iPad, iPhone, Smartphone
And so the battle continues with Apple and its all-conquering iOS4 commanding a staggering 5-1 ratio ahead of second place Google Android which has steadily increased its market share but is still light years behind Apple, Nokia is the leader overall at 41% global market share.
Now Microsoft tries its hand again with Windows Phone 7 after many years of suffering criticism from its previous releases, could this be the last throw of the dice for Microsoft in the mobile phone market? On October 21st five, possibly more, phones will be released (in the UK at least) and will be available on Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, O2 and Three networks, release in the US is set to be in November.
Windows Phone 7 has been in development for a few years and Microsoft has been deadly serious in bringing substantial improvements to the operating system. This is not just an upgrade from 6.5 but a completely new operating system with some features that look to be superior to anything that Apple and Google currently have.
Below are some features to look forward to;
- Apps with always on Internet connection allowing realtime updates to contacts, photos, home screens etc.
- Touch screen multi gestures.
- Hubs (centrally managed apps that are linked together be it games, office or social networking).
- Integrated Bing search with maps and built-in GPS.
Common features for all phones should be 16GB Storage, 5MP camera with flash, Video link below demonstrating HTC’s first Windows Phone 7 release.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/htc-hd7-first-hands-on/
Microsoft have laid minimum specifications for phone companies to adhere to and App developers will have to conform to a standard set by Microsoft to provide a certain level of quality whereas on Google Android developers have free reign to build apps any way they see fit. Gaming looks to be well covered with Xbox Live integration and with plenty of power to handle 3D games more videos here;
http://gizmodo.com/5661083/windows-phone-7s-first-games-and-apps-look-awesome
Early reviews around the web are quite glowing and full of praise for Microsoft, the main criteria being the operating system is quite a stark departure for the Redmond team and feels far more Apple like in its usage with some even saying that it is more user friendly and better thought out for the end user then the iPhones.
Gartner remains unconvinced in the long term for the fortunes of Microsoft in the smartphone market estimating that it will have just 4% global market share by 2014.
