens,
and floating lens technology that allows the shutter to stay open longer and let in more light. It also takes video.
The Lumia 920 is additionally capable of near field communication (NFC) sharing and mobile payments.
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Nokia Lumia 820
NOKIA LUMIA 820 The wireless charging shells that work with the Lumia 820 come in
several colors.
The Nokia Lumia 820 has a 4.3-inch display, weighs 160 grams, and measures 123.8mm tall by 68.5mm across
by 9.9mm thick. While its camera also uses a Carl Zeiss lens, it does not feature the floating lens technology
available in the Lumia 920; it also has a lower-resolution display (800 by 480 pixels). It sports wireless charging
capabilities, enabled via a wireless charging shell that you can snap onto the device.
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Nokia Lumia 810, 822, and 620
NOKIA LUMIA 810 The Lumia 810 is available only in black.
If you dont need the flash of the 920 or 820, Nokia also offers a line of more budget-friendly Lumia models. The
Lumia 810s 4.3-inch OLED WVGA screen features ClearBlack technology to make the display durable and more
readable in sunlight.
The 810 weighs 145 grams and measures 127.8mm tall by 68.4mm across by 10.9mm thick. The display has an
800-by-480-pixel resolution, and the camera is 8 megapixels.
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
NOKIA LUMIA 822 The Lumia 822 was developed as an entry-level Windows Phone 8
handset for Verizon customers.
The Lumia 822another budget-friendly offeringis available in black, white, and silver. At 127.8mm tall by
68.4mm across by 11.2mm thick, its a more pocket-friendly size. The Lumia 822 weighs 142 grams; the 4.3-inch
display has an 800-by-480-pixel resolution.
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
NOKIA LUMIA 620 The Lumia 620 comes in double-shot bicolored shells, which you can
layer on the handset in different combinations.
The last of the Lumia models, the Lumia 620, measures 115.4mm tall by 61.1mm across by 11mm thick and
weighs 127 grams. This smaller-size handset has a 3.8-inch display with a 800-by-480-pixel resolution, and a
5-megapixel camera with Smart Shoot technology. (Smart Shoot takes a series of photos, and then pieces to-
gether the best parts of each photo to create the perfect shot.)
12
C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
HTC Windows Phone 8X
HTC WINDOWS PHONE 8X HTCs model is one of the other flagship handsets for
Windows Phone 8.
HTCs Windows Phone 8X is a noteworthy handset based on the design aloneit sports a soft-touch feel with a
curved fit. It includes a Beats Audio sound system for a deeper bass, crisper vocals, and detailed high notes, and
has a 4.3-inch 720p display.
The 8X weighs 130 grams and measures 132.35mm tall by 66.2mm across by 10.12mm thick. The camera is no
slouch either, offering an 8-megapixel sensor and 1080p video recording.
13
C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
HTC Windows Phone 8S
HTC WINDOWS PHONE 8S The HTC Windows Phone 8S is currently only available outside
the United States.
HTCs other brightly colored Windows Phone 8 handset is the 8S (available only outside the United States),
which also comes with Beats Audio. The 8S comes in blue, orange, white, and gray, weighs 113 grams, and mea-
sures 120.5mm tall by 63mm across by 10.28mm thick.
The phones 4-inch PenTile RGB Super LCD display has a WVGA resolution. The 8S has a 5-megapixel camera
with LED flash and 720p video recording. It also features memory expansion via a microSD card slot hidden
under its back cover.
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Samsung Ativ S
SAMSUNG ATIV S Samsungs device is the only Windows Phone 8 handset that features
a physical home button.
15
C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Samsungs Ativ S handset has a simple design with round edges, weighs 135 grams, and measures 137.2mm tall
by 70.5mm across by 8.7mm thick.
The Ativ S has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, an 8-megapixel back camera, and a 1.9-megapixel front-
facing camera. It also sports NFC and mobile payment capabilities.
HOW DOES WINDOWS PHONE 8 TIE INTO WINDOWS 8
AND WINDOWS RT?
Microsofts latest operating systems all have similar names, so heres a cheat sheet:
Windows 8 is Microsofts latest desktop operating system.
Windows RT is the version that runs on tablets.
