Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series – Try, Try and Try again
Monday, March 01, 2010
The New York Times says that Microsoft had to start the development of Windows Phone 7 from scratch because the previous previous was beyond redemption. While there are nice features here, the software has failed to excite the audience at Barcelona, though it did win good feedback from Business Users who like the seamless integration with Sharepoint, Outlook and Exchange.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/technology/01soft.html?hpw
Engadget in it editorial on the release of Windows 7 said this was a entire reboot and nothing from Windows Mobile survives. While the OS is very good, the battle is yet to be fought whether it can upend the iPhone and the Droid and carve a space for itself or will it go the way of the Palm Pre. http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/editorial-engadget-on-windows-phone-7-series/
Mary J Foley on Microsoft-Watch says that Windows 7 Phone Series will be delayed until 2011. Will Microsoft launch a branded phone with its own hardware.http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/windows_7/windows_phone_7_series_offers_questions_hint_of_dell_smartphone.html
Gigaom says Window 7 Phone is a impressive try but it wont stick until they come up with a Appstore strategy which takes advantage of the Phone. http://gigaom.com/2010/02/15/windows-phone-7/
The Apple Blog was fulsom in its praise and said “Of all the companies competing in the cellphone industry, it is perhaps more than just a little poetic that Microsoft should be the first to offer a truly compelling product to rival Apple’s iPhone.” http://theappleblog.com/2010/02/16/microsoft-starts-over-announces-credible-iphone-competitor/
Labels: Microsoft, Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile 7 Phones to Launch in Late 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Phil Moore, Head of Microsoft Mobile Division in UK has confirmed that phones with Windows Mobile 7 wont be available until late next year. He announced this in a Q&A session held at the ‘Connect’ technology summit in London. This news means that we are not going to see handsets with Windows Mobile 7 anytime before last quarter of 2010.
Windows Mobile 7 has been in works since late 2005. This is not the first time it has been delayed. With this latest confirmation by Phil Moore, we may not even see any glimpse of Windows Mobile 7 at the upcoming ‘Mobile World Congress 2010’ which is going to be held in February next year.
More : http://www.redmondpie.com/
It has been put back until late next year but it is definitely coming. You’re going to see a lot more on Windows Mobile 7. Giving the enterprise users and consumers what they want will be part of Windows Mobile 7. You’ll get flexibility on a much easier touch UI.
Windows Mobile 7 has been in works since late 2005. This is not the first time it has been delayed. With this latest confirmation by Phil Moore, we may not even see any glimpse of Windows Mobile 7 at the upcoming ‘Mobile World Congress 2010’ which is going to be held in February next year.
More : http://www.redmondpie.com/
Labels: Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile 7, Windows Mobile Marketplace
Major Phone Manufacturers shifting to Android say NYTimes
Monday, October 26, 2009
Over the past 6 months, the iPhone has been dominating - but a plethora of news that has been coming out appears to indicate that Android is gaining dominance. Some highlights from toda-y Nytimes article:
- Twelve Android handsets have been announced this year, with dozens more expected next year. Motorola has dropped Windows Mobile from its line entirely in a switch to Android. HTC, a major cellphone maker, expects half its phones sold this year to run Android. Dell is using Android for its entry into the cellphone market.
- All four of the largest carriers in the United States have now agreed to offer Android phones. When the first Android handset, the G1 from HTC, was introduced last fall, only T-Mobile offered it. Now, Verizon, the largest carrier, is putting a huge promotional push behind the Droid from Motorola, set to be introduced this week. Even AT&T, the home of the iPhone, recently said it would join the Android party next year.
And at whose expense is this happening:
- Android is on only 1.8 percent of smartphones worldwide, according to Gartner, and Windows Mobile software still dwarfs Android. But Microsoft is slipping. The percentage of smartphones using the Windows Mobile system has plummeted to 9.3 percent, from 12 percent in the second quarter of 2008. Microsoft fell behind Apple, which shot up to 13.3 percent, from 2.8 percent. (Nokia’s Symbian operating system is the world leader, followed by Research In Motion’s OS for its BlackBerrys.)
