It seems the company specialises in taking a step forward, and more often than not, taking two or three steps backward. I have been avidly reading all the articles emanating from the release of these latest Lumias and while I regard myself as being far from the standard nagging poster, who constantly complains, I must admit I'm baffled by Microsoft's thinking.
Maybe someone can look into it even if the reps have been told that only Snapdragon 800 processors have this ability. You are at the show and I am not so you know more than I do about the new devices but I thought I would ask as you may be able to ask Microsoft or a representative questions based on Conversation's claim and the Snapdragon 400's low-power mode.
I like my Lumia 635 and the SensorCore tech/pedometor is amazing in such a low cost device and it would be a shame for Microsoft to simply decide not to allow the low end devices to provide even more value and awesomness when Windows Phone needs every market share increasing incentive that it can get. IF number 2 is true about the S400 capabilities, wouldn't it benefit Microsoft more to have the awesome passive voice activation on the cheapest devices possible to give Windows Phone even more of a value to performance ratio? If the Snapdragon 400 does indeed have the same low-power, always listening capabilities, do you think it is an intentional decision to not support the Lumia 630, 635, 730, 735 and 830 with passive voice activation in an effort to drive consumers to purchase the higher end devices?ģ. Was Conversations incorrect in stating that passive voice activation requires sensor core technology (Lumia 630/635 are listed in the SensorCore link above) or is it an oversight by the representatives at IFA that say only Snapdragon 800 processors can have passive voice activation.Ģ. SensorCore technology was also used in the Lumia 630 and 635 due to having the Snapdragon 400 processor that employs the same low power mode as the Snapdragon 800 and that same low power mode is what enables the always on/always listening mode via the newer hardware architecture.ġ. Simply say “Hey Cortana” while the phone is idle and Cortana will activate.This is possible thanks to the SensorCore technology. “Hey Cortana” Voice Activation - Gone are the days of pressing the microphone button to wake-up Cortana.
"Cortana passive-voice activation – No (needs Snapdragon 80x)"Īccording to Conversations (formerly Nokia Conversations), the requirement for Cortana passive voice activation is the Sensor Core Technology: I always feel like I have to compromise something with a Nokia device. you know, to leave room for its OEM partners to offer these things.
Maybe Microsoft/Nokia is doing this intentionally.
It's simply easier for sales associates to "sell the specs" of an Android phone. I think this is one reason that Windows Phones have had trouble gaining traction. I consider those compromises because, from a consumer's standpoint, many flagship Android phones DO have most of those features (except Glance, of course). Also, no removable backs or batteries on the high-end models. The reality is that there are often compromises on the higher end models as well, like no expandable storage on ANY of the 9xx series, and no Glance screen on the 930.
This is not entirely true (which is a criticism of Microsoft/Nokia, not your comment). "Now, before everyone gets in tizzy about missing features, Microsoft obviously does this to separate out value between devices, or more specifically, the more stuff, the more it costs." If you don't want it, then turn it Daniel With the last few phones not having it I thought it was not going to be a supported feature going forward, so I am very happy to see it come back. Or if it is laying on a table then just waving my hand over it tells me the time and notifications without having to fumble about with the device at all.įor some of us, the Glance screen is the most-used feature on our phones, and not having it is a bit of a deal breaker. Most of the time when I am out an about I just want to check the time, and by the time it is out of my pocket then the glance screen is up letting me know what time it is without having to press or tap anything at all. When I was running a small business then it sat on the stand at my office desk and I could easily see how many calls/texts/emails came in while I stepped into another room for a minute.Īt night it rests on the stand on the bedside table and I can easily see what time it is when the kiddos wake me up in the middle of the night so I can decide if it is time to go ahead and get up, or drag them back to their beds. When I get home I put my phone on the stand on my desk and can easily see what emails are coming into what accounts, and when playing full-screen games I have an easy to see clock. I built a matched pair of upright Lego stands with Qi pucks in them.