How To Go Paperless With Windows Phone 8

Are your shelves collapsing under the weight of packed folders and does paper seem to materialize everywhere? The answer to going paperless is digitisation.

Your Windows Phone 8 probably came with a good quality camera, particularly if it’s a model of the Nokia Lumia series. The flexibility of the platform means you can scan documents to the Cloud, use OCR to capture text on the fly and easily index your scans, all from the comfort of a single device. Meanwhile, any magazines you regularly buy can be purchased in digital format and enjoyed through Windows Phone apps.

Scanning Receipts & Documents To The Cloud

Virtually all of the Windows Phone devices have good quality cameras that can be used for scanning text from documents. The challenge isn’t with the quality and resolution, but with positioning and steadiness.
A couple of suggestions come to mind. For instance, if you’re bulk scanning documents with your phone, you could build a cardboard scanner that provides space for your document and a platform for your phone’s camera.
Alternatively, you might have some useful walls or shelving you can use close to the flat surface you’re scanning your documents on. For example I have a standing desk which I use for this, placing the edge of my Nokia Lumia 920 against the facing side of the monitor shelf as a sturdy support for taking snaps of receipts and documents on the shelf 10 inches below. It works well.



After scanning your documents, they can be found in your Windows Phone camera roll. If you have OneDrive syncing enabled for photos, they’ll also be uploaded to the cloud storage.

Get OCR With OneNote

Scanned documents can be shared in a variety of ways, from email to social networks. They can also be added to OneNote, which is pre-installed on Windows Phone 8.
With a scan added to OneNote, it will be synced via OneDrive to your desktop OneNote app. The benefit of this is that the image can be quickly scanned with OneNote’s OCR technology to produce a clipboard full of text, captured from the image.



Other OCR tools are available, of course, but OneNote is the quickest way of photographing and syncing to your desktop.

Better Still: Mobile OCR With Bing

If you need text from your scanned documents, like, yesterday, then Windows Phone has a great trick up its sleeve in the shape of mobile OCR supported by Bing.

First, you’ll need to load Bing Vision. On Windows Phone 8, this is done by tapping Search then the eye icon. In Windows Phone 8.1, open the camera, tap lens picker > Bing Vision.



From here, tap Scan text, ensuring the image isn’t on an angle to get the best results. You should also have your phone positioned around 4-6 inches above the document for OCR to work.



Successful scanning will give you two options – expand the menu to copy all or use the translate button to convert the selection to one of many international languages. Scanned text that you have copied can be pasted into Word, OneNote or an email.

Windows Phone Apps That Can Help Digitize Your Documents

If you need more advanced scanning tools, several are available in the Windows Phone Store.
CamScanner is a useful bulk scan and sync tool that will convert documents to PDF and upload to OneDrive, although note that an account is required to use this free app.

CamCard meanwhile is a business card reader, which will photograph a contact’s physical business card and allow you to save the contact information to the People hub and browse and search your index of cards. A 60 day trial is available with this beta service, after which you must signup for a free account at www.camcard.com/user/register to continue using it.

Office Lens is another great business ready app. Released by Microsoft, this is a free Windows Phone camera lens that can capture documents and whiteboards alike, with OCR distortion correction and OneNote syncing. If you’re planning to use your Windows Phone to scan a lot of documents, you should have this installed.

Cancel Those Subscriptions, Make Life Easier For Your Postman

You need one more app to turn your paper-based information collection into ones and zeroes. Zinio have been producing apps for the browser and other mobile platforms for several years now, and their Windows Phone app enables you to purchase and view magazines in digital format.



Available free from the Windows Phone Store (Nokia only) users can take advantage of a free offer of three free magazines to get started with Zinio. Titles across various subjects are available, ranging from famous publications to ones you might not have heard of.

Meanwhile if you’re a regular newspaper reader and don’t want to get your news from your favoured publication’s website, use the Windows Phone Store to search for a useful app.

Digitise The Clutter With Windows Phone 8

You might already have a very good method of dealing with your paperwork, one that doesn’t require a large amount of scanning; you may also be adept at parting with magazines and newspapers without looking at them wistfully and recalling a choice quote or recipe that you should quickly cut out and keep.
Sadly, that isn’t everyone. Perhaps the information age has made us addicts for the latest interesting data about the topics we love. Maybe the fear of losing money has made the collection of receipts and documents an obsessive drive.

Whatever the truth, technology can help and Windows Phone 8 is equipped with the tools and apps you need.

