7 chapters across the catalog
Windows Phones remain surprisingly prevalent in Italy, appearing at car rental agencies and restaurants despite the platform's lack of modern app support. This trend is attributed to local economic conditions where many residents prioritize basic texting and internet functionality over expensive iPhone hardware. Users reportedly accept the lack of updates as a functional reality for their daily communication needs.
Microsoft Mixed Reality and the Windows Store Experience
A host describes a visit to a Microsoft Store to test the Mixed Reality headset, comparing the spatial interface to the film Minority Report. The experience allows users to arrange multiple application windows in a virtual "Cliff House" environment rather than using traditional alt-tabbing. Observations are made regarding the lack of branding at the Microsoft Store compared to the crowded Apple Store nearby.
Adam Curry discusses his transition from Mac to a Windows-based Alienware computer, citing disappointment with Apple's recent hardware direction. The conversation covers the high cost of Microsoft Surface devices and the lack of news regarding a potential Surface phone. Curry expresses a growing antipathy toward the iPhone 10 and the loss of "magic" in Apple products.
Slapdash Pro and Bing Cast Windows App Failures
Listeners report significant issues with Windows-based podcast applications like Slapdash Pro and Bing Cast, which contain multiple incorrect or broken RSS feeds. Attempts to manually add functional feeds often fail due to poor application design or lack of developer support, with some feedback emails bouncing immediately. The reliance on centralized app directories is identified as a primary point of failure for distributed media like podcasting.
The hosts read a series of donations and birthday wishes, including a 60th birthday shout-out for Diane Holst. They discuss the improved podcast experience on Windows Phone 8.1 and acknowledge various "knights" and "baronets" in the No Agenda community. Plans for a potential "No Agenda Club" revival are briefly mentioned.
Fake Sponsored Content, Windows Phone, Riot Hyatt
The hosts perform a parody of "sponsored content," pretending to be paid to praise the Nokia Windows Phone and its 41-megapixel camera. The bit transitions into a discussion about the "Riot Hyatt" on Sunset Boulevard and memories of Telly Savalas, illustrating how easily commercial interests can be slipped into a conversation.
Windows Phone Tiles, Microsoft Marketing, Smartphone Design
The Windows Phone user interface is criticized for its use of "tiles" rather than traditional icons, which the hosts find difficult to navigate. Despite the hardware being "snappy," Microsoft's failure to seed the phones to influencers and bloggers is noted as a marketing blunder. The hosts joke about being willing to praise the phone if Microsoft provided a significant financial incentive.
