With the Mobile World Congress getting closer the rumors on Windows Phone 7 are heating up. The latest and possibly the biggest comes from ppcgeeks (Pocket PC Geeks). On their site they have posted a list of leaked functionality. There is a disclaimer that the information may not be correct but heck it is still fun to talk about. Some of the features in the list that stand out to me are
- Windows Phone 7 will only support application installation through service based delivery. (i.e Marketplace). Application installation via storage card will not be possible.
- No Multi-Task support. Applications will “Pause” when in the background, however will support notifications via push notifications.
- Windows Mobile Device Center will no longer be used. Zune software to take over syncing via PC.
- Full XBOX Gaming Integration (Gamer tag, achievements, friends, avatars, merchandising, etc)
- No NETCF backwards compatibility. This means the original rumor of no backward compatibility for applications holds to be true. That being said, there are high hopes of porting the NetCF to the newer platform easily.
You can read the full list on ppcgeeks website. The reaction to the list is very mixed. I am sure that if Microsoft goes with a phone that can not multi task that will be a huge blow to Windows Phone faithful. I myself would hate to have that but at the end of the day if I can get to all my apps that I need then no harm no foul. This reminds me. Robb Dunewood from Rimarkable and I did have a discussion on our podcast (about ten minutes in) weather or not that is the route Microsoft should take to create a great phone. Maybe it is!!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting…
No multitasking, a step backward for windows mobile? I was a windows mobile for years before getting my iphone and always wanted the OS to succeed. But the OS just didn’t move forward with any innovations. 7 looks to be a good step in that innovative direction, but it sounds like reactive innovation not proactive.
I like my windows mobile treo 750, then the iphone came out. I thought for sure MS would come up with something. I saw the Zune interface and thought, that’s what it would look like. Lets hope they get it right
btw – I like my iphone the Treo was gone a long time ago…!
Hey Gene the question is would you come back to a Zune Phone? What about you Rob?
I left Windows Mobile with iPhone ver1. then to the blackberry…then Android. If the Zune Phone, sorry Windows Phone 7 looks like a Zune and is remotely as good I will buy when launched on Verizon. Please have a Zune form factor. And if the Zune Pass works.