Source: makeuseof

WhatsApp relaunched for Windows Phone devices like Lumia series smart phones

WhatsApp is again available for your Windows Phone device. Two weeks ago WhatsApp was pulled of abruptly without any notice by the publishers to the users of Windows Phone. This had lead to many users left frustrated and  venting out their frustration on Facebook as well as Twitter. Tech forums also had many users  questioning as to why WhatsApp was removed from Windows Phone app store but the publishers delivered a stoic  one sentence ‘’Technical Issue”.

Though later WhatsApp clarified that they had to take down the App from Windows App Store due to the issue with notifications within Windows OS. Whatever the issue between WhatsApp and Microsoft, users are happy about the return of the WhatsApp and back in messaging spree action with friends.

Whats app for windows phone is available with new features.

§  Chat backgrounds

§  Broadcast lists

§  Privacy settings (settings > account > privacy)

§  Media auto-download settings (settings > chat settings > media auto download)

§  Custom notification tones (Windows Phone 8 Update 3 required)

§  Various enhancements and bug fixes

You can download the WhatsApp for Windows Phone from Windows App Store here.

BBC updates its iPlayer App for Windows Phone with Live and streaming TV

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has released a new update for its iPlayer App on Windows Phone with a major visual overhaul. The iPlayer App for Windows Phone was first released in 2013 but the features were lacking as compared to its iOS and Android App.  With this update the App has a new interface feature which works on internet connection. So even the connection is slow, still you can stream content from the App. The latest release of the App makes it easier for an App user to enjoy their favorite show while they are moving.

Features of iPlayer:

1. Watch live and on demand over Wi-Fi, 4G and 3G
2. Enjoy smoother viewing with less buffering
3. Browse new channel pages, themed programmed collections and clearer categories
4. Keep track of programmes you love by adding them to your favorites
5. Access subtitles

Another major change in the new iPlayer is radio content which was there on the previously available version is missing in new version. BBC is now focusing majorly on offering a greater TV viewing experience for their users. BBC stated that their iPlayer Radio team is working on a new similar app with optimized listening experiences.

Though the updated App is much better than the old version, its still lacks in certain area and need to improve it. The way BBC is working on its App, users can wait for another improved update shortly.  You can download this awesome App from Windows Phone store here.

Facebook Messenger now available for Windows Phone 8 devices like Nokia Lumia

Two years after it was launched for Android and iOS devices, Facebook Messenger has finally come to the Windows Phone 8. Microsoft had promised that Facebook Messenger would soon be available at the recent Press briefing and today the Redmond tech giant confirmed the Facebook messaging App is now finally available to users of Windows Phone.

Like the Facebook Messenger for iOS and Android, the Windows Phone 8 also offers the following features :

- Get to all your messages without having to open Facebook.

- Bring your conversations to life with stickers and send photos privately.

- Have group conversations and make plans on the go.

- Share your location so people know when you're nearby.

- Know when people have seen your messages.

- See who's using Messenger and who's active on Facebook. 

- Stay logged in so you never miss a message.

- Turn off notifications when you're working, sleeping or just need a break.

- Never lose your conversation history or contacts.

So if you own a Windows Phone 8 powered Nokia Lumia devices like Lumia 520, Lumia 525, Lumia 620 etc, you can download Facebook Messenger from the Windows Phone Store  here.  Remember if you search for Facebook Messenger on the store, the results will be quite amusing as it still brings up rival IM apps and Facebook’s main app, instead of official version.

Microsoft releases 'Guardian' for Windows Phone 8, a service similar to Track my iPhone and Android Device Manager for India

Microsoft today released a nifty App for its Windows Phone 8 devices.  Called the Guardian, this is a one button security App and has specifically been released for India.  Guardians features are quite similar to the iOS Track my iPhone and Android Android Device Manager where you can remotely track your Lumia 520, Lumia 620, Lumia 720 and other Windows Phone 8 run devices. Guardian like the above apps, lets you control your Windows Phone Devices remotely and in addition has a special SOS button to take your care in a dire emergent situation which makes it a whole new ballpark App.

The Guardian uses Microsoft Windows Azure cloud solution and the Bing Maps API to let anyone you wish track your movements for which you have to enable the 'Track Me' feature.  This way, you can enable the Track Me feature in the smart phone of  your loved ones, childrens or elderly and get to know the precise location they are at.  Additionally you can also place a call with a build in one touch SOS button.  You can use this to connect a host of emergency services like the Police, Hospitals, Ambulance and other help.  

The Guardian App has been developed by the Microsoft India Employees in the Microsoft Garage.  The Microsoft Garage is an initiative within the company on a global level and allows employees to explore ideas and do ideations out of the box.  

You can add multiple contacts to the SOS list.  The SOS button will contact them in case of emergency situations.  The fine thing about the App is that the contact can opt out of the SOS service if he/she desires.  Another additional feature is that the SOS messages will be beamed continuously even if something untoward happens to your or your phone is destroyed.  The SOS button will also send emails and post on your private Facebook Groups so that your SOS gets maximum priority.  

