Windows Phone 7 with Zune HD-like UI, No Multitasking and Flash support

[Guest justpratik]

here’s an update on the much anticipated next version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system, Windows Mobile

7 aka Windows Phone 7.

windows-phone-7

There’s no definite confirmation yet if it will indeed be launched at MWC next week, but if it does make an appearance at the grand event in Barcelona, word is that it will just be a preview of its interface and not a full in-depth introduction. Furthermore, it’s now being reported that the entire interface has been overhauled and replaced with a Zune HD inspired UI based on a project codenamed “Metro.” Confirming what we previously reported about Windows Phone 7 ME, they latest round of rumors also mention that there’s both Xbox and Zune integration

as well as social networking support.

On the downside, however, there won’t be NETCF backwards compatibility for older applications. Multitasking has also apparently been given the boot and Flash support won’t be there either. Is Windows Phone 7 doing an iPhone? One might think so, but let’s not forget, all of these are yet to be confirmed. For now, just treat this as a heads up of what to look out for when Windows Phone 7 officially get unveiled either this month or later this year.

Via Engadget

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/06/rumored...mwc-launch-zun/

[Guest DLCI]

I really hope the lack of multitasking & blocked applications' installation is only a a bad rumor. Otherwise a clear NoGo for most of the users.

Missing ActiveSync? I simply don't believe it - all the exchange support + the web push services will be dropped from MS? Impossible.

From the other hand it is really possible as both MS and Apple really have made it crystal clear in the past that they create things the way they like it, not the way users usually do it. But I'm afraid it won't work this time for both companies - Android & Symbian are going after the HTC's slogan "make it mine" and I think we can expect that these 2 dinosaurs above will have to start listening to the customers more and more. Otherwise they'll stay with some 10% market share and that's it.

Edited February 8, 2010 by DLCI

[Guest theraf90]

yeah you're right! Who would wanna buy a 1.5 ghz phone if it doesn't do multitasking? it's like buying Ferrari wheels without a Ferrari!!!

[Guest Zabii]

Why on earth would they drop all the good features of 6.5? This seems like a step backwards, not forwards.

[Guest leo001]

IMHO that are only bad and wrong rumors...

[Guest Zabii]

Leo, I certainly hope so. As of this second I am running 2 programs on my phone and it isn't even doing anything. MyMobiler for an on-PC screen of my phone and I have microsoft reader going. Without multitasking I will not be buying a WinMo 7 device.

[Guest La Traviata]

If this is true then Microsoft are digging their own grave. It is like they are taking all the bad stuff from Apple instead of the good. The only reason why people put up with Apple's annoying limitations is the wealth of apps and the simplicity and smoothness of the UI, none of which WM can offer (OK, I haven't used WM 7 yet, but I doubt that it can be so good as to compensate for the downsides). So there would be NO reason to go with WM in the future.

Shame, I was just about to buy some new apps for my Omnia, but now I'll hold fire until more details emerge. No point in pouring more money into WM if I have to change OS with my next phone (or WM 6.x apps don't work on WM 7).

Edited February 8, 2010 by La Traviata

[Guest eufouria]

If this is true then Microsoft are digging their own grave. It is like they are taking all the bad stuff from Apple instead of the good. The only reason why people put up with Apple's annoying limitations is the wealth of apps and the simplicity and smoothness of the UI, none of which WM can offer (OK, I haven't used WM 7 yet, but I doubt that it can be so good as to compensate for the downsides). So there would be NO reason to go with WM in the future.

Shame, I was just about to buy some new apps for my Omnia, but now I'll hold fire until more details emerge. No point in pouring more money into WM if I have to change OS with my next phone (or WM 6.x apps don't work on WM 7).

My guess it that these rumors pertain to Project Pink, the Microsoft branded phone. Most probably being manufactured by Danger.

WM7 will be an entirely different operating system which chances are won't run on a Microsoft branded device.

[Guest Gibeon]

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y...l=en&swap=1

This sounds a lot more positive ;) If you have any translation questions, PM me :D

[Guest leo001]

we will find the truth at the MWC! wm7 will be officially announced there!

[Guest Billus]

yup yup, 15th of Feb.

[Guest justpratik]

i think that rumour is true.

2 reason.

1. it is said there that zune phone is built on the same os as zune hd. And zune hd is having no multitask.

2. and for to speed up system usage.

[Guest rbled]

Seems silly if true. Removing multitasking, flash support and direct app installation all but assures that Android will be THE alternative to iPhone. Those three items are PRECISELY why I don't have an iPhone.

[Guest Gibeon]

1. it is said there that zune phone is built on the same os as zune hd. And zune hd is having no multitask.