Windows Phone 8 runs on smartphones.
All three operating systems feature a tile-based interface, though Windows RT can also operate in a desktop environ-
ment similar to older versions of Windows.
You can sync your Windows Phone 8 handset with both Windows 8 and Windows RT (and any Mac) using the Windows
Phone app on your device. Theres also a Windows Phone desktop application that syncs Windows Phone 8 handsets to
Windows 8 and 7; Windows XP and Vista users can connect to their device via File Explorer.
Whats New in Windows Phone 8
Windows Phone 8 is a major overhaul of the mobile operating system that continues on the path Microsoft em-
barked on with Windows Phone 7. Version 8 has a slew of new features and options for personalization; heres
a rundown of the major changes.
16
C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Live Tiles
ALL IN THE TILING Live Tiles show real-time data and information from
your favorite apps.
17
C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Windows Phone 8 Live Tiles are the squares that populate the Start screenthe majority of which update au-
tomatically with new information from their associated app or feature. For example, a tile for an email account
might flip to show new messages, while a Facebook tile might show status updates and friend requests.
You can create Live Tiles from most apps and contacts. While Windows Phone 8 allows you to pin a variety of
items to the Start screen (such as webpages, videos, and photo albums), not all of these items constantly up-
date their information; only specific apps can update their Live Tiles. Additionally, some apps do not offer Live
Tile functionality at all, while others only have it when displayed in certain sizes. (For more information on Live
Tiles, see Meet Live Tiles in Chapter 2, Get Started.)
Groups and Rooms
WELCOME TO MY ROOM The Rooms feature is best for close-knit groups of people.
Rooms and Groups are designed to help you connect with family and close friends. Rooms are invitation-only
places where users can connect with other invited members. When one member shares a photo, video, note, or
calendar event in the room, all the members of the room can see that shared item. The Groups feature is best
for lists of peoplesuch as close friends, coworkers, or schoolmateswhose social updates you want to see in
one place. You can email, text, and instant message an entire group at once. (For more information on Rooms
and Groups, see Groups and Rooms in Chapter 2, Get Started.)
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Kids Corner
JUST US KIDS Preapproved apps and games hide in Kids Corner.
Windows Phone 8 is unique in that it has a safe mode just for childrenuseful if your child wants to play
games on your phone but you dont want him or her to be able to purchase apps or look at your email. Its a
simplified version of the Start screens interface, with a lock screen and a tiled list of preapproved apps and
games. You can choose a childs name as the title, and then select a color scheme (dark or light) and an ac-
cent color for the tiles that dont have pictures. (For more information on Kids Corner, see Kids Corner in
Chapter 2, Get Started.)
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
NFC and Wallet
WHATS IN YOUR WALLET? All Windows Phone 8 handsets come equipped
with NFC technology.
Through NFC, you can wirelessly transfer files, apps, games, contacts, videos, and other content simply by
pressing your phone to another NFC-enabled device. NFC technology also enables Windows Phone 8 handsets
to support mobile payment and digital wallet functions. (For more information on NFC, see NFC and Wallet in
Chapter 2, Get Started.)
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Data Sense
TRACK YOUR DATA If your carrier has enabled the feature, you can check your cellular
data usage with Data Sense.
Data Sense uses a combination of a Live Tile and an app to help users stay on top of their data usage and set
appropriate limits. The Data Sense tile constantly rotates to show relevant information, such as how much time
is left in your billing cycle. You can use the feature on any Windows Phone 8 handset, but the carrier must first
enable it (as of this books publication, only Verizon Wireless customers have access to Data Sense in the United
States). (For more information on Data Sense, see Data Sense in Chapter 2, Get Started.)
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Microsoft Office
IN THE OFFICE Windows Phone 8s Office hub lets you access your Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint documents.
Microsofts industry mainstay, the Office suite, comes preinstalled as a simple app on every device running Win-
dows Phone 8. The Office hub is divided into two simple panes: The Recent pane lists all the files youve recently
interacted with, while the Places pane lists the locations Office can search for your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
documents. (For more information on Microsoft Office, see Office in Chapter 4, Work With Apps.)
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Skype
GIVE ME A RING Microsoft has optimized Skype for Windows Phone 8.
