Will Windows Phone 7 challenge Android?

I like that it can link to xbox.

I'd like my pc, laptop, tablet, xbox, mobile and tv to link to each other
 
$Billion company and they came up with "Windows Phone 7"? Will have to be explosive cos that mobile os name scores zero on the cool scale.
 
Lot's of good points I must admit, but as far as I see it a few contentious points.

Developers - developers follow numbers ; if windows phone 7 performs well in terms of numbers then developers will follow. Truthfully speaking it's the one effect causing the other, and not the other way round. Naturally having as many apps as the iPhone on day one would be great, but the growth itself is driven and based on a solid foundation. Get a few GREAT apps out, and then let the market decide the direction of development.

HTC hasn't dropped Windows Mobile as such - but has chosen not to continue supporting an antiquated OS knowing that a viable replacement is on the horizon.
In terms of actual hardware support - let's be honest, HTC has produced 5 of the initial 10 launch WP7 phones. That's certainly vindicates the position that HTC has a lot of faith in MS still. And a case in point would be - how many different manufacturers were on board for Androids launch a few years back?Not many. And arguably they came on board once Android proved itself; surely the same logic applies to WP7

I agree - fragmentation in Android is largely a construct of the mind/media. People will find it a problem as soon as they are convinced that it is a problem.

WP7 is in terms of US and EU markets on most of the major carriers at launch. So getting their product to market isn't so much the problem. The question is whether it will perform as a platform better than iOS. That in a practical sense hinges on applications - or indeed WP7's take on apps. If they can have an experience that is presents what people already do in an exciting and convenient way - (which I would say both WP7 and WebOS 2 seem to achieve) then consumers will purchase them.

Bigger than that looking forward to nations with more developed content distribution methods like netflix and slingbox, it's not just the simple apps, but the services that come bundled along that will make a big difference too. X-box live integration I promise you will be a massive influence on the entire mobile gaming industry.

I would say that WP7's openness is a little overestimated. It's only "open" in the sense that you get to choose manufacturer, but not really very much else. You are still restricted to an app store controlled and censored by a single organisation.Not really a major problem though.

"Add to that the fact that Android-based phones and the iPhone are not all that different, despite being different platforms." - Need clarity on this point. First I've heard of the SDK's being the same/similar.

Ultimately the point is it's a much stronger statement to say too late than it is to leave the possibility of good performance. Smartphone sales still only account for 35% of total new phone sales. There's still room for expansion, but possibly not that much given the nature of high phone penetration in less developed nations. Key question will be how the pie is cut. RIM dominated for years - and no-one really expected any other player to offer anything quite as game-changing; apple came round and changed our view on that (with a purely touch screen phone of all things. Try think back to how uncommon and unwieldly such devices that are now commonplace were)

Give it time. WP7 isn't sprinting this marathon.
 
dudesweet said:
Lot's of good points I must admit, but as far as I see it a few contentious points.

Developers - developers follow numbers ; if windows phone 7 performs well in terms of numbers then developers will follow. Truthfully speaking it's the one effect causing the other, and not the other way round. Naturally having as many apps as the iPhone on day one would be great, but the growth itself is driven and based on a solid foundation. Get a few GREAT apps out, and then let the market decide the direction of development.

HTC hasn't dropped Windows Mobile as such - but has chosen not to continue supporting an antiquated OS knowing that a viable replacement is on the horizon.
In terms of actual hardware support - let's be honest, HTC has produced 5 of the initial 10 launch WP7 phones. That's certainly vindicates the position that HTC has a lot of faith in MS still. And a case in point would be - how many different manufacturers were on board for Androids launch a few years back?Not many. And arguably they came on board once Android proved itself; surely the same logic applies to WP7

I agree - fragmentation in Android is largely a construct of the mind/media. People will find it a problem as soon as they are convinced that it is a problem.

WP7 is in terms of US and EU markets on most of the major carriers at launch. So getting their product to market isn't so much the problem. The question is whether it will perform as a platform better than iOS. That in a practical sense hinges on applications - or indeed WP7's take on apps. If they can have an experience that is presents what people already do in an exciting and convenient way - (which I would say both WP7 and WebOS 2 seem to achieve) then consumers will purchase them.

Bigger than that looking forward to nations with more developed content distribution methods like netflix and slingbox, it's not just the simple apps, but the services that come bundled along that will make a big difference too. X-box live integration I promise you will be a massive influence on the entire mobile gaming industry.

I would say that WP7's openness is a little overestimated. It's only "open" in the sense that you get to choose manufacturer, but not really very much else. You are still restricted to an app store controlled and censored by a single organisation.Not really a major problem though.

"Add to that the fact that Android-based phones and the iPhone are not all that different, despite being different platforms." - Need clarity on this point. First I've heard of the SDK's being the same/similar.

