Microsoft is trying to revamp its smartphone OS franchise with Windows Phone 7 Series, which it officially announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Feb. 15. In addition to integrating Xbox Live and Zune, Windows Phone 7 Series groups mobile applications and Web services into a series of "hubs": "People," "Pictures," "Office," "Music & Video" and "Games." Hardware partners for the initiative include HP, HTC, Sony Ericsson, LG and Samsung. Microsoft plans to have phones running Windows Phone 7 for sale in time for the 2010 holiday season. If Windows Phone 7 Series is to reverse Microsoft’s declining market share in the mobile space, it will need to appeal to both consumers and the enterprise.
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Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series Challenges Google, Apple
by Nicholas Kolakowski
Microsoft Pushes Mobile
As shown during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Feb. 15, Microsoft envisions the Windows Phone 7 Series as a total revamping of its mobile franchise, which faces declining market share.
Start Screen
The Windows Phone 7 Start screen dynamically updates with data from the Web. All Windows Phone 7 Series devices will include three mechanical buttons: Start, Search and Back.
Windows 7 Hubs
Windows Phone 7 Series features "Hubs" that group together a variety of content. For example, the "People" hub merges your friends’ data from Outlook, Windows Live and other social-networking services.
Pictures Hub
The "Pictures" hub syncs with the photos on your PC, and enables users to upload those photos to social networking services. Friends’ photos are also displayed.
Office Hub
The "Office" hub allows access to Excel, PowerPoint, Word and OneNote documents, as well as a SharePoint server for better collaboration with colleagues.
Xbox Live Integration
Microsoft has integrated Xbox Live with its new phone software, allowing gamers to access their Xbox avatar and play games.
Zune Integration
The Windows Phone 7 Series also integrates Zune software into its platform, providing access to music, videos, podcasts and radio.
Windows Mobile 6.5 Support
Microsoft claims it will still support Windows Mobile 6.5, even after the launch of Windows Phone 7 Series devices.
Mobile Apps Marketplace
Microsoft also says there will be a mobile applications marketplace for Windows Phone 7 Series devices, similar to the Mobile Marketplace for Windows Mobile 6.5.
Upcoming Enterprise Focus
While Microsoft used the rollout at the Mobile World Congress to emphasize the consumer aspects of Windows Phone 7 Series, it will likely highlight the enterprise utility at a future date.
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Microsoft is trying to revamp its smartphone OS franchise with Windows Phone 7 Series, which it officially announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Feb. 15. In addition to integrating Xbox Live and Zune, Windows Phone 7 Series groups mobile applications and Web services into a series of "hubs": "People," "Pictures," "Office," "Music & Video" and "Games." Hardware partners for the initiative include HP, HTC, Sony Ericsson, LG and Samsung. Microsoft plans to have phones running Windows Phone 7 for sale in time for the 2010 holiday season. If Windows Phone 7 Series is to reverse Microsoft’s declining market share in the mobile space, it will need to appeal to both consumers and the enterprise.