China Mobile set for TD-SCDMA Windows Phone launch.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

China Mobile set for TD-SCDMA Windows Phone launch.

Marbridge Daily reports that China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile operator, is set to offer a Windows Phone-powered device supporting its TD-SCDMA 3G network “soon,” providing a significant boost for the Microsoft platform in the country.

Citing Pan Zhiyong, general manager of the operator’s Guangzhou branch, the report did not state which vendor would be manufacturing the device. However, HTC and Nokia were suggested as potential candidates.

At the GSMA Mobile World Congress last month, Nokia said it planned to “make a range of Lumia smartphones available in China, covering both CDMA and WCDMA technologies in the coming months.” This has been enabled by changes to the Microsoft platform both to support Chinese language requirements and to enable lower-cost smartphones using the OS.

Nokia also has a track-record of offering smartphones with TD-SCDMA support, powered by its legacy Symbian OS platform. It launched its first TD-SCDMA device in 2009.

HTC has also previously offered TD-SCDMA devices, powered by Android.

While China has long been a strong market for Nokia and Symbian OS, the company has come under increased pressure from rivals such as Samsung in recent months, with Android becoming the platform of choice in this market.

Apple has also recently begun sales of its iPhone through a second operator, China Telecom, alongside existing partner, China Unicom, although the lack of a TD-SCDMA variant has closed of China Mobile as a partner.

MWC 2012: GroupMe brings free private and group messaging to Windows Phone.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

GroupMe today announced a completely revamped version of the app for Windows Phone. GroupMe is a group messaging service that can be used on any phone allowing users to stay in touch with the important people in their lives.

Now GroupMe offers Windows Phone users additional features with the latest version of the app, including the ability to pin groups to the start screen. Developed in close collaboration with Microsoft, users will find it easier than ever to use GroupMe from their Windows Phone.

Check below for some tips to fully enjoy the new version of the GroupMe app for Windows Phone and learn more about GroupMe:

• Pin groups to start: Pin any of your groups to start for quick and easy access. From the main panorama, press and hold on any chat, and then click "pin to start" from the context menu. A secondary tile will be created for that group with its own avatar and live tile notifications.

• Create your first group for your family, friends, or coworkers, and enjoy free group messaging that will work on all their phones. Need ideas? Start with one of the suggested groups.

• Add contacts to your group right from your address book by clicking the address book icon on the new group screen. No need to remember anyone's phone number.

• Share pictures to your group from your camera or photo gallery.

• Tap any of your contacts' avatars to have private one-on-one conversations, but only if they also have the GroupMe app installed.

• Create a group with any of the featured brand partners to receive their updates and possibly win prizes.

• Set your own avatar by clicking settings from the main panorama app bar and swiping over to the profile pivot.

• Have a bad data connection? Switch to SMS-mode from the settings screen and receive messages via normal text messaging.

It's available for free in the Windows Marketplace.

 Download it here on your Windows Phone to start creating groups, send direct messages, share photos, and check out featured groups.

Let us know what you think! And if you have questions about the service, please reach out to support@groupme.com.