Ultimately the point is it's a much stronger statement to say too late than it is to leave the possibility of good performance. Smartphone sales still only account for 35% of total new phone sales. There's still room for expansion, but possibly not that much given the nature of high phone penetration in less developed nations. Key question will be how the pie is cut. RIM dominated for years - and no-one really expected any other player to offer anything quite as game-changing; apple came round and changed our view on that (with a purely touch screen phone of all things. Try think back to how uncommon and unwieldly such devices that are now commonplace were)

Give it time. WP7 isn't sprinting this marathon.
Click to expand...

+1 Great reply, you obviously did more research than the writer of article. I also know for a fact that thousands of apps are already been written in Silverlight for the W7 Phone platform, and a lot by South Africans, using Visual Studio 2010. Keeping in mind the language behind the phone's platform (based on .Net Framework) is the most used worldwide, not to mention the skills base in SA. a Lot of software developers cannot wait for this device to be released; finally we can get our business software released to the market on a platform that complements our dominant desktop OS - Win7.
 
I was dissapointed with the phone presentation at Tech-Ed. The best they could do was show of 2 twitters apps and a fake call app? At least the Belgium girl that did part of the presentation was hot.
 
Great responses

Joe Average said:
+1 Great reply, you obviously did more research than the writer of article. I also know for a fact that thousands of apps are already been written in Silverlight for the W7 Phone platform, and a lot by South Africans, using Visual Studio 2010. Keeping in mind the language behind the phone's platform (based on .Net Framework) is the most used worldwide, not to mention the skills base in SA. a Lot of software developers cannot wait for this device to be released; finally we can get our business software released to the market on a platform that complements our dominant desktop OS - Win7.
Click to expand...

@ DudeSweet and JoeAverage - Great responses. I fully agree with you in saying that the .Net developer market in SA is massive and the release of WP7 and Windows 7 breathes new life into .Net development. This in itself gives WP7 more than a fighting chance as there is already a massive pool of skilled individuals who are already familiar with the Visual Studio IDE and the .Net framework, so pumping out apps for mobile won't be too much of a mindset change.

Personally, for the sake of competition and because I fear the Google-opoly, I hope that Microsoft provides a credible alternative.
 
Key features:
•Premium mobile OS (high minimum hardware requirements)
•Clean, uncluttered interface with distinctive design language
•Easy and thumbable user interface
•Smooth operation with cool animations and transition effects
•A fresh start with no legacy support needed
•Backed up and developed by one of the largest software companies in the world
•Excellent MS Office mobile implementation
•Top-notch social integration
•Excellent cloud services integration (SkyDrive, Windows Live, Xbox Live)
•Wireless syncing of multimedia content
•Internal memory expandable via microSD card slot (where available)

Main disadvantages:
•No system-wide file manager
•No videocalling
•Limited third-party apps availability
•No Bluetooth file transfers
•No USB mass storage mode
•No multitasking
•No copy/paste
•Too dependent on Zune software for computer file management and syncing
•No music player equalisers
•No Flash or Silverlight support in the web browser
•No sign of free Bing maps Navigation so far
•No DivX/XviD video support
•No internet tethering support
•New ringtones available only through the Marketplace
•Swapping memory card requires hard reset; cards not readable by computer

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/windows_phone_7-review-521.php


Based on the above disadvantages, this OS is a FAIL in my humble opinion.

Also I'm a Sony supporter so the Xbox live integration means nothing to me.
I can care less for MS Office on my phone. I have it currently and hardly use it.
Social integration can be found on most handsets.

LOL having no file manager, no Bluetooth, no USB Mass Storage, no Multitasking, no Flash support, no DivX and new ringtones only through marketplace = FAIL.
 
It could be too late for Microsoft to re-enter the mobile market
Click to expand...

Sorry, but when did Microsoft leave the mobile market? I mean its a new version, thats all, sheesh, albeit a huge change to their mobile OS.

So when android next release a new version, does this mean the are re-entering the market?
 
0rk0 said:
Key features:
•Premium mobile OS (high minimum hardware requirements)
•Clean, uncluttered interface with distinctive design language
•Easy and thumbable user interface
•Smooth operation with cool animations and transition effects
•A fresh start with no legacy support needed
•Backed up and developed by one of the largest software companies in the world
•Excellent MS Office mobile implementation
•Top-notch social integration
•Excellent cloud services integration (SkyDrive, Windows Live, Xbox Live)
•Wireless syncing of multimedia content
•Internal memory expandable via microSD card slot (where available)

Main disadvantages:
•No system-wide file manager
•No videocalling
•Limited third-party apps availability
•No Bluetooth file transfers
•No USB mass storage mode
•No multitasking
•No copy/paste
•Too dependent on Zune software for computer file management and syncing
•No music player equalisers
•No Flash or Silverlight support in the web browser
•No sign of free Bing maps Navigation so far
•No DivX/XviD video support
•No internet tethering support
•New ringtones available only through the Marketplace
•Swapping memory card requires hard reset; cards not readable by computer

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/windows_phone_7-review-521.php


Based on the above disadvantages, this OS is a FAIL in my humble opinion.

