Microsoft's Windows Mobile has long been the whipping boy among smartphone platforms, particularly since the iPhone launched. It will be so nolonger, however. Instead, consider Windows Phone, the newly renamed Microsoft smartphone OS, unveiled today at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.
While it will be too early to say that Windows Phone Series 7 (specific to the version at hand) will become the new whipping boy among smartphone platforms, it has a long way to go to make up for the negative image that it already has. Microsoft has made a number of changes, however, basically starting from scratch.
For one, the platform will be more consumer focused, including social media integration as well as Xbox Live and Zune integration. It wouldn't be fair to call it a Zune phone, but the OS does integrate the Zune experience as its music underpinnings.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is going to dictate hardware requirements for the OEMs. There will be a specific requirement for CPU, and CPU speed, as well as screen and memory requirements as well. No surprise: Bing will power search and maps on the phone, and will receive a dedicated button as well.
Microsoft also announced the use of Windows Phone hubs to integrate the experience across various hubs. The hubs are:
People. This hub delivers an engaging social experience by bringing together relevant content based on the person, including his or her live feeds from social networks and photos. It also provides a central place from which to post updates to Facebook and Windows Live in one step.
Pictures. This hub makes it easy to share pictures and video to a social network in one step. Windows Phone 7 Series also brings together a user’s photos by integrating with the Web and PC, making the phone the ideal place to view a person’s entire picture and video collection.
Games. This hub delivers the first and only official Xbox LIVE experience on a phone, including Xbox LIVE games, Spotlight feed and the ability to see a gamer’s avatar, Achievements and gamer profile. With more than 23 million active members around the world, Xbox LIVE unlocks a world of friends, games and entertainment on Xbox 360, and now also on Windows Phone 7 Series.
Music + Video. This hub creates an incredible media experience that brings the best of Zune, including content from a user’s PC, online music services and even a built-in FM radio into one simple place that is all about music and video. Users can turn their media experience into a social one with Zune Social on a PC and share their media recommendations with like-minded music lovers. The playback experience is rich and easy to navigate, and immerses the listener in the content.
Marketplace. This hub allows the user to easily discover and load the phone with certified applications and games.
Office. This hub brings the familiar experience of the world’s leading productivity software to the Windows Phone. With access to Office, OneNote and SharePoint Workspace all in one place, users can easily read, edit and share documents. With the additional power of Outlook Mobile, users stay productive and up to date while on the go.
Microsoft expect various OEMs and carriers to have Windows Phone 7 Series by the end of the year.
Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
