Microsoft introduces the new Windows Phone 7 Series mobile platform

By on Feb 15, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Breaking February 15, 2010

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At the MWC 2010 keynote, Microsoft officially announced Windows Phone 7 Series, the latest iteration of the Microsoft’s mobile platform. For the first time, the OS previously known as Windows Mobile, has seen a complete overhaul from the user interface to the concept behind the OS. The is not your typical plain jane Windows Mobile phone but is more like the Zune HD on steroids. Some the hightlights of the new OS as well as hardware requirements include:

  • High resolution, capacitive, multitouch display with gestures that are similar to those in Windows 7 PC operating system
  • Each handset will have the same three dedicated buttons: start, Bing search,  back button
  • UI is touch-friendly throughout the entire OS, no stylus is needed
  • Personal and business information is integrated on the handset, emphasis on the dual function of the handset as a personal and business device
  • New scrolling, tile based interface for the start screen that dynamically displays updated content and can be customized to display the tiles relevant to each user
  • Phone/address auto-detection that links to dialer and map application
  • Application bar at the bottom of each application that gives the user quick access to the most used functions within an application
  • Bing search with geolocation to provide local results, directions, and business/restaurant reviews
  • Focus on efficiency that minimizes the number of touches to perform actions
  • Web browser is based  upon desktop Internet Explorer code with improved text rendering technology to make web browsing easier
  • Focus on the phone as an integrated device with different experiences organized into seven core hubs including
    • people (social networking integration)
    • pictures (view/share pictures between phone, desktop, and social networks)
    • games (Xbox live games and service)
    • music + video (Zune)
    • marketplace (application store)
    • office/productivity (Sharepoint/Exchange support)
  • Tighter control over the phones with a minimum hardware definition for handsets to provide a consistent design experience for the user while allowing manufacturers and operators some flexibility to customize the handsets without changing the underlying core
  • Windows Live service integration
  • No Adobe Flash support in version 1 of the OS
  • Close partnership with AT&T and Orange

Several handset manufacturers and mobile operators have jumped on board the Windows Phone 7 including  AT&T, Deutsche Telekom AG, Orange, SFR, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telstra, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless, Vodafone, Dell, Garmin-Asus, HTC, HP, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba and Qualcomm. Additional details on Windows Phone 7 series application development will be revealed at the MIX10 conference in March. The first Windows 7 phones will be available by holiday 2010. Hit the jump for a promotional video from Microsoft.

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  • Ian A.

    Feel sad for Microsoft. They should just throw in a towel and focus on their Desktop and entertainment offerings.

    How many times does WiMo need to fail before they can take a hint?

    In about a week some enterprising 14-year-old in his parent’s basement will create an Android skin to mimic the entire WP7 experience. There goes your 1 year of development time a company with 90,000 employees couldn’t ship.

    • SUM4U2C

      How mindless is this statement??? lol

  • bass

    I like wm. I think the omnia 2 has the best wm ui right now. Its so customize able. After watching a few videos I have to say idk. Its definitely different from anything else out there but doesn’t seem customize able at all. I like the live updates to all the little windows but can I pick Wich windows I want to see? And I think the home page looks sloppy. if they can clean up the home page I would like this phone. Other than that everything else looks good.

  • Pythagoras

    Bottom line: buy a Sony Erricsson Aspen now, and a Win 7 Series this December.

    By the way, where can I get an Aspen?

  • http://(null) caediackid3302

    The bottom line is this, what the average consumer really wants their smartphone to be is an extension of the desktop experience. Thats why Apple has been so sucessful and Microsoft seems to be next in line to achieve this (finaly). The problem with Android is this, Google is an app. that runs on Microsoft Windows, it’s an app. that runs on Mac Os, therefore it’s an extension of an extension and you realy don’t get the feeling that you have a piece of your home or office computer with you in your pocket. Its that simple. Is it a nice mobile Os? Yes it’s great, but thats what it is a “mobile” Os and that’s why I don’t believe it will be able to compete with Microsoft or Apple in the long run.

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).

    • Spyder_43

      Thank you! That is exactly how I feel about Android, “Google is the ap”. The Android was built with one goal in mind, proliferate Google services and so it feels very Googly and I know people love that, but I will pass. I will definately be buying a Windows Phone once they the market. My iPhone is on notice.

      • coach303

        And MS doesn’t proliferate windows-based applications? Come on – how can you have such tunnel vision!

        Sounds like you’ll have to wait till the holidays 2010 for your phone!

  • Connie

    uh oh!

  • Sheila

    The UI of the WinPhone 7 is refreshing, isn’t? Its like its a new shift from the normal platforms we have seen in the past. I think ‘simplicity’ is the key here.. Reminiscing the almost windows phone 7: http://is.gd/8uwjD

  • Matt

    No full flash support? fail!!

  • starlightmica

    WP7 has neat perks, but will developers be interested in a platform that won’t be out for 6+ months?

  • MikeD

    it’s looking good so far. and it one of the first new mobile OS that isn’t trying to look like the iPhone OS.

    But again this is just the window dressing, (no pun intended) the top layer in effect. I have to see how the apps behave in this new Windows Phone 7 OS before I can really judge if it’s going to succeed or fail.

    it is however the first time I have seen Windows Mobile actually look truly optimized for a 3 ” screen and not a crunched down version of a desktop OS.

    kudos Microsoft.

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).

  • Nancyfuqindrew

    Cool story about something that will be released so far in the future that I’m already forgetting about it!! Congrats MS on possibly catching up to today’s Apple in a year or so!

  • Neofire

    Im pretty sure MS will jump forward in releasing this Device. Its almost like they have to. So much of their thunder will be stolen if they wait to the end of the year!

  • MightyGN

    WM seems to be on the right track for sure. Ive been using the BB Bold now for couple of years, and just updated to the 9700 Bold. I still dont understand after all the bashing Microsoft has taken, why in gods name wouldnt they incorporate the damn Flash into there beautiful looking phone? That would have been the winner in all aspects to just finish off the first coming into the market with a slim, awesome design like they are going to….why no Flash Microsoft? come on already…its 2010. Its been talked about for how long now? why do the consumers have to keep on waiting for something that should be a done deal already. Now, yet another release of updates before the full flash support is born into the mobile phone, or possibly another full version. Man thats frustrating…Carry on plz…

  • RUINATION

    Ppl are all choked up about no flash support. If you paid attention, you’ll notice that there’s no flash as of YET. Apparently it’s Adobe’s fault. Plus, keep in mind that most of this OS is probably written in Silverlight, a flash competitor. Flash will be ther for sure when this is released. Will be suicide otherwise. I am WM whore but if there’s no customization or installable programs, I’m heading to android.

  • Joanne

    I believe, MS has done a pretty good job on giving a fresh new look on how users see a smartphone device. I think ‘simplicity’ is the key here over this platform. If they can improve the marketplace of this phone then I believe this could set a new tone for the mobile industry: http://is.gd/8Eqvg

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