The more we hear about Windows Phone Series 7 (WP7S) the more we want to play with Microsoft's slick-looking new mobile phone OS. Here are a few new points we picked up during Mix10.
The three WP7S prototypes that have been used by Microsoft for demos at Mix10
(Credit: Engadget)
When Microsoft announced WP7S at Mobile World Congress 2010, the tech world was wowed by the drastic changes the company was making to its mobile operating system. At the same time, questions remained as many things were still up in the air. Some of these have since been answered at the company's Mix10 conference held in Las Vegas this week. Here's a quick summary of the few tidbits that stood out.
Multitasking is not quite the same anymore
WP7S phones will not support multitasking the same way we are used to in Windows Mobile. In an example, CNET's Ina Fried described how the built-in music player app would be able to play music in the background while another program is running, but a third-party music player may not be given the same ability.
For now, this reads a lot like Apple's implementation in the iPhone, where some of the company's processes are able to run in the background. According to Microsoft spokesperson Joe Belfiore, the company's focus is to make sure programs save their place so the user returns to the same spot in the app even though it wasn't in the foreground. Read more about multitasking here.
Apps can be downloaded only through the Marketplace
Yes, you heard it right, the only way to download or buy an app will be through Microsoft's store. Currently, aside from the Marketplace, WM lets you install programs by simply loading a file into the device. This will change in WP7S as the model becomes more similar to Apple's App Store. However, there may be a separate distribution mechanism for companies that wish to install their own apps on WP7S phones. More details on this will follow at a later date.
Samsung showed off a prototype
Engadget caught a snapshot of the three prototype devices that have been used for demos so far. The Asus and LG phones had previously been spotted, but what's new is the Samsung model used during Mix10. Not much has been said about it, but it looks to us a lot like the HD Icon model that runs on Symbian S60.
The HTC HD2 won't get an upgrade
This was more or less a sure thing, but Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley has confirmed that HTC's super Windows Mobile handset will not get an upgrade to the WP7 OS. Though some HD2 users may be upset by this, we're glad that this has finally been put to rest.
No copy and paste
Another tidbit Engadget picked up at Mix10 was the fact that the first release of the WPS7 OS won't support a clipboard feature to copy-and-paste text from one app to another. It seems that while Microsoft's system will match Apple's iPhone OS for user-friendly features, it will also make the same mistakes in the process. Check out CNET.com for more details about this eye-rolling absence.
For a look at some of the new Windows Phone 7 Series apps demoed by Microsoft at Mix10, check out our gallery here.
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