Facebook Messenger to arrive on Windows Phone platform ‘soon’

Microsoft is working hard to play catch-up with the top apps on the other mobile operating systems. Aside from announcing new hardware partners, Microsoft said Facebook’s chat app Messenger will also be coming to Windows Phone soon. Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore did not specify the timeline but it is “coming soon.” While there is already the messaging feature built into the native Facebook app, the Messenger app offers a broader set of features such as the popular “stickers.”

Source: The Verge

Office Lens app for Windows Phone promises scanner-like quality from smartphone document photos

If you want to take quick copy of documents and receipts, Microsoft promises it can provide you with clear scanner-like copies with its Office Lens app. The Windows Phone app is designed to leverage Microsoft OneNote, smartphone camera, and optical character recognition to give you a portable scanner. Your snapshots will be synced to the cloud, saved on your device, and automatically adjusted for readability and color. OCR technology allows you to search and edit printed documents. The app will even take out glare and shadows if you take photos of your office’s whiteboard. The product is currently in beta but you can sneek a peak here.

Source: Engadget

Nokia’s Here Maps to have Windows 8.1 version

If you think Bing Maps is lacking, then the arrival of Nokia’s Here Maps might provide you with the functionalities you need. Nokia claims the mapping software will make its way to Windows 8.1 devices in the coming days, first for North America and Europe users before the rest of the world.

Here Maps used to just be available on the Lumia 2520 tablet and Windows Phone 8 smartphones. Now, it will give Windows 8.1 users capabilities such as being able to load offline maps as fast as their computers can. It will also keep track of navigation routes and search history. Satellite images will be available at higher resolutions. Here Maps will also come with keyboard and mouse support.

Source: The Verge

Black screen error surfaces following Xbox One update

While the February update of the Microsoft Xbox One brought improvements to the console, it has also caused trouble with some users. Complaints have surfaced that the screen turns black after installing the update. It happens when users press the Xbox button to head to the home screen. The problem continues even when the device is powered down.

The Xbox team said the temporary fix will be to hold down the power button for 10 seconds to power cycle the console. We’re hoping they create a permanent remedy for this soon.

Source: The Verge