• September 5, 2012

In connection with Nokia's unveiling of new Lumia phones today, AOL launched a new Windows Phone app intended to serve as an entertainment hub for the Lumia smartphone lineup. Called "Entrance by AOL," the app boasts an augmented reality feature that allows users to find information for nearby movie theaters and showtimes by looking at theaters, times, and movie posters overlaid on the smartphone screen when they hold up the phone to their surroundings. Entrance packages AOL properties including Moviefone, The Huffington Post Entertainment and AOL Music to provide movie information and ticketing, music downloads and entertainment news for easy access.

AOL said the app was designed so all news and entertainment content is interlinked. If a user likes a movie, for instance, they can see the entire cast with a tap, or read news related to a specific actor. Separately, Bloomberg reports that Nokia is working with companies like Walt Disney and DreamWorks Animation to adapt popular iOS and Android apps such as “Where's My Water”” and “Where's My Perry?” for Windows Phone devices. With far fewer apps than for Android or iOS phones, Windows-based Nokia handsets are at a disadvantage. By adding popular or exclusive apps, the troubled phone maker hopes to minimize that difference and attract new users.