Microsoft windows Phone 7 Needs to Keep Improving

News Analysis: Microsoft says its partners have shipped 1.5 million Windows Phone 7 devices. But a closer look at that number reveals why Microsoft’s mobile operating system isn’t really challenging Apple’s iOS or Google Android.

 

 

 

Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Shipments Fail to Impress: 10 Reasons Why
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Microsoft mobile device partners shipped 1.5 million Windows Phone 7 units to carriers during the first six weeks of its availability, according to Microsoft officials. At first glance, that might not seem like a figure to scoff at. After all, there are few products in the tech space that gain that level of popularity.

But a closer inspection of the numbers show why these early results are not as impressive as they look. For one, it doesn’t represent actual sales to consumers and enterprise customers. Moreover, it’s estimated that more than mobile carriers are activating 300,000 Google Android phones activated each and every single day. That means that in just five days, it can match a figure Microsoft took six weeks to reach. 

Simply put, Windows Phone 7 can’t compete. And here’s why: 

1. The sales aren’t impressive

  

First and foremost, Windows Phone 7 sales just aren’t all that impressive. Yes, Microsoft might be happy to see 1.5 million devices shipped to carriers, but its excitement seems rather premature. As noted, 300,000 Android phones are activated by customers each day. Until Microsoft can even come close to that figure, it will have extreme difficulty gaining ground on Google or Apple. 

2. Windows Mobile ruined everything

An important reason for Windows Phone 7’s inability to compete is its predecessor. As soon as Apple offered up the iPhone and Google came out with Android, it became clear that Microsoft didn’t have a single competitor that mattered. Windows Mobile looked old, and consumers and enterprise customers forgot about it. As the software company’s sales figures show now, it’s having trouble overcoming the disappointment consumers felt from its old OS. 

3. Android is more readily available 

Over time, it is possible that Microsoft might be able build up Windows Phone 7’s momentum. However, that will be extremely unlikely unless it can find a way to achieve the same level of ubiquity that Android enjoys in the mobile market. Right now, several Android devices are available on all major carriers. Consumers have nothing but options, and they appreciate that. Windows Phone 7 handset options are limited, to say the least. 

4. There isn’t an iPhone competitor 

Speaking of those options, it’s important to point out that, at least so far, there isn’t a single Windows Phone 7-based device that can compete on any level with Apple’s iPhone. That’s a significant problem for Microsoft. The iPhone sets the standard by which all other smartphones are judged. Until Microsoft’s vendor partners can come up with something that comes even close to the iPhone’s features, Windows Phone 7 will have a hard time appealing to consumers. 

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HTC Brings Windows Phone 7 to Hong Kong

Taiwanese mobile phone maker HTC Corporation has just announced the release of two of its Window Phone 7 devices on the market in Hong Kong, namely the HTC 7 Mozart and HTC HD7.

The handsets, powered by Microsoft’s new Windows Phone 7 operating system, offer great innovation in appealing designs, while packing a variety of cutting-edge technologies.

According to HTC, its new HTC 7 Mozart and HTC HD7 also come with specific HTC applications accessible via the HTC Hub, aimed at expanding the Windows Phone 7 Hub and Tile experience.

“Windows Phone 7 is an entirely fresh mobile experience, on which HTC is excited to be going big. We see tremendous customer opportunities with the integration of Microsoft’s most popular services like Xbox LIVE and Zune,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation.

“The value Microsoft is bringing to mobile customers around the world sets a new benchmark for the industry. HTC will be introducing two new HTC Windows Phone 7 smartphones in Hong Kong to support our customers with a broad variety of choices.”

The mobile phone maker also notes that the new handsets come with distinctive materials and unique design elements aimed at making them even more appealing.

“HTC has been a partner with Microsoft since we launched our first phones nearly a decade ago, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey with the launch of Windows Phone 7,” said Andy Lees, President of the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft.

“Windows Phone 7 characterizes a new direction for Microsoft and its partners, and HTC is stepping up to support this in a significant way by bringing two new Windows Phones to Hong Kong market.”

The new HTC HD7 comes to the market with a large 4.3” high-resolution screen, while being able to offer great mobile gaming experience, as it take full advantage of the Xbox LIVE service Microsoft packed in Windows Phone 7.

The HTC 7 Mozart was made out of a single piece of anodized aluminum, and packs SRS WOW HD for high-fidelity, virtual surround sound.