Why?
- Nevertheless, Android is free, while Windows Mobile costs manufacturers $15 to $25 a phone.
For the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/technology/26android.html?hpw
- Twelve Android handsets have been announced this year, with dozens more expected next year. Motorola has dropped Windows Mobile from its line entirely in a switch to Android. HTC, a major cellphone maker, expects half its phones sold this year to run Android. Dell is using Android for its entry into the cellphone market.
- All four of the largest carriers in the United States have now agreed to offer Android phones. When the first Android handset, the G1 from HTC, was introduced last fall, only T-Mobile offered it. Now, Verizon, the largest carrier, is putting a huge promotional push behind the Droid from Motorola, set to be introduced this week. Even AT&T, the home of the iPhone, recently said it would join the Android party next year.
And at whose expense is this happening:
- Android is on only 1.8 percent of smartphones worldwide, according to Gartner, and Windows Mobile software still dwarfs Android. But Microsoft is slipping. The percentage of smartphones using the Windows Mobile system has plummeted to 9.3 percent, from 12 percent in the second quarter of 2008. Microsoft fell behind Apple, which shot up to 13.3 percent, from 2.8 percent. (Nokia’s Symbian operating system is the world leader, followed by Research In Motion’s OS for its BlackBerrys.)
Why?
- Nevertheless, Android is free, while Windows Mobile costs manufacturers $15 to $25 a phone.
For the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/technology/26android.html?hpw
Labels: Android, iPhone, Windows Mobile
Google introduces Search Options for Mobile on webOS
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The slew of enhancements coming our way from Google in the past week or so have been rather staggering. First, we found the Maps application for webOS was quietly enhanced to include transit and walking directions.Then AdSense was upgraded.
Now,we have more search refinement options while searching on Google's mobile site. The Google Mobile Blog has announced enhancements in this area by allowing for filtering by Web, Forums, Reviews and time posted, reflecting the options that are available on desktop browsers.
This update is reflected on the Android, iPhone, and webOS operating systems. Blackberry, S60, Windows Mobile and everyone else are left, once more, out in the cold. Webkit win!
http://www.precentral.net/googe-introduces-search-options-mobile-webos
Now,we have more search refinement options while searching on Google's mobile site. The Google Mobile Blog has announced enhancements in this area by allowing for filtering by Web, Forums, Reviews and time posted, reflecting the options that are available on desktop browsers.
This update is reflected on the Android, iPhone, and webOS operating systems. Blackberry, S60, Windows Mobile and everyone else are left, once more, out in the cold. Webkit win!
http://www.precentral.net/googe-introduces-search-options-mobile-webos
Labels: Android, iPhone, Palm Phone, Palm WebOS, Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile Marketplace Ready for Launch
Monday, October 05, 2009
There is a good news for the new owners of Windows Mobile 6.5 handsets. Microsoft's App Store is all set to roll out the new 6.5 OS come this October 6th. But the older Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1 versions, won't get a chance to purchase or download these third party applications.
Windows Marketplace will be released in a couple of phases, with the first phase beginning this Tuesday, while the second phase will see an App Store release for Windows 6.0 and 6.1 owners that will happen sometime before 2009 is over.
Microsoft official Todd Brix went on to mention even more stuff about the future of Marketplace and said, “In addition, this second phase will bring the PC based catalog and shopping experience, user generated app reviews, advanced key-based anti-piracy protection and other enhancements that expand your business opportunity and make it easier for a larger number of customers to find and buy your application.”
Windows Marketplace will be released in a couple of phases, with the first phase beginning this Tuesday, while the second phase will see an App Store release for Windows 6.0 and 6.1 owners that will happen sometime before 2009 is over.
