Tag: Windows Phone

The popular social media application now boasts a range of new features for these smartphone users.

Vine recently announced the release of a tremendous batch of updates for the version of its mobile app meant for Windows Phone, bringing users brand new editing functions, loop counts, and messaging capabilities.

This particular update is available to users of the Vine app on Windows version 8.1.

Once the mobile app update has been downloaded and installed, users will be able to draw from videos already stored on their smartphones so that they will be able to share it over the social network. They will also have access to functions that will allow them to edit their vines, and they can save their works in draft files so that they can keep their progress until they are ready to actually post it. This update also features additions to the messenger feature of Vine, so that users will be able to hold private message conversations with their friends and privately send them their video clips.

There will also be some metrics that will become available to users through this mobile app, with loop counts.

The new loop count feature will make it possible for users to be able to see how many times a vine has been viewed. Metrics are always popular for individual users and businesses, alike, so this could end up being an appealing new option for users of this mobile application.

Beyond the specific function of the Vine app, the Windows Phone update also provides a range of different design improvements for the activity feed and gives users the chance to be able to select their own background color to their user profiles.

Furthermore, this update is also bringing users a new alert option when they hit milestones. For instance, if one of the vines happens to go viral, then the user will receive an alert. Notifications will also allow users to become aware when friends and other people that they know have joined the platform.

These updates were already made to the mobile app back in August 2014 for iOS and Android based device users, but they have now been added to include Windows Phone users, as well.

Windows 10 to bring Host Card Emulation to Windows Phone

Windows Phone users have had very limited options when it comes to mobile payments. One of the few services that were available to these users, Softcard, was recently shut down after its acquisition by Google. With the closure of Softcard, many Windows Phone users have been pushed out of the mobile commerce space. That may change soon, however, as Windows 10 will be coming to the platform. The latest version of the mobile operating system will feature Host Card Emulation.

Software architecture offers a way to support mobile payments on Windows Phone

Host Card Emulation is a type of software architecture that is meant to provide virtual representation for various types of cards, such as credit and debit cards. This serves as a way to support mobile transactions made on a device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Using Host Card Emulation, devices do not need to have a secure SIM card solution and consumers do not need to use a specialized application in order to make mobile payments.

NFC-enabled Windows Phones may be able to make mobile payments in the near future

Though Windows 10 will feature Host Card Emulation, those wishing to participate in mobile commerce on Windows Phones will have to have an NFC-enabled mobile device. NFC technology allows for digital information to be sent over short distances and this technology has become the backbone for most mobile payments platforms, which has lead to the increased availability of NFC-enabled mobile devices. Many Windows Phones have NFC capabilities, but older devices may not be equipped with NFC technology.

Microsoft could attract more people to Windows Phone if it supports mobile commerce more aggressively

Windows Phone may not be the most popular mobile device in the world, but there are a significant number of people with these devices. These consumers have expressed interest in participating in mobile commerce, but they have had limited support for this interest. Microsoft may be able to revitalize favor for its mobile devices if it can manage to provide support for mobile payments.