Software giant Microsoft has finally unveiled the latest version of its Windows Mobile operating system, a move analysts say could eventually pose a challenge to the iPhone’s dominance in the smartphone sector.
The announcement comes after months of speculation, during which Microsoft managed to keep the final user interface design and specifications of the OS under wraps until just a few hours before its reveal at the Mobile World Congress.
Chief executive Steve Ballmer announced Windows Mobile 7 in a speech at the Barcelona Mobile World Congress, where manufacturers and industry analysts from around the world have gathered to hear new announcements and track the movement of the industry.
“Today, I’m proud to introduce Windows Phone 7 Series, the next generation of Windows Phones,” he said in front of a packed crowd.
“In a crowded market filled with phones that look the same and do the same things, I challenged the team to deliver a different kind of mobile experience. Windows Phone 7 Series marks a turning point toward phones that truly reflect the speed of people’s lives and their need to connect to other people and all kinds of seamless experiences.”
The OS features a totally new user interface. While previous versions of the Windows Mobile OS looked similar to the desktop versions of Windows, such as XP and Vista, the new Windows Mobile 7 looks features a stripped down homescreen, taking after the iPhone.
Microsoft has also changed the way it refers to the software, calling it “Windows Phone”. No devices have been developed yet with the software, but demonstration models have been made available to reviewers and analysts.
The response has been positive. Engadget wrote the new software shows Microsoft could very well increase its presence in the market.
The sheer minimalism of the interface is striking, and we’re really impressed by how many risks Microsoft is taking here. It’s hard to believe that just a year ago this company was showing off WM 6.5, which now looks ages behind what they’ve turned around with today.
“We’re not sure if someone was just let off the leash or if we’re seeing a newer, smarter, more agile Microsoft, but the 7 Series concept definitely shows that this company is learning from its mistakes.”
It is expected major manufactures including LG, Samsung and Sony Ericcsson will release handsets using Windows Phone in the future, but the first are expected no earlier than in November or December of this year.
The home screen features a number of “Live Tiles” used as shortcuts to applications and features, such as the calendar, the phone, text message app and the video and music library. If users swipe the screen to the left, a list of all the third-party applications installed on the phone will appear.
Users will be able to download different types of apps from the Windows Marketplace. In combination with the new software, Microsoft hopes to take some edge away from Apple’s dominance with its App Store.
Microsoft has also put a large emphasis on the slick animations shown when moving from one app to another, a drawing card of its Zune media players. TechCrunch wrote these animations make the user interface experience an easy one.
“Take the calendar, for example: when you jump from a day view to month view, it zooms gracefully from one to the other. It makes the entire interface look incredibly slick, though we’re already hearing people ask if they can be turned off (and no, they can’t.)”
Additionally, each screen features a minimal amount of text or pictures, with no WiFi or battery icons present at all by default.
Some form of integration with Facebook will be included in the device, with a user’s “profile” able to be updated with status updates and other information. The software also allows users to “follow” other contacts and their updates on both Facebook and the Windows Live social network.
But while Microsoft took the spotlight at the conference, other manufacturers have taken the time to release new products of their own.
Samsung and Sony both unveiled new smartphones, including Samsung’s new “Wave” model which will have access to a specialised app store for games and other types of software.
Sony released the Experia X10 Mini, which will run on the Google Android software. Another model, the Vivaz Pro, will feature high-definition recording capabilities.
Additionally, 24 telcos including Vodafone, Optus parent SingTel and American provider AT&T have banded together to join the Wholesale Applications Community.
Rob Conway, chief executive of GSMA which is running the community, said in a statement the move is designed to create a platform for app development that will allow programs to run “regardless of device, operating system or operator”.
The move comes as individual manufacturers are creating app stores of their own, often with different specifications and requirements. Some developers have complained this development is splintering the industry.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
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