Microsoft official Todd Brix went on to mention even more stuff about the future of Marketplace and said, “In addition, this second phase will bring the PC based catalog and shopping experience, user generated app reviews, advanced key-based anti-piracy protection and other enhancements that expand your business opportunity and make it easier for a larger number of customers to find and buy your application.”
Labels: Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows Mobile Marketplace
Windows Mobile 6.5: What to expect
Thursday, September 10, 2009
For those of you who are out of the loop, Microsoft are planning a revamp of the Windows Mobile platform. The OS, used by a host of different manufacturers from HTC and Samsung to Sony Ericsson, has, in recent times, been accused of failing to keep up with the competition. To those who have used an Android device or the iPhone, going back to a Windows mobile handset is like watching a film on VHS; you still get to watch the movie but it’s a lot more hassle. But all that is about to change with the impending release of Windows Mobile 6.5
Windows Mobile 6.5 will be coming installed on range of new phones from the above manufacturers, and available for upgrade on others, but do you know exactly what it features? What makes Windows Mobile 6.5 stand out from the crowd? Let’s find out.
Windows Mobile 6.5 features a new user interface which gives the user a richer browsing experience. There are two new services provided on Windows Mobile 6.5: My Phone, where you can sync text messages, photos, video, contacts and more to the Web; and Windows Marketplace for Mobile, a new marketplace that will provide direct-to-phone mobile applications and can be accessed from both the phone and the Web.
The Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Steve Ballmer states “Windows phones bring together the best of the Web, the PC and the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about, no matter where you are.” And what more could you possibly ask from a mobile phone?
The home screen of Windows Mobile is designed to keep people up-to-date with important information by providing a dashboard-like experience to items such as new e-mails, texts, missed calls and calendar appointments. It also includes an improved touch-screen interface, making it easy to navigate with a finger, and an updated version of the latest Internet Explorer Mobile browser.
More Of This Story:http://blog.mobiles.co.uk
Windows Mobile 6.5 will be coming installed on range of new phones from the above manufacturers, and available for upgrade on others, but do you know exactly what it features? What makes Windows Mobile 6.5 stand out from the crowd? Let’s find out.Windows Mobile 6.5 features a new user interface which gives the user a richer browsing experience. There are two new services provided on Windows Mobile 6.5: My Phone, where you can sync text messages, photos, video, contacts and more to the Web; and Windows Marketplace for Mobile, a new marketplace that will provide direct-to-phone mobile applications and can be accessed from both the phone and the Web.
The Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Steve Ballmer states “Windows phones bring together the best of the Web, the PC and the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about, no matter where you are.” And what more could you possibly ask from a mobile phone?
The home screen of Windows Mobile is designed to keep people up-to-date with important information by providing a dashboard-like experience to items such as new e-mails, texts, missed calls and calendar appointments. It also includes an improved touch-screen interface, making it easy to navigate with a finger, and an updated version of the latest Internet Explorer Mobile browser.
More Of This Story:http://blog.mobiles.co.uk
Labels: Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows Mobile Marketplace
Windows Mobile 6.5 Gets a Launch Date
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Microsoft has confirmed the release date of Windows Mobile 6.5. The Windows Phones will appear on retail shelves worldwide starting October 6. After iPhone & Blackberry, Windows Mobile will also get free Wi-Fi access from AT&T.
The launch means the first Windows Phone smartphones should be on sale from 6 October too, and we can expect to see handsets from HTC, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba and others.
Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, Business Experiences Team, in the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft said in a blog posting: "on Oct. 6th, you'll see new Windows phones designed for a variety of tastes, needs and price points - with or without keyboards, with or without touch screens, as well as your choice of GPS, accelerometer and high resolution camera."
Windows Mobile 6.5 devices will link straight back into the Windows Marketplace for Mobile app store and will offer the free My Phone service, which allows users to back up photos, music and contacts.
According to sources who are familiar with Microsoft's plans, expect to see Windows Mobile 7 at Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference later this year. Microsoft’s press release doesn’t give much more concrete information, but it does reveal that the Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Microsoft My Phone will launch on the same date.
