Beginner's tips for Windows Phone 8: You should know these functions

A Windows phone challenges Apple and Android: the Nokia Lumia 920.

Here we go with Windows 8 Phone: At Premium smartphones like the Nokia Lumia 920 even the most demanding users get wide-eyed. But switching to the still not very widespread live tile interface takes some learning. How to extend battery life? Recognize music tracks? Create backups? How to work with Windows 7? WINDOWS TWEAKS provides seven tricks and features.

Tip 1: Extend battery life

Anyone who likes to use their smartphone a lot knows the problem: some batteries don't even last a day. Microsoft has therefore given Windows Phone 8 the "power saving mode" function.

Activating power-saving mode in the settings deactivates power-hungry applications that run in the background. This can reduce convenience, but saves the battery.

TipYou can set the function to only take effect when the battery is low.

Tip 2: Create automatic backups

Losing a smartphone is bitter. It's even more bitter when all your personal contacts, messages and photos are gone with it. That's why Windows Phone 8 offers automatic data backup in the cloud - iCloud sends its regards.

The only requirement is that the device is logged into a Microsoft account.

To activate the function, tap on "Settings" in the application list and then on "Backup". You can now select what you want to back up: Apps, call lists, design, accounts, favorites, text messages, videos, photos and much more.

Tip 3: Recognize music tracks

If you use the in-house Bing search, you no longer need music recognition apps like Shazam.

The function is activated in the Bing application, which is opened by tapping the magnifying glass icon on the smartphone. Then tap on the music symbol and hold the phone in the direction of the music source. A short time later, Bing presents the search result including artist, album and title.

Tip 4: Take screenshots

In fact, it has only been possible to take screenshots since Windows 8 Phone; this was not possible with the predecessors.

Now it works just like in Apple iOS: Simply press the power and home buttons at the same time.

The screenshots can then be found in the "Screenshots" album.

Tip 5: Better collaboration with Windows 7

When a Windows 8 phone is connected to a Windows 7 PC via USB, unfortunately very little happens. At the very least, the device is not recognized as a removable disk. This means that data such as photos and music cannot be copied back and forth.

For the USB data transfer to work, the program Windows Phone desktop application be installed.

Tip 6: Find a lost smartphone - or lock it remotely

Here too, Microsoft was obviously inspired by Apple and its "iPhone search". And why not? Everyone knows the unpleasant situation when you really have no idea where your beloved smartphone has gone.

So if you are desperately looking for your brand new Nokia Lumia, you can visit the website www.windowsphone.com in the top right-hand corner under "My cell phone" to call up the "Find my cell phone" function. The smartphone can then be located, called and, if lost, blocked or contacted by text message.

Prerequisite: The device must have been registered via a Microsoft account before it was lost.

Tip 7: Set up a smartphone suitable for children

Anyone who has children knows how keen the little rascals are on smartphones. If you give in, you have to deal with deleted apps, changed settings and other mischief. That's why Windows Phone 8 has a Kids' Corner.

The children's corner is a special area that you set up just for your child. This is where you put all age-appropriate games and applications. Children cannot access the other apps and settings.

You set up the children's corner using the "Children's corner" icon and add the desired programs when setting up.

(Photo above: Nokia GmbH - http://presse.nokia.de)