I was invited to Microsoft Windows Phone 7.5 launch event last week (28th September 2011). The event was held at Red Dot Brew House at Boat Quay.
The event started with Mr. John Fernandes giving us a history on Windows Phone 7.
Windows Phone 7 was launched just last year. It was a bet that Microsoft had taken to overhaul the Windows Mobile. I guess it really pays off as there were not many complains on phone stability except the slowness of Microsoft to deploy the updates to match or play catch-up with the competitors (Android, iOS and etc).
In my memory, over this one year period, there was a few updates with NoDo update as the most significant (copy and paste function). Currently, there are over 30,000 apps in Microsoft Marketplace. From the presentation, it was stated that Microsoft has the fastest growth in terms of apps. I really hope Microsoft could do something about the quality of the apps as I can seriously see the differences when compared with iOS apps.
With the launch today, Windows Phone 7 is now called Windows Phone 7.5 (although many of us will remember its codename, Mango). It has added more than 500 features and a lot of integration to the social networks.
With Microsoft Window Phone’s Metro UI design, it is the love it or hate it thing. I love the fact Microsoft dare to challenge the market with something different, and added social integration deeply into the phone OS design. In this upgrade to 7.5, the Internet Explorer has also been upgraded to IE9 equivalent (which is a huge improvement from the current one).
From the information presented, Microsoft is building itself as a place for developers and future developers. They have programs for business to develop apps and also a program for students interested in making apps.
Windows Phone 7.5 is officially available from 28th September 2011. Till date, I have not got the update yet. It will take a while for everyone to have the update.
Next, we have Andre and Barrie giving us a demo on Windows Phone 7.5.
We were shown how social networks have been integrated into the phone OS and how the Multi-task works. It is good to see that Windows Phone 7.5 multi-tasking features is instanteous. You do not need to wait to resume an app (only if the app has been optimized for this feature).
Microsoft also invited Melvin, country manager of HTC Singapore and Winston from Samsung Singapore to give us a quick look at their latest Windows Phone 7.5 product.
For those who are interested, I had done a separate blog post on HTC Radar and Samsung Omnia W.
Microsoft also invited our local developer, Muhammad Mulyadi bin Sazali, to showcase his apps. I should think that WP7 users will be familiar with Busguide and STOMP mobile. They are created by Yadi.
The last part of the event is the Questions and Answers. According to HTC, they will “consider” HTC Titan after gathering feedback. In my opinion, I don’t think HTC is ready to launch Titan here.
Someone also asked about how the manufacturers differentiate themselves with the same OS. For HTC, they mentioned about HTC Watch (app) and also its unibody aluminum design of the chassis for HTC Radar. As for Samsung, competitive pricing and future updates is in the tray (not much information though).
Here is a group shot.
That comes to the end of the launch event and we were served a special mango cocktail and also one of the dishes is Mango Pudding with bread. How appropriate.
That is all. So, Microsoft, where is my Mango update??
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