The launch means the first Windows Phone smartphones should be on sale from 6 October too, and we can expect to see handsets from HTC, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba and others.
Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, Business Experiences Team, in the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft said in a blog posting: "on Oct. 6th, you'll see new Windows phones designed for a variety of tastes, needs and price points - with or without keyboards, with or without touch screens, as well as your choice of GPS, accelerometer and high resolution camera."
Windows Mobile 6.5 devices will link straight back into the Windows Marketplace for Mobile app store and will offer the free My Phone service, which allows users to back up photos, music and contacts.
According to sources who are familiar with Microsoft's plans, expect to see Windows Mobile 7 at Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference later this year. Microsoft’s press release doesn’t give much more concrete information, but it does reveal that the Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Microsoft My Phone will launch on the same date.
Labels: Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows Mobile Marketplace
Top Mobile Phones
Sunday, August 09, 2009
I was checking the list of top smartphone in Q2 2009 and there was only 1 android phone and over 4 blackberry. The list is as follows
1. BlackBerry Curve (83xx series and 8900)
2. Apple iPhone 3GS (both 16GB and 32GB versions)
3. BlackBerry Pearl (81xx series not including the Pearl Flip)
4. Apple iPhone 3G (8GB and 16GB versions)
5. BlackBerry Bold
6. BlackBerry Storm
7. T-Mobile G1
8. Palm Pre
9. HTC Touch Pro
10. HTC Touch Diamond
From what we can gather this is going to change a lot as a ton of Androids are expected to come out in the 2nd half of the year. From some quarters we have heard that there are over 18 Android phones in the pipeline. And the Mytouch which came out last week has had stellar reviews. My analysis is that in 2010 it will be a face off between Android and iPhone for the Consumer market and Blackberry of course has a lock on the Business market. And I am sure that Microsoft is going to come back competitive. They simply cant afford to ignore this market. The Palm Pre is a great OS, it simply needs some decent carrier and nice application and it should give the other smartphones a run for their money.
Let the competition begin!
Source: jkontherun
1. BlackBerry Curve (83xx series and 8900)
2. Apple iPhone 3GS (both 16GB and 32GB versions)
3. BlackBerry Pearl (81xx series not including the Pearl Flip)
4. Apple iPhone 3G (8GB and 16GB versions)
5. BlackBerry Bold
6. BlackBerry Storm
7. T-Mobile G1
8. Palm Pre
9. HTC Touch Pro
10. HTC Touch Diamond
From what we can gather this is going to change a lot as a ton of Androids are expected to come out in the 2nd half of the year. From some quarters we have heard that there are over 18 Android phones in the pipeline. And the Mytouch which came out last week has had stellar reviews. My analysis is that in 2010 it will be a face off between Android and iPhone for the Consumer market and Blackberry of course has a lock on the Business market. And I am sure that Microsoft is going to come back competitive. They simply cant afford to ignore this market. The Palm Pre is a great OS, it simply needs some decent carrier and nice application and it should give the other smartphones a run for their money.
Let the competition begin!
Source: jkontherun
Labels: Android, Apple iPhone, Palm Pre, Smartphones, Windows Mobile
Ready to Port your iPhone App to Windows Mobile?
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Hello, my name is Constanze Roman and I’m a Community PM with the Windows Mobile Community Team. If you’ve been curious about porting an iPhone app to the Windows Mobile platform, then I have exciting news for you! We have just published a new technical article on MSDN titled Porting the Amplitude Application from the iPhone to a Windows Mobile Device – a Case Study which outlines the real-world experiences of a developer who ported the popular Amplitude application.
Amplitude picks up any sound in a user’s surroundings through the microphone and then amplifies the sound, rendering it into a rich graphical representation on the device. Amplitude can be used to amplify any sounds, such as human or animal heartbeats, that usually wouldn’t be picked up by the human ear. Amplitude provides a cool user interface featuring an oscilloscope that allows users to view and visually quantify, signal voltages, as you can see the volume of the sound that you are listening to.
