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The research firm IDC has released their second quarter results for mobile platform sales and its a bit of a mixed bag for Windows Phone.  Overall, compared to the same quarter in 2013, Windows Phone saw overall market share slip from 3.4% to 2.5% with device shipments dropping from 8.2 to 7.4 million in the comparison.  For those who love & support the platform, not exactly a ringing enforcement by fellow mobile device users.  Android remained the dominant player globally, amassing 84.7% of the global market share followed by Apple’s iOS platform at a distant 11.7%.  Still though there are some positives to come out of this report from IDC that should give Windows Phone users some comfort.

Earlier this week I posted on the fact that the Windows Phone Store has over 300,000 apps and continues to improve and mature.  Here is another great example of that improvement.  Ubisoft, makers of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, has just released AC Pirates for Windows Phone.  This was one of my favourite games for iOS and when it dropped into the store yesterday, without hesitation I hit the Buy button.

And I don’t regret it for a second.

AC Pirates for Windows Phone has you play the role of Alonzo Batilla, a young pirate who is trying to make his way in the pirate world of the Caribbean.  He does this by challenging the establishment, forging alliances and of course doing piratey things like steal gold and find treasure.  The story line, graphics and game play are outstanding and yes I was up until the small hours playing – again.

The uniquely Windows Phone app Office Lens has been updated and it brings some nice improvements to an already great app.  If you aren’t familiar with it, Office Lens for Windows Phone allows you to snap a photo of a flip chart, wallboard or piece of paper from virtually any angle and it will straighten it and to give you a front looking view.  It’s one of those PFM (Pure Frickin’ Magic) apps because when you see it in action for the first time, you’ll be blow away.

We knew this day was coming and it has arrived for Windows Phone.  Foursquare has now launched Swarm for Windows Phone, taking the check-in process away from the original Foursquare app and moving it to a separate app.  Now if you have been reading my other blog, AlliOSNews, you know that I’m not thrilled about this prospect.  I personally don’t like Swarm.  I’m fine with where Foursquare is trying to take the Foursquare app and what they are trying to do with Swarm but why do we need two apps?