There is no Zune Phone. You clearly got no idea what you're talking about.

[Guest eufouria]

There is no Zune Phone.

Yet.

[Guest Gibeon]

Windows 7 Mobile (or Windows Mobile 7) won't be Zune Phone. It'll be 7.

[Guest La Traviata]

More details emerging:

http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_announce...m-news-1456.php

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2...-15MWC10PR.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/windowsphone/

http://blogs.technet.com/microsoft_blog/ar...e-7-series.aspx

[Guest kevout]

So thanks to the hardware requirements, the Omnia (i910) won't be able to run this - right? Probably a really dumb question, but I'm extremely new to smartphones.

[Guest DLCI]

I watched the event live @web & I was speechless. Not just because it was something unseen so far (althought yes, noone expected it I'm sure!) , but because MS was constantly explaining how important are the customers and their wishes. And they were listening damn good all that time. As I said, I was left speechless. Whether the things will work as smooth as they were shown is another story, but here are the major points from my perspective:

1. Interface is expandable, e.g. each app can extend it (kind of live widgets + subsections for office, multimedia and games). Which means xda & modaco could also do smth to make things better I guess :D

In addition that means No more 10000+ application icons and thousand of screens with stupid applications, that have no clue about each other :D Interoperability is the key word.

2. HW will be more or less the same - Huraa-finaly we might get video for skype, proper 3D games and many other nice things, reserved so far for the closed platforms. Although it was said there will be devs with different screens and +-keyboards.. It seems MS had made a round table with the HW manufacturers and they agreed on HW specs and timeplan! Impressive!

3. Multiple calendars support!!!!! Yes, finally! Agenda/Cal looks brilliant. The example shown was with 1 exchange and 1 push calendar..

4. Sync with exchange of course - viva la activesync (no, I don't believe they'll issue patches for exchange server to communicate with zune sw :D)

5. Video & multimedia-I hope the codecs will be part of zune subsystem-can anyone bring some info what are the supported containers/codecs from zune hd?

6. social networking a-la sense style!

7.xbox live - I don't know if that means ported games from xbox - if that happens that would be...well, let's not dream for now B)

and much more...

But you know what - I can't stop laughing now, when I imagine Google and Apple! If they had any plans to present smth soon (similar like the current iphone or ipad) - I can only imagin how they throw it to the basket and re-call all the vacation plans for the next couple of month. I'm expecting their answer to today's MS presentation. Whoever resists to go into direction customer customization and contacts-internet integration will fail in my opinion. I see symbian, htc, samsung, android and now MS placing that as a central point of their marketing.

P.S. Motorola, Acer & LG were not shown as key partners, taken part of the pre-launch events..wonder if that means they're focusing on android from now on, or they will follow whatever they're given..

P.S.S Symbian^3 also looks in the right direction..I'd expect nokia to keep its fans on board! :lol:

P.S.S.S The word google was gently avoided all the time! :lol: no coincident I believe! not that's important though

[Guest eclsnowman]

3D graphics chip required. Wvga minimum resolution. Looks like our only chance is an android port for our phone because we're never getting 7 series boys.

[Guest Billus]

So thanks to the hardware requirements, the Omnia (i910) won't be able to run this - right? Probably a really dumb question, but I'm extremely new to smartphones.

Not a chance. Might be possible looking at the 7 Starter Edition. 6.5.(?) is really directed for the lower phones now.

Mesa looking forward to upgrading, might go for a phone if a hardware keyboard.

[Guest brandogg]

I don't get how WM7 won't have Flash, when Flash 10.1 is supposed to be out for mobile phones before the end of July. WM7 doesn't come out for another 5-6 months after that...surely they're already using Flash 10.1, or maybe they'll use only silverlight.

Meh, switch to Android anyway.

[Guest Billus]

I don't get how WM7 won't have Flash, when Flash 10.1 is supposed to be out for mobile phones before the end of July. WM7 doesn't come out for another 5-6 months after that...surely they're already using Flash 10.1, or maybe they'll use only silverlight.

Meh, switch to Android anyway.

It most likely will be included by phone manufacturers. For the time being, Windows Mobile 7 won't support flash just yet but WILL include it after its release date (perhaps even before depending on the circumstances). Windows Phone 7 Series looks to be promising and will hit both Apple and Google hard. I think Blackberry and Symbian are safe.

[Guest brandogg]

I don't know about that, Microsoft delayed and delayed and delayed WM7, I think Android and (especially) Apple have already taken to big of a chunk of the market. Not including Flash at the start is a huge mistake - having it available at launch as a key feature would be a big selling point for WM7 phones. Hopefully mfrs put it in at launch.