With more and more people getting Windows Phone devices I get more and more questions about setup, settings, apps, etc. I love to help out when anyone gets a new Windows Phone device by answering any questions they may have however, it would be easier for you the reader, if I simply wrote these thing down. Here are a few basic things for you to help set up your new device. This will be simple basic tips and some apps I feel are necessary on any Windows Phone device.
First off let's make sure everything that is important to you is connected to your new device so you can take advantage of all Windows Phone social features. From the start screen swipe to your left to get to your app list and go to settings. Then scroll down to email+accounts> add an account. Then simply choose anything you have an account with and add it. This will automatically import your contacts, calendar, it will hook your contacts social networking interactions to their people tile for easy access.
Next you will want to personalize your device by pinning useful tiles, resizing them, and moving them around your start screen to suit your personal needs. While you are at it you may want to change your tile color to what you like. Check out the instructional video below on how to do that.
A few good things to pin to start screen would be Settings, People tile, Game tile, and Store tile. These are things that you will want to access a lot and will not want to be bothered to swipe over to your app list for. Also pin anyone you contact frequently as this will become your new speed dial.
I could explain what the People Hub does for you however, you prefer a video and I prefer not to type another hundred words about it so let's just watch this video shall we?
Want to know where to start in the app store? Here is a short list of apps no Windows Phone should be without.
- Facebook (no explanation needed)
- Kindle App: Amazon's ebook reader
- AccuWeather
- Flashlight XT: Quick, simple, easy light at anytime
- Pandora: for streaming music
- Stop Music: This app will stop your music with one touch from your start screen
- Battery: It not only tells you how much charge you have left in your phone but it also allows quick access to your WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and Airplane mode. Download it and pin it!
- RapDialer: This simply allows you to search for contacts using your dial pad.
- Games, games, games: Check out Wordament, BBB App-ocalypse, Ragdoll Run, Snake 97, Spin Out, Temple Run, Words with Friends, Line Birds, 4 Pics 1 Word and of course Plants vs Zombies/Angry Birds
- If you have a Nokia Lumia Device be sure to download all the photo apps in the "Nokia Collection" part of the app store
- Photosynth: This is an awesome photo app that will let you take more than panoramic shots (only iPhone users stop there) it will allow you to take full 360 degree shots of wherever you are.
Want a quick shortcut for your camera? Simply hold down on your camera shutter button for two seconds and bam your camera will fire up... even from a locked state. Other cool things that most Windows Phone users do not know about when they first get their Windows Phone is all the cool search features.
Plus you can simply long press your home button and speak commands to your device. While I don't really like speaking to my device I know a lot of people who do. If you are one of them check out the video below for more details:
One last thing before I let you go... the back arrow. This does a little bit more than simple go back one page it is also your multitask button. See what I mean below.
Now I can't cover everything here but if you have more any more questions you may want to check out the help page from Microsoft with all the videos above and much more. If you still need answers feel free to send me a tweet and I will be happy to help you with any issue you may be having.
Congratulations on your new Window Phone device and enjoy!
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