Microsoft introduces a new operating system for mobile devices – Windows Phone 7 Series
At the annual Mobile World Congress 2010, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled the next generation of its mobile operating system (OS) – Windows Phone 7 Series. With this OS, Microsoft unlocks new capabilities in mobile phone software, integrating various communications tools, including internet applications, into a single device.
For the first time, Microsoft will combine Xbox Live Games, the multimedia capabilities of the Zune player, and classic phone features into the Windows Phone 7 Series operating system. A wide range of phones based on the new OS will be available to customers by the end of 2010.
“Today, I’m incredibly proud to introduce the next generation of Windows mobile operating systems to the world – the Windows Phone 7 Series platform,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. “In a marketplace overflowing with devices that look and feel identical, I challenged the team to do something no one has done before. Windows Phone 7 Series truly captures the speed at which people live today and their need to be constantly connected.”
With the Windows Phone 7 Series operating system, a completely new development, Microsoft is fundamentally changing its approach to phone software. Dynamically updating widgets on the home screen provide access to content in real time, breaking the traditional notion of static icons leading to applications. By combining the capabilities of dynamic modules, users can almost instantly learn about changes happening to their friends simply by glancing at the phone's home screen.
Every Windows Phone 7 Series phone will be equipped with a hardware button that provides one-click access to the Bing search tool, delivering the most relevant search results from the web or phone memory. The new operating system also includes Windows Phone Hubs, which aggregates various content from the web, apps, and services into a single, simple system for presenting actions and tasks. Windows Phone Hubs includes six "tools" that display activities common to most mobile users:
People: Brings together various content from social networks. You can also use this hub to update your own Facebook and Windows Live accounts.
Images: This "hub" allows you to share . By integrating the web, phone, and PC, this Windows Phone 7 Series feature turns your mobile device into your personal .
Games: Today, Windows Phone 7 Series is the first and only operating system to offer Xbox Live gaming capabilities, including online gaming, in-game community and forums, a variety of leaderboards, and user avatars and profiles. With over 23 million active users worldwide, Xbox Live opens up an incredible world of gaming, adventure, communication, and entertainment—all on your mobile device.
Music and Video: Using the Zune multimedia interface, this "hub" lets you access your music and video collection on your personal computer, listen to FM radio, and connect to various online music services. Users can also add a social component to their media experience by sharing recommendations and ratings for entertainment content with other Zune Social users.
App Store: Allows users to quickly and easily get certified games and apps designed specifically for Windows Phone 7 Series on their phone.
Office: Provides access to Office Mobile, SharePoint, OneNote in addition to Outlook email.
Manufacturers and partner operators who will use Windows Phone 7 Series in their devices expect to begin shipping devices by the end of 2010. The new OS will be installed in phones from manufacturers such as Dell, Garmin-Asus, HTC, HP, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, and Qualcomm Inc.
Users wishing to learn more about Windows Phone 7 Series and learn about the launch of the devices can register at www.windowsphone7series.com.
To view Steve Ballmer's entire press conference at Mobile World Congress 2010, as well as a live demo of Windows Phone 7 Series, please visit www.microsoft.com/news/windowsphone.