And in case you are in some sort of crime scene or being attacked, the Guardian turns on the one touch video recording button which records everything in the camera range and can be used as evidence later either by you or by the authorities.  

You can download this must have App for your Windows Phone 8 run devices like Lumia 520, Lumia 620, Lumia 720 etc and use it for protecting yourself and your costly device.  To download the App visit the Windows Phone Store here.

Really a plus one for the Microsoft guys for convegring the mobile safety and your safety together into a single App.  Apple and Google now have something to think on their own hands.

Want to gift a App or Game to someone special, here is how to do it on iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone and for Android smart phones

The Christmas season is here and New Year is now far away.  This is the time of gifting something to somebody you love.  Guys and Gals from old school of thought may think of gifting watches, pens, etc to you loved ones but that is a gone thing.  Welcome to the smart new age where smart phones rule everything in life.  Most people you know may own a Android smart phone or a Lumia or iPhone and iPad.  

Now many of the games and Apps on the App stores are costly yet relatively cheap to give as a gift.  Yes, it is a good idea to gift your near and dear one the App or Game of his or her choice.  You can do it within the confines of your smart phone or laptop/PC and surprise your loved ones.

First of all we start of with Apple products, the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.  The Apple Store not only has the largest number of Apps and Games but also most of them are paid.  To gift a App or a Game from Apple store to your loved ones simply follow the following steps :

From your iPhone/iPad

Go to the App or Game you want to gift to your loved one with. On the screen you will find a App details screen, tap the tap-to-buy button.  Once you have done that you will see a Share button on the top of the screen / in the iPad in the top corner of the pop-up window.  In that Menu tap the Gift button.

This done, you will see a email message with details on your gift. Type in the email address of the recipient, add a message conveying your  feelings.  In the Send Gift heading you can schedule the date of gift to be sent.  Choose immediately if you did rather not wait till 12/25 or 1/1 or schedule it for Christmas/New Year as you wish. Once you have input the date, tap the Next button in the top corner of the screen to pick from seven themes for your virtual gift, then tap Next again to conclude the deal.

Unlike Apple, Google Play and Windows Phone Store does not let you gift a App or a Game.  But there is a work around which suits even better.  You can gift your loved ones a Gift Card from both the Google Play or Windows Phone Store and let your loved one decide what they want to buy.

Google Play doesnt have a online payment site but you can easily get one from online stores like Target, Amazon or offgamers. Google Play gift cards are available in denominations of $10.00 (Rs.620.00), $25 (Rs. 1550.00) and $50.00 (Rs.3100.00)

Once you have bought the gift card you can send it to your loved one and it can be redeemed online in Google Play 

Windows Phone Store is easier to buy online, you have to just visit here and add a $25 (Rs.1550.00) to the online shopping cart here.

Hope you have found something worthwhile that you can gift your loved ones with. 

Angry Birds Go FREE game available for download for your Android smartphone, iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10

Rovio is back with a bang with its new Angry Birds game but only this time the Angry Birds Go is a Mario style karting game and free too boot.  The game has all the familiar Angry Birds protagonists like the birds and pigs, each with their own special ability to disrupt their opponents.  Rovio has this time launched this game simultaneously for every mobile device too: iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry 10 (Yes iPad has a separate download)

This FREE game offers around 50 karts to drive with a different variety of courses to race them on.  It has inbuilt game humour and some in-App purchases like virtual gems and extra karts.  

Features of the games are FIRST-EVER 3D ANGRY BIRDS WORLD! See the birds and pigs from every angle as Piggy Island comes alive in this rich and colorful 3D world!RACE AS THE BIRDS OR PIGS! Jump behind the wheel and race as Red, Chuck, Terence, Stella, King Pig, Moustache Pig and many other favorites!MASTER THE TRACKS! Plenty of racetracks, stunt roads, air courses and off-road races – each throwing big and unexpected challenges your way!AWESOME SPECIAL POWERS! Smash your opponents off the road and take that winning position thanks to unique special powers for each character!MANY GAME MODES! Test your skills with super-fun and surprising game modes: Race, Time Boom, Fruit Splat, Champion Chase and Versus Mode!MUCH MORE TO COME! The race has only just begun – so look out for many more fun things coming your way!TELEPODS! A groundbreaking new way to play! Now teleport your favorite characters into the race by placing your Angry Birds Go! TELEPODS* figures on your device’s camera!

You can download the games by clicking the image of the OS 

iPad > 

iPhone > 
Android Smart Phone and Tablet >  

Windows Phone 8 >   Play on your Nokia Lumia 

BlackBerry 10 >