Posted on 10/08/2010 11:00:20 AM PDT by SmokingJoe
It's not here yet, but next week Microsoft is hosting a media event where it is expected to unveil launch details for the highly-anticipated Windows Phone 7 platform. With Microsoft's virtual absence from the smartphone arena in recent years, and the rise of iPhone and Android, Windows Phone 7 may be too little, too late. However, there are a few compelling reasons to take a closer look and consider making a switch to Windows Phone 7.
1. Hubs. The hubs concept is one of the smartphone paradigm shifts imagined by Microsoft. Grouping apps and functions based on general categories is an innovative and effective means of navigating the smartphone. Case in point--since Apple introduced the ability to nest apps in folders under iOS 4.0 I have essentially gone through and implemented a similar concept by creating categorized folders and housing the appropriate apps there. The iPhone version just requires more manual effort on my part.
2. Tiles. Rather than a smartphone display filled with little app icons a' la iPhone, or Android (or a Windows PC), Windows Phone 7 uses tiles. These large squares let you see at-a-glance what is going on in your connected mobile world. How many e-mails have arrived, how many phone calls or voicemail messages have come in, or what's new on your social networks. There are apps and push notifications on iPhone and Android that perform similar functions, but not as clearly and intuitively as the Windows Phone 7 tiles.
(Excerpt) Read more at pcworld.com ...
4. Email. Windows Phone 7 provides native Exchange access with Active Sync updates, and allows users to connect with multiple Exchange accounts. Windows Phone 7 also supports third-party e-mail such as Gmail
5. Integration. Windows Phone 7 is a platform that combines Office productivity, Exchange e-mail, Xbox Live gaming, search, music, and voice communications. Granted, that is not all that unique in a smartphone these days. In fact, it's more of a baseline requirement. But, Windows Phone 7 meshes the various elements of your digital life together more seamlessly and intuitively than other smartphones--especially for users that are already more or less Microsoft-centric in other areas.
I see a total 0 reasons in your article summary. ‘Nuff said. iPhone won a long time ago.
(yes, this is a flame.)
'tis a damp paper match.
Last I heard, Microsoft is not supporting the synching of their OWN devices with Outlook 2010.
Not much of a flame with such a small wick!
ring ring ping
Touché ;)
I like the WP7 'hub' interface design - actually I'd like most anything but a screen full of tiny icons. I love the Office/Live/Zune integration. The ability to test apps before buying is a huge plus I'd not heard about until now.
That said, I'm wary of WP7's limited multitasking - a lot like iOS. It might prove to be no problem at all but would like to know more. Also, I'd probably miss cut-and-paste if that doesn't make it into WP7.
I would lose my comedian license if I didn't take advantage of that one!
It's not personal.
People still use phones?
Both multitasking and cut/paste will be in the next revision which you should expect to debut in less than a year.
Anyone buying a Windows Mobile 7 phone will be just like the suckers who bought a Microsoft Zune. You get what you deserve.
Android or iPhone. One or the other. That's the only way to go.
After almost 2 years with an iPhone, just recently upgraded from 3G to 4, I haven’t found cut & paste to be that bit of a deal. I almost never use it, and it wouldn’t really impact me much if it wasn’t available.
I’m really looking forward to getting a WP7 - I’ll give my iPhone 4 to my wife and never look back. I’m REALLY looking forward to un-installing iTunes. I hate it. I also have a Zune HD, and the Zune software is much better than iTunes.
DILLIGAF?
unless MS starts giving away their phones for free ala Netscape obliteration, I don’t see how they can catch up.
Google android is snoopy and intrusive on privacy in order to collect marketing data.
Iphone has a company store reservation.
But both now have loyal followings.
Why would an iphone or android user switch to Phone 7?
Can you write your own apps and load them directly without going through M$?
Showing how WP7 is still WAY behind. By then Android 3.x will be mature and shipping on all Android phones, and Apple will probably be at iOS 5. Microsoft, always forgetting to lead moving targets.
Uh. My Palm Centro has this, and its OS has been around since the mid-1990s. Not exactly groundbreaking.
I believe Microsoft was describing WP7 as an advertising cash cow. I wouldn't expect much privacy with WP7 either.
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