Unfortunately Jon was unable to join me this week but on the positive side I was joined by a very special guess Ed Bott (Blog|Twitter) who attended the recent Microsoft Surface announcement. We last had Ed on the show back in April 2011 (Podcast: TDL Mobile Show 74) so we start by looking back at some of the predictions made during that show.

It’s always great to chat with Ed and we talk about how Microsoft is on the brink of a new Metro era with a strategy that is aligned across Windows 8, Windows Phone 7/8 and we also touch on the SmartGlass features coming to Xbox. Will Microsoft’s big gamble enable them to compete with Apple and Google who currently dominate in the mobile and tablet markets? Listen to this “fast and fluid” episode of TDL Mobile to find out our thoughts.

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Show Notes:

Ed Bott on ZDNet

This week Jon and Jason are joined by Ian Dixon to talk over the hot topic of the week with Microsoft revealing the new Surface tablets during an announcement that had been kept completely free of any information leaking ahead of the event. We talk about the buzz this event generated, the hardware, and the potential impact on the usual OEM channels. Could the Surface finally offer some real competition to the iPad?

We then discuss the second big announcement from Microsoft when they unveiled an early look at Windows Phone 8 along with the news that existing devices will only receive a new 7.8 release which most likely will only bring the facelift to the start screen. Can Windows Phone 8 close the current feature gap to Android and iOS?

These announcements created some great discussions so the show is a little longer than usual. Do you agree with our opinion or do you feel there is a desperate move with nothing of substance once you look beneath the Surface? We are looking for guest co-hosts so get in touch below and let us know what you think.

Please support us by visiting our sponsor and get a FREE audiobook download at http://www.audibletrial.com/TDLMobile Over 100,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Kindle or mp3 player.

Contact Us:

Show Notes:

Windows 8:

Microsoft unveils Surface Windows 8 tablets

Windows Phone:

Microsoft announce Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7.8

Skype for Windows Phone updated to version 1.2

It’s bitter-sweet this week because while it’s great to be back after almost 2 months since we recorded Show 106 we say goodbye to one of our co-hosts Jose (@JoseROrtiz). As I’m sure long time listeners will know Jose has been here since the very beginning and will be missed. I’m sure I can bait him back onto the show as a guest sometime.

This week we spend some time saying a fond farewell to Jose before moving on to discuss the recent iOS 6 news followed by Android, Windows Phone, Windows 8 and how Shazam are trying to monetise their service. We are also joined by guest John Hoole (Blog|Twitter) who has an interest in Apple, Microsoft as well as being a fellow Acer Iconia W500 Tablet owner.

Unfortunately Sheldon (@SheldonW) has also decided to move on from the show although we’d really like to get him on for one final show. Both Jon and I will be continuing with TDL Mobile so look out for the next show when we’ll have details of our sponsor Audible.com and if you’re interested in becoming a co-host then do get in touch and we’ll organise a guest appearance.

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Show Notes:

Apple:

Apple Announce iOS 6

iPhone 5 spotted in WWDC keynote, or rubbish Photoshop?

Android:

ASUS PadFone Review

Google officially closes deal for Motorola Mobility

Windows Phone:

Could Windows Phone 8 Adopt Windows 8 Edge UI?

New Windows Phone 8 OS builds & WXGA display resolution spotted in the wild

Windows 8:

Touch Panel Firmware 1007.2005 for Acer Iconia Tab W500

Mobile News:

ITV and Shazam Team Up for Shazam-enabled Adverts

Jase once again manages to bait me into a discussion about the merits of Windows Phone. We open the show with exactly that; a back and forth between Jase and I discussing what’s great and not so great about Windows Phone, and what Microsoft needs to do to bring it up to par with Android and iOS. Jon jumps in and provides his input as well but who’s side did he take? Unfortunately the debate is cut short but Jon and Jase continue on to cover the latest news in mobile. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Those of you that listen to TDL Mobile and in particular the show where the guys made fun of me for returning an iPad (TDL Mobile #93 – The Regurgitated Apple) will know I purchased an Acer Iconia Tab W500.  As I explained at the time the reasons were that a Windows based tablet would fit more seamlessly into our household without having to repurchase applications or convert media into a formal compatible with the iPad.

The biggest reason though was because Windows 8 would work on the W500 and that is something I was and still am very interested in doing. I haven’t written too much about my experiences so far because John Hoole (Blog|Twitter) already did a great job of reviewing the hardware (Acer Iconia W500 Tablet Review) and also the Windows 8 experience (Windows 8 consumer preview on the Iconia Tab).

Now while the W500 is not one of the core touch devices that Microsoft are using to test Windows 8 (Experiencing Windows 8 touch on Windows 7 hardware) I have to say the experience has been really good with only edge based gestures causing some frustration and often requiring multiple attempts to bring up either the “charms bar” (right edge), task switcher (left edge) or “app bar” (bottom edge).

I’m not quite the driver addict I once was but given that the W500 had already received one firmware update for the touch screen, to resolve the phantom screen taps at the bottom right of the screen, I thought I’d take a look to see if the firmware had been updated again.  As it turns out it had: Touch Panel Firmware 1007.2005

I haven’t been able to find any release notes but suffice to say that after I had updated to this latest firmware the edge gestures are far more responsive and my wife now finds the experience greatly improved.

Anyone else out there with an Iconia Tab W500 that is using Windows 8?  Does this new firmware feel more responsive? Please let me know in the comments or better yet contact the show.

After a brief hiatus, we’re back to discuss thoughts on the new iPad, the Samsung Series 7 Slate, and Windows 8 on tablets. Jase also takes a moment to share a few gripes he has Windows Phone that were made apparent by his great experience with the Lumia 800. We also sneak in some Android and mobile news to round out the show. Enjoy!

Show Notes:

Android

Mobile News

Windows Phone

Get ready for a marathon podcast as Jon joins Jase and I to go over Mobile World Congress and the release of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. We kick things off with Jase’s first impressions of the Win8 CP and the differences he has seen compared with the Developer Preview. This leads to a discussion about whether or not Microsoft’s unification strategy will truly work or if Metro has taken over too much. Eventually we make our way to this week’s announcements at MWC from ViewSonic, HTC, Sony and others. Ready, set, download!

Show Notes

Windows Phone

Android

ASUS Padfone formally unveiled

Samsung Galaxy Beam

Huawei Ascend D

HTC One V

Sony Xperia Ion

WebOS

iOS

App Picks

Slow news week this week since MWC is right around the corner. Still, Jase and I manage to scrounge up some news for a short show including a few HTC announcements and rumors and some Windows 8 talk. Short show this week so why not have a listen?

Show Notes

Android

Windows 8

Mobile News

As promised, we’ve returned with a show on schedule. Not too much news this week but we still manage a full hour show. We get things started talking about Google’s Chrome browser for Android before launching into a full on Windows assault. With the consumer preview of Windows 8 looming, I’m tempted by a Windows slate. We also discuss some Windows Phone news and some general mobile talk. Download or stream #102 down below.

Show Notes

Android

RIM

WP

Windows 8

Other

So much for a new year’s resolution! While life got in the way of recording a show for CES, we’re hoping to get things back on track with show 101. Jase and I have plenty to discuss including the latest leaked details for Windows 8, RIM consolidating CEOs, some breaking news that we break to break some even more breaking news, and of course Jase provides a good dose of Windows Phone information. Show notes and download links below.

Show Notes

Windows 8

iOS

Android

WebOS

RIM