‘App’rehensions of a Microsoft handset owner

There was an update available for a few Microsoft (ex-Nokia) Lumia mobiles, to download the latest Denim version. And our Lumia 1020 was one among them. The update went of without any hitch. Okay, so what?

We had known that an update was due, and were scouring our Twitter timeline for info about it. There were a couple of posts, but they were not of much help.

We also have an Android handset. And the model we have is likely to get an update to the new Lollipop OS. The update is yet to come, but our timeline chokes with excited users tweeting about updates when it is due or when it arrives.

Why isn’t there much of a buzz about Lumias or Windows Phones? Are we following wrong users? Can’t be. Most of those we follow are techies with multiple mobile phones, including Lumias and Androids. Yes, some even have BlackBerrys.

And many youngsters prefer Androids to Windows phones, despite the Lumias boasting decent hardware. Is it the software or the UI? Or the lack of apps?

At a recent press conference, Microsoft officials were at pains to point out that it was a ‘myth’ that Windows phones did not have enough apps. Yes, the app ecosystem is far better than it was a year ago, but are the apps themselves on a par with those available for Android handsets or for iPhones?

We have had two ‘long-termer’ Windows phones. Even now, most of the apps, though well designed, lack many features that Android handsets or iPhones have. We were surprised to see that a couple of cab aggregator apps did not have wallets at all! Later, one of the companies said the wallet option would be introduced “soon”.

The WhatsApp app has no provision to send conversations through email or Bluetooth. This may not look like a deal-breaker, but a doctor who had bought a Lumia discarded it because he had earlier always backed up his WhatsApp conversations with patients by emailing them to his account.

It is not only WhatsApp and cab aggregator apps. It’s the same with other apps. The ‘settings’ in Windows phone apps have measly options when compared to other ecosystems. A discussion thread on lack of options in Windows phone apps ended with the suggestion: “The goal is simplicity with the sacrifice of functionality. I would say if you are looking for as many options and functions as possible, stick with Android.” Do Windows Phone apps really go for look and feel and simplicity than for functionality?

The Windows Phone interface looks gorgeous. Okay. But, are people comfortable with the tiles? We have talked to a few senior citizens who felt the tiles were confusing. They were more comfortable with a screen with separate icons. Should Windows Phones have an option to have icons like in Windows 8 desktops? Of course, there are skins and themes available on the Windows Phone Store that can make your Windows Phone look like an Android or iPhone, but should Windows have something official, like it does for desktops?

Microsoft also continues to make some unintelligent moves, like launching phones with 2 MP cameras, when even low-end Android phones now come with at least 5 MP cameras.

The Microsoft representative at the press conference said there would be a market for the 2 MP camera phone as the camera was better and had more functions than cameras in Android phones.

To be fair, Windows Phones do offer a great experience, but only to those who are really comfortable with the tiled interface and other options. They also have really good options like switching between phone and Skype calls in the middle of conversations. The stock keyboard is absolutely brilliant. We find it easier to use it compared to the stock keyboards on Androids.

But Microsoft has to think a little bit more to make their phones more acceptable by the masses. And dumping the Nokia brand isn’t helping it much either.