New cell phone

[Ted]

A custom rom could be something someone has compiled from source or stock and made additions/tweaks to in order to 'improve' the system either visually or under the bonnet.

Facebook messenger is built into the messaging hub on Windows Phone but it's somewhat limited. You can only send messages to people that are online/active if I remember right or something along those lines.

You do get active 'Toast' notifications for those apps and you will also see tile counts on the hubs indicating the number of notifications.

I'm sure as time goes on more third party apps will appear.

[CharlieKasper]

So basically Windows Phone HAS theme modifying capabilities?

Final question then. If a few things are ignored (no wallpaper, lack of apps, NOT android/iOS, etc), how much will you rate it for its overall functionality?

[MikeSangelo]

I would personally recommend the Nokia Lumia 520. I own the Lumia 920 and I came from the Motorola ATRIX 4G android device. I feel that Windows Phone 8 offers a consistent, fluid, and smooth experience. Much more so than the Xperia E based on the specifications against the operating system.

[CharlieKasper]

We ought to talk, Mike.

[Jimmylicious]

Buy any nokia windows phone kharlie

[cchipscookies]

If you like the theme of windows phone, you should check launcher 7

Link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.tikuwarez.launcher3&hl=en

It's exactly the same look and feel (I used it before). It's for android.

Don't forget- you can customize Android in any way you want. (there are at least 50 homescreen/launcher apps).

But test both phones out first before buying them

Have fun choosing

[Hevar.]

Google: YouTube app to be removed


Microsoft breaks the rules with their own YouTube app for Windows Phone. Now, Google requires that it be removed.

Google is not particularly sympathetic to Windows Phone in general. It is most noticeable in the form of that almost none of their services are in AppForm to the system and Google's previous plans to scrap support for Active Sync in their services. Microsoft has in some quarters solved it themselves, including by releasing its own Youtube app.

However, it is something that angered Google, which owns YouTube, which now requires the app to be removed and that the use of existing downloads blocked. The reason must be that the app does not use Google ads, which in turn violates the agreement for how developers can use YouTube's APIs.
 
Right now, there is still the app to download and it remains to be seen if Microsoft agrees obligation, to update or app comes with some kind of counterattack.

[MikeSangelo]

There are alternate apps, such as MetroTube and MyTube for WP8 that are on the same level, or better than the Android YouTube counterpart.

[Mikal]

It's called a mobile! Aahh!

[Kyle_Parker]

http://www.ebay.in/itm/JUST-LAUNCHED-NEW-MODEL-SONY-XPERIA-MIRO-ST23i-/330920610703?pt=IN_Mobile_Phones&hash=item4d0c67cb8f&_uhb=1

Just to let you know, you can't 'hack' paid apps on windows phone. :p

Android is more open source and you can find apps for free.

But yeah.. for you Windows 8 phone is more suitable, gonna buy one for my mom too. Its simpler, and eats less battery than Android OS.

[Ted]

MetroTube tube as I remember I felt it was the best. The official app basically linked you to the mobile page.

As for 'free' apps there are 'ways and means' but we cannot continue this talk here.

[CharlieKasper]

I'll be buying a phone in a month, give or take. I'll announce my decision then. Thanks for all the feedback!