Windows Mobile RIP
msmobiles.com has uncovered that WM7 is delayed and it will only hit the shelves in Q4 2010. Remember the news that the RTM version will be released to manufactures in April 2010 we dont think that will be happening now.
It is not the first time WM7 has been delayed. Clearly Windows Mobile is losing the battle in the smartphone race, with HTC Bravo the powerhouse Android device in ( April 2010 ) and a possible new iPhone in June – July consumers who wish to upgrade will find moving away from the failing platform is a wise choice.
So my question to you guys is are you still going to wait for WM7 and be loyal to the platform or will you jump ship to the iPhone or Android ? why – why not ? let us know in the comments…
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
the only reason i havent bought an HD2 is WinMo7… I thought I've had my htc touch for two years now, so one extra year doesnt hurt… besides, there's so much software, skins, games that i've installed on my two year old htc that i dont even feel i've had it for that long!
I think WM was never mentioned for everyone (like iphone is). I really like WM 6.1 interface and abilities, hate the non functional hybrid 6.5, and if WM 7 will be something in style of iphone… then yes will I leave the platform…
I am surprised that , the new hardware enhancements like accelerometer , light and proximity sensors , compass etc have not compelled you to upgrade..
WOW, its not every day you find some one who think the WM6.1 interface was better than WM6.5 . ( But I do miss the today screen , but with some cool [ WM6.5 Titanium Plugins ] http://www.1800pocketpc.com/category/software/t... , I have made my peace with the new Titanium Screen
I think the overall opinion of most users is that they've customized their phone and if they were to change would:
1. miss the customizations possible
2. not miss HAVING to customize their phone to get it to their needed level of usability.
Frankly, that's what is nice about the WinMo OS currently is the permutations that are possible for end user preference. I have yet to find two people in the same room that use Windows Mobile in the same way. That combined with the freeware openness of the community is something very unlike it's competitors (except maybe Google) but also very unlike the Microsoft of the 90's and early 2000's.
My guess is that Microsoft isn't losing out on end users because they have their target audience captive already. I also don't see companies like HTC/Samsung/Motorola investing in new hardware for an aging interface so new phones the first part of the year are unlikely anyway. The delay will not move people away from the platform but it wont attract anyone either and THAT is what might kill it in the end as non winmo end users get locked into 2 year contracts on Droid and iPhone 2010.
” I have yet to find two people in the same room that use Windows Mobile in the same way. ”
Love that statement.. ^_^ the level of customization on WM is by far the best on the 3 with somany 3rd party interface and Hardware vendor UI, WM users are spoilt for choice..
Im playing the waiting game. If windows can get their act together in the next 3 months with th marketplace they could regain a smidge of respect. They need to be turning their spin doctors to Skyfire, Ontv, Experiment 13 and shouting from the rooftops “look what windows phone can do” Plus they need to hire the dude who had 1000 apps on the iphone appstore lol
Sorry for the rant. I will wait as I have an upgrade in feb 2011 and by then all main players will have dealt their cards. I slightly regret not picking up the Hero when I had the chance. I think windows mobile 7 needs to be on a level with xbox as far as the new xbox experience is concerned. they cant just make it a stylus less phone and expect peeps to lap it up. its all about the apps and advertising why we need a windows phone.
I too was under the impression that Windows Mobile is dying and I still think there are good chances it will happen eventually.
On the other hand, I just had a chance to use the new HTC HD (2) for a while and I must say that with the amazing capacitive screen and great speed, this phone makes me think there is still a chance to hide WinMo’s diseases.
http://mobilespoon.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-nig...
Will it be enough to last for almost a year?
I’m not really sure.
But should any WinMo fan try to put his hands on one of those HD2? Definitely!!!
Just got my Milestone (=Motorola Droid for Europe). Though I sometimes miss the precision and reliability (sometimes a tap is recognized twice) of the resistive displays, I don't think I'll switch back.
I also thought I might miss the freeware customization of WM, but the notification bar (top line with battery level, time, etc.) is pretty flexible and doesn't take much screen estate. The home screen can be replaced with alternatives like Home++, Open Home, etc., and thanks to documented and working(! unlike WM…) interfaces and Open Source original launcher, all Widgets (“Today plugins”) are working there as well. Most of the other default apps usually are as good or way better than WM replacements (like all the contact managers) anyway.
So far I'm only missing a nice and easy to use music player, which surprised me because it's way more easy to develop one than for WM. Well, maybe I'll try to reprogram MortPlayer for Android, just with less historical bloating…
And being at development: Woohoo, no propietary shit, free development tools, debugging doesn't crash all the time, easy to design dialogs for all screen sizes, … Feels like switching from Notepad to OpenOffice.
Which brings me to HD2. Yes, it's cool that it's possible for HTC to reprogram WM so far. Too bad that makes HD2 a device that can execute either crippled old WM apps or propietary HD2/HTC apps which use all the sensors, power, etc. but run nowhere else. That's not what portable platforms like WM where meant to be. It's more like a HTC OS with WM compatibility mode.
I will be moving to android whe ni next buy a new phone, no question
Hi Gil
its nice to that see that you got to play around with the HD2. I still havn't got my hand on one
Hi Mort
So thats one more Dev who jumped ship to the Droid. You will be missed in the WM community
” Feels like switching from Notepad to OpenOffice.” ouch… I am yet to try out android but the new Nexus One looks like it will be a good upgrade sometime early next year
i have tried android: a delusion.
tried the iphone, a wonderfully working with a top user experience TOY (not for serious stuff).
ok windows mobile has lots of improvements, must get more reliability and stability and has issues on user experiance, but no way: if you work is far a lot better.
what actually dissapoints me about winmo is that you have some great third party UIs being developed (spb and pointui are superb) yet Microsoft can't seem to get their act together in this department at all. Whilst i'm happy with wm6.1 to a point, I will be seriously looking at android as an alternative.
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