Also I'm a Sony supporter so the Xbox live integration means nothing to me.
I can care less for MS Office on my phone. I have it currently and hardly use it.
Social integration can be found on most handsets.

LOL having no file manager, no Bluetooth, no USB Mass Storage, no Multitasking, no Flash support, no DivX and new ringtones only through marketplace = FAIL.
Click to expand...

I suggest you read the whole article (there are 7 pages), i.e. Silverlight runs OOB. Copy/Paste with first update in 2011, open apps keep state when losing focus (not completely multi-tasking, but quite an improvement on other OSs). etc., etc., etc. Always good to get all the facts first.
 
I would imagine a lot of those disadvantages would be remedied with 3rd party apps & firmware updates.
 
Joe Average said:
I suggest you read the whole article (there are 7 pages), i.e. Silverlight runs OOB. Copy/Paste with first update in 2011, open apps keep state when losing focus (not completely multi-tasking, but quite an improvement on other OSs). etc., etc., etc. Always good to get all the facts first.
Click to expand...

It's also good to read the whole comment first before flapping your mouth...;)

I only listed the good and bad as it were on the source site.
You are more than in your right to go read all the detail behind it.
That's why I have provided the source link.
I didn't complain about the copy and paste for example.
I did mention that it was my opinion and the reasons why I regard it as an OS setup for failure.
You are more than welcome to disagree, but don't be a smartass and make assumptions on what I did or didn't do.
 
0rk0 said:
It's also good to read the whole comment first before flapping your mouth...;)

I only listed the good and bad as it were on the source site.
You are more than in your right to go read all the detail behind it.
That's why I have provided the source link.
I didn't complain about the copy and paste for example.
I did mention that it was my opinion and the reasons why I regard it as an OS setup for failure.
You are more than welcome to disagree, but don't be a smartass and make assumptions on what I did or didn't do.
Click to expand...

Apologies for hitting a nerve. I was merely pointing out that the rest of the article gave some useful insight into the listed shortcomings. The writer of the article also mentioned that they had a pre-release test phone - with some functionality due to improve or change. Enjoy your day. :)
 
Last edited:
I still believe that as a tech, smart phones are new, they have not become fully entrenched in peoples lives....sure nearly everyone has one, but actually how many people use them to their full potential...

combine this with the fact every two years you get an "upgrade" and ppl cycle through their phones fairly quickly that when it come to choosing your phone most ppl will just choose the phone that is the most attractive at the time.

This is very different to the world of computers, where your pc/laptop is expected to last for 3-4 years and needs to fully intergrate with whatever you are currently using...here the operating system makes more of a difference - but even here i see exceptions, bosses (really smart ppl - just no idea about OS's and software they just see it as something that must work) at our company wanted to start using apple laptops in our completely and wholly windows work environment and all you can do is look at them blankly...

I just dont believe that the actual OS has become such a big decider yet except to those who actually know which OS their phone has in the first place, and for the rest who don't, they will either go with the phone that looks the nicest or is the easiest to use at the time the are purchasing a new one. those who do know the difference in an OS will most likely take the one that integrates best with existing tech infrastructure which is most likely gonna be windows...

personally i see windows phone 7 doing particularly well, it might just take a year or two for ppl to cycle to next upgrades...

as a developer, i have never made a cellphone app, but windows 7 apps are coded in microsoft C# silverlight which means there are plenty of ppl who can make apps...
 
Joe Average said:
I suggest you read the whole article (there are 7 pages), i.e. Silverlight runs OOB. Copy/Paste with first update in 2011, open apps keep state when losing focus (not completely multi-tasking, but quite an improvement on other OSs). etc., etc., etc. Always good to get all the facts first.
Click to expand...

Copy/Paste with an update? Come on M$ - windows mobile 5 had that. Now all the apps have to be re-engineered to support the new update. Like iPhone did.

And apps keeping state is not AT ALL multi tasking. I want my IM client to notify me when there's a message. I need services to run to monitor my mobile data usage.

And no tethering?? Why are they bothering releasing this OS??

I was holding out for WP7 all this time. Until I saw it's exactly where the iPhone 2.0 was back in 2006. Or whenever. Android FTW.
 
I am actually looking forward to Windows Phone 7.

I love the fact that the dev platform is Silverlight and XNA based.

A previous comment mentioned that developers follow numbers. True. But they also follow the best supported platform and from past experience, MS have some of the best supported and easiest to use dev tools.
 
EtienneK said:
I am actually looking forward to Windows Phone 7.

I love the fact that the dev platform is Silverlight and XNA based.

A previous comment mentioned that developers follow numbers. True. But they also follow the best supported platform and from past experience, MS have some of the best supported and easiest to use dev tools.
Click to expand...

+1 Yes, I agree. And I enjoyed your blog : http://blog.etiennek.com/2010/09/28/does-the-average-joe-even-care-what-os-his-phone-runs/ although some might dissagree.
 
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