Amplitude is well suited for a porting project because it combines a rich user interface with features such as alpha blending and transparency with specific audio and sound requirements, which makes it challenging to port the app but, at the same time, provides a number of helpful learning experiences.
Fro more read here:
(Via : http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs)
Labels: i, iPhone, iPhone App, Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile Tool kit
Windows Mobile opens shots with Apple
Thursday, June 25, 2009
With Palm already in the market, it seems that Microsoft has also joined in the mud-wrestling contest by launching an updated Windows Mobile operating system.Microsoft is planning to release a new version of Windows Mobile. This one has some interesting features that might add to the aging mobile OS.
The system has an intuitive, finger-touch interface and online backup. Microsoft tells us it will be around in October. It will have a fair bit of difficultly as the market is now wide open with lots of different operating systems fighting for space. Microsoft has been mostly successful in the business community thanks to its PC-synchronisation and email server convenience.
Looking under the bonnet of Microsoft's developer tool kit, it appears that the cunning plan is to encourage developers to make it look as much like the iPhone as possible. The applications will be peddled through something similar to Apple's App store.
Microsoft does have some advantages. HTC has committed to 6.5 with the Pro2 and Touch Diamond2. So has Samsung with its Omnia Icon. But while most are looking for the main war to between Apple and Palm, it is likely that it will be decided between Microsoft and Blackberry. Business markets are always where the volume sales have been.
Read More here
The system has an intuitive, finger-touch interface and online backup. Microsoft tells us it will be around in October. It will have a fair bit of difficultly as the market is now wide open with lots of different operating systems fighting for space. Microsoft has been mostly successful in the business community thanks to its PC-synchronisation and email server convenience.
Looking under the bonnet of Microsoft's developer tool kit, it appears that the cunning plan is to encourage developers to make it look as much like the iPhone as possible. The applications will be peddled through something similar to Apple's App store.
Microsoft does have some advantages. HTC has committed to 6.5 with the Pro2 and Touch Diamond2. So has Samsung with its Omnia Icon. But while most are looking for the main war to between Apple and Palm, it is likely that it will be decided between Microsoft and Blackberry. Business markets are always where the volume sales have been.
Read More here
Labels: Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile Marketplace
Windows Mobile 6.5 Developer Tool Kit includes gestures APIs
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Microsoft today released the Windows Mobile 6.5 Developer Tool Kit on the Microsoft Download Center. The kit is necessary for using any of the Windows Mobile 6.5 Gesture API or samples. The gesture APIs, only available on the Windows Mobile Classic and Professional SKUs, allow an application to handle touch gesture input and provide a visually consistent experience with the rest of the device UI. The kit is for developers building applications for Windows Mobile 6.5: it adds documentation, sample code, header and library files, and emulator images and tools to Visual Studio.
There are six available locales for Professional Developer and Standard Developer: 0804 CHS Chinese Simplified, 0409 USA English, 0407 GER German, 040c FRA French, 0410 ITA Italian, 0c0a ESN Spanish, as well as seven developer images:
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional Square Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional QVGA Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional WQVGA Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional VGA Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional WVGA Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard Square Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard QVGA Emulator
More About This Story: http://arstechnica.com/
There are six available locales for Professional Developer and Standard Developer: 0804 CHS Chinese Simplified, 0409 USA English, 0407 GER German, 040c FRA French, 0410 ITA Italian, 0c0a ESN Spanish, as well as seven developer images:
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional Square Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional QVGA Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional WQVGA Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional VGA Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional WVGA Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard Square Emulator
* Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard QVGA Emulator
More About This Story: http://arstechnica.com/
Labels: Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows Mobile Tool kit
Microsoft announces the Facebook application for Windows Mobile
Monday, May 18, 2009
Here’s an exciting news for Windows Mobile users as they can now stay connected with friends and family through Facebook. Microsoft has officially launched the Facebook application for Windows Mobile phones and lets users access Facebook’s standard features.
