Daniel Rubino

Daniel Rubino is executive editor of Windows Central. He has been covering Microsoft since 2009 back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Surface, HoloLens, Xbox, and future computing visions. Follow him on Twitter: @daniel_rubino.

GDR2 update for Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 show up on Nokia’s servers, can be flashed now for the daring

Daniel Rubino 7 years ago 349

For those of you who are super anxious to get Microsoft’s latest OS release, Windows Phone 8 build 10327 (GDR2) along with Nokia’s highly anticipated Amber firmware update, there’s some good news for you today. Users in our forums and on other sites have noticed that the files are now available on Nokia’s servers for the Lumia 820 and Lumia 920. The files can be downloaded and you can...

Popular Russian network VK Client now available for Windows 8, offering a rich social experience

Rich Edmonds 7 years ago 4

Digital Cloud Technologies has published VK (www.vk.com) apps for Windows 8 and RT. These clients will enable users to log into their VK accounts and enjoy social features within the familiar Windows 8 experience - perfect for tablets. If you're not into Facebook and would like to try out something new, it's certainly worth looking into (rather humorously, Facebook Connect is supported...

Royal Revolt developer reveals Windows Phone and Windows 8 download numbers, sequel plans

Paul Acevedo 7 years ago 31

Next up in our coverage of Casual Connect USA is an interview regarding one of our favorite Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 games: Royal Revolt. The game comes from a collaboration between two German studios, Flare Games and Keen Games. During last week’s event, we spoke with Georg Broxtermann, the Co-founder and Director of Business Development at Flare. He revealed how Royal Revolt...

Developer looking to kick off Wheel of Wealth v3 beta, looking for Windows Phone testers

Rich Edmonds 7 years ago 35

Wheel of Wealth is an established game for Windows Phone, having been with us for almost two years. We've covered the game multiple times in the past, but today the developer is opening up the beta for version 3 to consumers. Billed as the "first major overhaul," version 3 has been completely rewritten from the ground up and sports numerous improvements. Interested? Read on and sign-up...

Sic'em Studios bringing Detonation and Rambledam's Escape to Windows Phone 8

Paul Acevedo 7 years ago 24

At Casual Connect USA last week, I didn’t just interview big mobile studios like Handy Games and Game House. I also spoke to smaller gaming studios on the verge of releasing Windows Phone and Windows 8 games. Take Sic’em Studios, for instance. They may not be a gaming giant, but they have sizable plans for mobile Windows platforms. Steven White, a former QA Lead at BioWare, is the...

FreePrints photo printing service comes to Windows Phone 8

Paul Acevedo 7 years ago 47

Casual Connect is an event dedicated to casual videogames, but you’ll often run into more than just game developers and PR people. One such attendee was Cal Morrell of Avenquest Software and Photo Affections. They’ve created a remarkable photo printing app for Windows Phone 8 that photography fans (especially Lumia 1020 owners) are going to love called FreePrints. We sat down with Cal,...

Nokia Lumia 1020 Wireless Charging Cover available at the Microsoft Store (US)

George Ponder 7 years ago 71

One of the more hard to find accessories for the Nokia Lumia 1020 is the Wireless Charging Cover. You can pre-order them through Expansys or http://Amazon.com?tag=wpcentralb-20 and there's no telling when (or if AT&T will carry the charging cover). However, there is a ray of hope out there. We aren't sure as to the when but the Microsoft Store is listing the charging cover and...

Handy Games announces 1941: Frozen Front and Townsmen for Windows Phone 8

Paul Acevedo 7 years ago 46

Next up in our Casual Connect USA gaming coverage are two titles from an established Windows Phone developer. Earlier this year, Handy Games (one of Germany’s largest mobile game studios) jumped onto our platform with two impressive Windows Phone 8 titles: Epic Battle Dude – a “one-dimensional“ casual RPG and Aces of Luftwaffe – a vertically-scrolling shoot-em-up. Both are great games (...

Nokia Lumia 1020 makes an appearance at Carphone Warehouse

George Ponder 7 years ago 20

Windows Phone users in the UK may be close to getting their hands on the Nokia Lumia 1020 with it's stunning 41MP PureView camera. We've been tipped that the Lumia 1020 has popped up in Carphone Warehouse's inventory. The inventory screen that was sent to Windows Phone Central doesn't display any pricing information but does list the Lumia 1020 in the black, white, and yellow varieties...

Talk Mobile Security and Enterprise recap + Take our survey for a chance to win $100 at Best Buy

Talk Mobile 7 years ago

With everything that we do on our mobile devices, security is becoming more important than ever. Even more so when we mix professional business onto those same devices. How do you keep it secure? How do you balance work and personal on the same device? That was Talk Mobile Security and Enterprise week, so let's dive right in to it.

