Microsoft has just announced the release of Windows 7 Mobile and a new phone called Windows Phone 7 Series. The release took place at the Mobile World Congress 2010 meeting in Barcelona.
According to Microsoft, everything has been built from scratch. The Windows 7 Mobile operating system is similar to the OS found on the Zune, but has been redesigned for mobile phone use. The infamous "Start" launch screen has been replaced by a modern widget system that uses tiles to represent various functions. The phone hardware is also said to be unlike any current Microsoft mobile product, designed in its entirety for the new 7 Series phone.
As expected, the new handset will integrate Microsoft's Bing search engine, Xbox Live, and the media playback features from the Zune. Microsoft says the phone will be heavily focused around the various social media networks, a strategy similar to Motorola's "Motoblur."
Microsoft is said to be working with nearly all of the major U.S. cell phone carriers, including Verizon and AT&T. The formal release date is unknown, but will most likely come at or before the iPhone refresh in early June.
Engadget.com will be reporting hands-on impressions sometime this morning.
Comments
just what we need...another phone with 100 $ a month service contract
So as I understand it, the current 'Windows Phone' platform that is on the market now, will be scrapped and replaced with a new phone platform.
But the new platform won't arrive until the end of the year. So who is going to want to buy a Windows Phone before the end of the year, as the current platform will be axed.
I think the next phone I buy will run Google's Android platform, as that is becoming very popular, and won't get axed.
@Sue, you have a good point. I think many consumers will be with you on that one!
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