This application enables a user to update status, write on wall, add videos and photos as well as amend and edit profiles. It seamlessly integrates with the phone’s features in order to make direct calls from the Facebook profiles.
The Facebook app features News feeds and provides users the ability to compose, view, reply and delete items. It also allows users to change and update photos and videos as well as post comments and read photo details. With this application, you can access your friend’s profile, invite them, view full profile, accept notifications, comment on their status and more.
Additionally, the Facebook app utilizes the Windows Mobile menu metaphor that pops up activities when a user taps their finger on the touchscreen. Microsoft claims that this is the only Facebook app which allows users to upload videos directly from their mobile phones.
The Facebook mobile version is already available for many smartphones and other mobile phones but with limited functions as compared to the desktop version.
This Facebook app is now available for Windows Mobile 6, 6.1 smartphones and it will also be available to Windows Mobile 6.5 later this year.
Read On : http://www.mobiletor.com
This application enables a user to update status, write on wall, add videos and photos as well as amend and edit profiles. It seamlessly integrates with the phone’s features in order to make direct calls from the Facebook profiles.
The Facebook app features News feeds and provides users the ability to compose, view, reply and delete items. It also allows users to change and update photos and videos as well as post comments and read photo details. With this application, you can access your friend’s profile, invite them, view full profile, accept notifications, comment on their status and more.
Additionally, the Facebook app utilizes the Windows Mobile menu metaphor that pops up activities when a user taps their finger on the touchscreen. Microsoft claims that this is the only Facebook app which allows users to upload videos directly from their mobile phones.
The Facebook mobile version is already available for many smartphones and other mobile phones but with limited functions as compared to the desktop version.
This Facebook app is now available for Windows Mobile 6, 6.1 smartphones and it will also be available to Windows Mobile 6.5 later this year.
Read On : http://www.mobiletor.com
Labels: Facebook, Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile 6.5 Is Now Complete
Microsoft has has finished work on Windows Mobile 6.5, the next version of its operating system for smartphones. However, this doesn't mean the release is imminent.
A tweet from the Windows Mobile Development Team says it all, "For the record, Windows Mobile 6.5 is DONE..complete..looks really good IOHO and every bit functional."
More about Windows Mobile 6.5
The next version of Microsoft's operating system for high-end phones isn't a major upgrade, but it will include significant changes to its appearance.
It will be more fingertip friendly, with many on-screen elements enlarged so users can select them without a stylus. Windows Mobile 6.5 will also have more of a focus on consumers, as the Today Screen has been modified to include items like a music player and photo viewer.
Coming this Fall
Despite work on this operating system being complete, the first devices running it won't hit the market until this fall.
Releasing a new smartphone OS doesn't work the same way as it does with desktops and laptops. The new version isn't sent directly to consumers, but instead Microsoft gives it to its licensees, who customize it for their individual models and release it.
From: http://www.brighthand.com
A tweet from the Windows Mobile Development Team says it all, "For the record, Windows Mobile 6.5 is DONE..complete..looks really good IOHO and every bit functional."
More about Windows Mobile 6.5
The next version of Microsoft's operating system for high-end phones isn't a major upgrade, but it will include significant changes to its appearance.
It will be more fingertip friendly, with many on-screen elements enlarged so users can select them without a stylus. Windows Mobile 6.5 will also have more of a focus on consumers, as the Today Screen has been modified to include items like a music player and photo viewer.
Coming this Fall
Despite work on this operating system being complete, the first devices running it won't hit the market until this fall.
Releasing a new smartphone OS doesn't work the same way as it does with desktops and laptops. The new version isn't sent directly to consumers, but instead Microsoft gives it to its licensees, who customize it for their individual models and release it.
From: http://www.brighthand.com
Labels: Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile Marketplace
