Buzzkill: Yes, there’s a Lumia 825. No, that’s not Windows Phone 8.1

Wall of Lumias at Build

Every bit Build enters its third and final day, there has been lots of circulating murmurs regarding Rudy Huyn'south "Wall of Windows Phones" i.eastward. the technological monstrosity that y'all see in a higher place. In other words, nosotros're getting a lot of "tips" on the matter and we want to knock out any promise or speculation.

The wall, based off of Rudy's earlier trick of linking together many phones to display one large Bing/HERE map, has been around for some time now, but this time information technology has gone bigger thanks in part to Nokia who supplied the phones. Truth be told Nokia and Rudy were going to endeavor a Guinness Book of Earth Records attempt, but due to the $30K fee you need to have them hither, well, the thought was nixed.

Let's head onto the rumors and speculation for some buzzkill…

Rumor #1: Those are Lumia 825s. Wait, what'south a Lumia 825?

HERE Maps Wall

Truthful. Lumia 825s are a limited set of developer phones that are basically Lumia 820s. They were given to a selected bunch of devs right around the time Windows Phone 8 was getting ready to launch last year. It's one of those secret-not-then-secret things, but yep, nosotros've seen 'em before and that'southward what is on the wall. We've never mentioned it considering frankly, it's a ho-hum phone.

While we're on the topic, there is also a Nokia 'Phi', which is a modified Lumia 920 for internal testing at Microsoft.

So no, there is nothing new there. At least "new" as in interesting.

Rumor #2 That's Windows Phone 8.1!

Wall of Apps

False. When Rudy'southward Bing/HERE maps are not running, a program that highlights the top apps in the Windows Phone Shop goes on to the displays, moving around and popping upwardly.. That's what you've seen in a few photos from other news sites with the "different size tiles" and what you see to a higher place.

We can 100% ostend that Windows Phone 8.i, which is still being developed and is in bits and pieces (i.e. branches) is not nigh fix to be shown off to the public. The SDK is as well not set either. In other words, there are quite a few months left before we see more than virtually 8.1 and the thought that Microsoft would accidentally testify it thousands of people at a conference is a bit…well, let's just say unlikely.

In addition, it does seem equally if Windows Phone eight.one is behind schedule. After all, the Windows Team seems to be on the aforementioned page with the remainder of Microsoft (e.g. Xbox One), but Windows Phone appears to be late—for whatsoever reason. Mentions of Windows Phone eight.1 have been establish in the SDK and even Microsoft is referring to Windows Telephone viii equally "eight.0" in presentations hither.

And so things are close, simply we're still a ways out. Distressing, folks!

Xbox legend Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft after 29 years

1 of the greats

Xbox legend Shannon Loftis retires from Microsoft subsequently 29 years

Shannon Loftis announced her retirement from Microsoft today, after 29 years with the company. Loftis has been with Xbox for decades, having built franchises like Fable, Banjo Kazooie, and many more, and recently revived Age of Empires from its long slumber.

Dying Light 2 co-op: How to play with online with friends

Y'all don't have to survive the apocalypse lone

Dying Calorie-free 2 co-op: How to play with online with friends

Dying Calorie-free 2 is an excellent game, but it'due south even more fun when yous play it in co-op with your friends. Here's a guide on how you and your friends can play together, also as what you lot need to know most how online play functions.

New means to test

Minecraft Preview can now be tested by Xbox Insiders on console

On Mon, Mojang Studios appear Minecraft Preview, a new Minecraft game that will let players test upcoming changes and updates before they release. Minecraft Preview will eventually replace the current Minecraft: Bedrock Edition beta program, and is coming first to iOS and Windows.

Protect your Surface Pro with one of these great cases

Buyer's guide

Protect your Surface Pro with 1 of these not bad cases

Yous have a Surface Pro in your hands and you want to protect it. This roundup of cases compatible with Pro four, Pro (2017), Pro 6, Pro 7, and Pro vii Plus covers rugged and stylish options so that y'all find something you like.