Top five reasons to dump your Android/iOS device for a Windows Phone

Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform serves as a breakaway from the traditional, and more popular, Android and iOS operating systems. In this two part feature, we are first taking a look at the Top five reasons to dump your Android/iOS device for a Windows Phone. Join us later this week for the sequel, where we will discuss the top five reasons to keep your Android/iOS device and avoid Windows Phone.

Let us begin — why should you switch to Windows Phone — here are five reasons!

Live Tiles

It is difficult to talk about Windows Phone, without mentioning the revolutionary start screen at the heart and soul of the platform. Live tiles provide a glimpse into each application, allowing you to quickly take in information with one glance. While other platforms use static icons or widgets, Windows Phone’s live tiles allow applications to display mass amounts of information, without putting stress on the phone’s battery life. In addition, due to the ability to resize tiles, many more Windows Phone Live Tiles can be fit onto a screen than Android Widgets.

Cortana

Ah, Cortana – the sweet robotic woman that lives within Windows Phone. While, recent tests showed that Cortana lacked behind Siri and Google Now’s custom responses, she has a collection of tricks up her sleeve. Presenting some of the most seamless integration into third party apps, Windows Phone’s voice assistant can do things that no other can; even if it is something as basic as ordering a pizza via voice command using the Domino’s app. In addition, Cortana goes beyond a voice recognition bot, with her ability to take down your interests and more to alert you of your day ahead.

Hubs

When Windows Phone was first announced, the concept of hubs was touted everywhere, but it seems that the excitement has died down in Microsoft’s marketing campaign. Either way, hubs allow you to access a plethora of related features all in one central location. For example, with the People Hub, there is no need to jump between address books, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other groups – simply launch the People Hub and all the information you need is condensed into one spot. Other hubs include the Music and Video hubs, which allow you to access related content without jumping around your phone.

Live Lock Screens

Both iOS and Android provide beautiful and semi-customizable lock screens, but Windows Phone’s Live Lock screens allow third party applications to take full control of what you see the moment your phone is clicked on. Want to see you Facebook friends, the weather forecast, a Reddit gallery, new music videos, or the latest deals on Groupon? Thanks to Microsoft’s open ideal, you can have almost anything you want on your screen.

Lumia Exclusives

Now, we technically know that not all Windows Phones are Lumia devices, but they still hold their post as the most popular devices for the platform. Microsoft, then Nokia, has released a number of great additions that allow you to take your mobile experience one step further. Our personal favorite is the Glance Screen, which allows you to peak at the time or notifications without having to wake up the device. Other Lumia exclusives we love include Nokia Camera, Lumia Creative Studio, Lumia Panorama, Lumia Cinemagraph, and Lumia Selfie (for when you have to look perfect for Instagram).

These are our favorite reasons to ditch your Android/iOS device for a Windows Phone, but we want to know all about yours in the comments bellow! Be sure to stay tuned to WinBeta, as we will soon be publishing the top 5 reasons to keep your device and avoid Windows Phone (yes,we will be talking about the app ecosystem)!