Microsofts Skype, which allows you to send online calls, texts, and video chats, is built into every Windows
Phone 8 device. Skype users sign in using their Microsoft ID or Skype account info; the People hub also includes
Skype contacts. Microsoft is currently working on technology that lets you receive call and message notifica-
tions, even when the app is closed.
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Xbox SmartGlass
XBOX DANCE The SmartGlass app lets you interact with your Xbox 360 console using
your Windows Phone 8 handset.
If you have an Xbox 360, you can use your Windows Phone 8 device to navigate menus, type on the Xbox, and
browse the Internet via the SmartGlass app.
The app also lets you play, pause, fast-forward, rewind, and stop any videos and music, along with enjoying
interactive experiences in (select) game and entertainment content. (For more information on SmartGlass, see
Xbox Integration in Chapter 5, Go Beyond Windows.)
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C HAP T E R 1 Meet Windows Phone 8
Lenses
TRY THIS ON Make your photos unique with Lenses filters.
You can edit photos taken with your Windows Phone 8 handset using Lenses, available in the Windows Phone
Store. Once youve installed them, you can access Lenses directly from the camera. These apps can apply filters
or special effects such as interactive 3D panoramas, animations, or Smart Shoot (which takes five frames for
each picture and allows you to select the best faces from each).
25
Get Started
WELCOME TO WINDOWS Windows Phone 8 offers a new interface and lots to explore.
Windows Phone 8 isnt just another ho-hum operating system update with some fixes, a few scattered patches,
and a new version numberits a major OS overhaul with a slew of new features that include useful, intelligent
interface upgrades and fun options for personalization.
In this chapter, well help you get started with Windows Phone 8 and learn about Live Tiles, gestures and tech-
niques, opening and closing apps, multitasking basics, notifications, Kids Corner, using your phone as a digital
wallet, and more.
C H A P T E R 2
58
Change Your
Settings
GEARED TOWARD CUSTOMIZATION Transform your Windows Phone 8 handset in the
Settings menu.
You can alter or adjust almost anything on a Windows Phone 8 handset to suit your personal preferences;
you access the majority of features via the Settings app. When you first open up Settings, it may initially seem
overwhelmingbut thats only because it doesnt have a lot of drop-down menus. In other words, many of the
settings youll find nested in menus on other devices are located on the main Settings screen in Windows Phone
8, in two categories: System and Applications.
Because Windows Phone 8 is so highly customizable, youll be visiting the Settings app frequently. Here, we
break down every single option so you have a better idea of how to change the features on your phone.
Its also worth noting that you may have additional settings, depending on your phones manufacturer. Nokia
owners also have options to access their Nokia accounts and provide feedback to Nokia; HTC handsets have
Beats Audio options; Samsung Ativ handsets include Contacts Import, Call Blocking, and Advanced Text Mes-
sages. Well only cover the settings that are universal to every Windows Phone 8 handset.
C H A P T E R 3
100
Work With Apps
A LONG LIST The app list shows a full rundown of the apps available on your Windows
Phone 8 phone.
Now that youve customized your Windows Phone 8 handset to your liking, and you understand all the options
available to you in the Settings menu, its time to take a look at the apps included on your handset.
While the availability of some apps varies by handsetfor example, the HTC Windows Phone 8X has an app for
Beats Audio, while the Nokia Lumia 920 comes equipped with Nokia Drive (beta) and an app for your Nokia
accountwere focusing here on apps youll find on every Windows Phone 8 handset.
C H A P T E R 4
160
Go Beyond
Windows
CLOUD CONNECT Your Windows Phone 8 handset can connect to all sorts of services
and devices.
Sometimes you need to go beyond your smartphone. In this chapter, we explain how to upload your content to
SkyDrive, connect to an Xbox gaming console, and use cross-platform systems.
C H A P T E R 5
173
Thanks for Reading!
We hope that this superguide has helped introduce you to your Windows Phone 8 handset, and that youre on
your way to enjoying what it has to offer. For even more information on Microsofts newest mobile operating
system, as well as the latest tips, tricks, how-tos, and news about Windows Phone 8 and all of Microsofts other
products, check out TechHive.com and the rest of our Superguide program.