Solar Warfare coming to Windows 8 with Leap Motion controls (Windows Phone too!)

Paul Acevedo 7 years ago 28

If our last Casual Connect game preview Delicious: Emily’s Wedding was a little too feminine for you (shame!), then perhaps a space shooter will be more to your tastes. TegTap, a two man indie gaming studio is currently preparing to bring its most successful game Solar Warfare to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. It’s built with the Unity game engine, which should hopefully make for an...

Deal Alert: Nokia Luna Bluetooth Headset now under $20 at the Microsoft Store (US)

George Ponder 7 years ago 77

If you're looking for a neat Bluetooth headset for your Windows Phone, the Nokia Luna Headset should be on your short list. Especially seeing that the Microsoft Store is offering the Luna for $19.99 (regularly $59.99). The Luna features a unique cradle that doubles as a charging base and portable charger. When docked, the Luna's maximum standby time jumps from 35 hours to 60 days....

Bing on Windows Phone 8 getting a “refreshed experience” over the coming weeks, including word definitions

Daniel Rubino 7 years ago 138

Windows Phone Central has had few isolated reports recently of changes to the Bing search results on Windows Phone 8. We can now confirm that they are real and coming to all Windows Phone 8 devices soon. The changes include a new layout and appear to be the result of usability feedback to Bing. One of those changes that was brought to our attention is the ability to receive a direct...

Unlocked Nokia Lumia 925 devices start receiving update to OS build 10328

Daniel Rubino 7 years ago 120

Reports are coming, with scarce details, that the Nokia Lumia 925 is receiving an OS update today over the air. The update bumps the OS from build 10327 to build 10328—both of which are considered part of the GDR2 release frame. Devices that are reported to be receiving the update include only unlocked devices with no reports (yet) of branded or carrier supported ones, including T-...

Attention Hackers: Can you take on Microsoft’s BlueHat Challenge?

Michael Archambault 7 years ago 23

This week Microsoft announced the new BlueHat Challenge, a series of challenges to test your reverse engineering, vulnerability discovery, and web browser manipulation skill set. Microsoft states that the tests are simply about having fun. There are a variety of challenges in each aforementioned category with levels that get harder as you continue on. Anyone can participate in the...

Microsoft announces Comedy Central and Nickelodeon for Xbox

Rich Edmonds 7 years ago 29

Staring at your Xbox 360 dashboard thinking about what to do next? If you reside in the US, you'll be able to enjoy two TV brands on the console: Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. Xbox Live Gold subscribers can enjoy stand-up comedy and the top shows on Comedy Central and more than 6,000 videos of the funniest comedians are available. But what if you have children who want to enjoy media...

Developers: Update for Windows Phone 8 SDK now live, adds four new emulator images

Sam Sabri 7 years ago 19

If you have a Nokia Lumia 520 (on AT&T), 925 or 1020 you already have the GDR2 update for Windows Phone 8. Otherwise the update is slowly rolling out, devices like the HTC 8X and Samsung ATIV S have been seeing it show up for their devices. GDR2 (aka OS build 10327) brings some new features and fixes to Windows Phone for consumers as documented here by Microsoft, in addition to the...

Microsoft quietly obsoletes official UFC app for Windows Phone, urges use of Xbox SmartGlass instead

Daniel Rubino 7 years ago 15

This weekend, UFC 163 featherweight bout is going down on your Xbox 360 (www.ufc.com/event/UFC163) as a pay-per view event and we’re stoked, stocking up on beer and pizza for the Saturday night event. Normally around this time we would break out our trusty official UFC app for Windows Phone, which lets you view all the upcoming fight cards, stats and it even allows you to choose who you...

Join Microsoft's Xbox Live Enforcement Team and help protect the community while earning rewards

Michael Archambault 7 years ago 34

Ever imagine being a vigilante? You throw on a cape, some tights, and run out the door to serve the people! Sound exciting? Oh well, that isn’t going to happen. You can do the second closest thing though, you can take action and help to improve the future of Xbox Live. Microsoft has just announced a new beta which will be known as “Xbox Enforcement United” (I know, it sounds epic). The...

Skype Premium users get free Wi-Fi for the month of August

Michael Archambault 7 years ago 11

If you are enjoying Skype Premium, your happiness with the service is about to improve. This week the folks at Skype have introduced Free Wi-Fi for premium subscribers. The service will only be free throughout the month of August, but – free is free! Instead of shelling out a ridiculous amount of money to jump on a Wi-Fi hotspot at an airport or train station, you can simply use Skype’...