Microsoft Pushes Windows Phone 7 for Businesses, Consumers

Microsofts upcoming Windows Phone 7 represents the companys attempt to regain momentum in the smartphone space, where it faces tough rivals such as the Apple iPhone and Google Android. Windows Phone 7 takes a different approach than those platforms by consolidating its mobile applications and Web content into a series of subject-specific Hubs, such as Games or Office. In theory, this allows Microsoft to create a phone that equally balances consumer and business needs. At a recent New York City event, Microsoft showed off Windows Phone 7s user interface. For enterprise users, features such as streamlined access to SharePoint and Documents could come in useful; for consumers, easy access to music and games could prove a key attractor to the new platform. At least, Microsoft hopes so.

Microsoft intends Windows Phone 7 as a total revamp of its strategy in the mobile space, where it faces strong competitors such as the Apple iPhone and the Google Android family of devices.

One of the keys to Microsofts Windows Phone 7 strategy is selling it to businesses as the ideal smartphone platform for day-to-day work; one of its hubs, Office, gives access to OneNote and other productivity programs.

A Windows Phone 7 device can be used to access documents. Microsoft hopes that such features will persuade businesses to make the jump to the new platform from Windows Mobile, its previous (and non-upgradable) offering.

Microsoft also baked access to SharePoint into Windows Phone 7, touting it as an essential tool for enterprise customers.

Maps on Windows Phone 7.

A view of Windows Phone 7s hubs. Tiles can display useful data such as a last-contacted friend or the next item on a schedule.

Bing on Windows Phone 7. Note the colorful background, which is part of Microsofts branding for its search engine.

Just as on the PC-based Bing, the Windows Phone 7 version of Bing will provide information on the days background image.

A local search, in this case for nearby restaurants serving pizza.

In addition to local results, a search term can be filtered through Web, News, and other options.

In yet another nod to business users, Windows Phone 7 is capable of displaying the days color-coded Agenda.

Microsoft will keep its manufacturing partners on a tight leash in terms of hardware parameters, advocating a specific three-button design for devices running Windows Phone 7.