Posted on 10/11/2010 12:26:29 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Microsoft's Ashley Highfield shows Rory Cellan-Jones the mobile operating system's features.
Microsoft has launched Windows Phone 7, its latest attempt to break into the lucrative smartphone market.
Until now the company has failed to provide a credible challenge to rival operating systems from Apple, Google, Research in Motion and Nokia.
Mobile phone operators predict smartphones will have a 70% market share in just three years.
Microsoft says it has made Windows Phone 7 more user-friendly, rebuilding the operating system from bottom up.
The phone system's experience is built around so-called hubs that aggregate content like contacts, pictures, documents, and music and video. The content on the phone is then synchronised both with storage services on the internet and the owner's computers at home.
At launch Microsoft's new phone system will be available on nine phones, and with 60 operators in 30 countries.
In the UK the phone will launch on 21 October, while the US launch will be in early November.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
It will require an i7 processor, 4GB RAM, a 1 pound heat sink, and have a battery life of about 10 seconds.
Do we have all of the players yet?
The problem with MS is that they have lost all control over product development. Everyone must contribute to a product release to justify their existence so the products end up with all kinds of junk.
I’m on the fence with Win Phone 7. I’m not sold on the standard tiles (like mail, Sms, etc), but then some of the other tiles are pretty cool like XBOX and people.
Plus I don’t like the closed environment; however, I do see the value in it.
Plus they do have some kick arse hardware coming out for them as well. That’s what killed windows mobile in the past was the garbage hardware and not forcing the vendors to perform to a standard.
Don't forget the packaging!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeXAcwriid0 - Microsoft Packages the iPod
Apple, little white box: “Cool! That’s the iPod. That’s what I want!”
Microsoft, brand packaging: “Holy sh*t! Look at all the requirements and features. There are so many options of products. I’m not sure which one to buy. In fact, I’m not sure I should buy any of them. I might not have the ‘required system’, or cables, or whatever. I think I’ll but the little white iPod box. It says ‘Music Player’ and that’s what I want.”
Apple, little white box: “Cool! That’s the iPod. That’s what I want!”
Microsoft, brand packaging: “Holy sh*t! Look at all the requirements and features. There are so many options of products. I’m not sure which one to buy. In fact, I’m not sure I should buy any of them. I might not have the ‘required system’, or cables, or whatever. I think I’ll buy the little white iPod box. It says ‘Music Player’ and that’s what I want.”
Yep, your comment is right on. The crowning irony is that the satire video was made by Microsoft folks (at least, according to legend). They get huge points for being able to laugh at themselves.
They laugh, but out of frustration. There are some really talented people at Microsoft, I know as I have a close relationship with the company, but they are also drowned out by the slackers.
There are indeed many very talented people there. I have had some working buddies there, and my company develops for Windows so we work fairly closely with Microsoft as a developer. I can't say I know the inside -- I don't. But it's clear there are good technical people there, and good technical ideas.
Which is why I am so saddened that the fruits of all that talent and smarts are pushed through such a tight filter, enforced by such a myopic marketing organization. They could do so much better.
Ah well...
Ironic that Bill’s worst nightmare is that some kid beats them at their own game because they got sloppy. Well, reality is here. Their failure is our gain. We know we can create good products of which they will rarely compete. History repeats itself ala Microsocft versus IBM 1980.
Apple and Google are doing great jobs.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.