Microsoft broadcast what appeared to be a commercial for Windows Phone 7 today during the press conference. The commercial poked fun at Apple's inability to multi-task applications on the iPhone but what's the deal with Windows Phone 7?
Little is known about Windows Phone 7 Series applications as Microsoft officials are remaining tight lipped. Before Monday's announcements information leaked that indicated Microsoft would not support multi-tasking applications. This appears to be the case from first impressions. Microsoft officials wouldn't talk about multi-tasking but confirmed that third party applications can take advantage of live tiles and data feeds in custom hubs. It appears apps might not necessarily need to multi-task if they are able to keep a constant connection through a custom hub interface or live tile on the start screen. Microsoft is silently indicating to developers that their applications will be able to interface directly with the operating system using new methods that the company has built into the heart of Windows Phone 7.
Many critics of the iPhone argue that the push notifications service isn't good enough for various applications, especially those that provide audio content that you may wish to listen to outside of the application (in the background). If Microsoft makes the right decisions in this area and pleases developers and consumers then it's on to a good thing. Apple has had a head start of over two years and yet continues to frustrate developers with the lack of background applications and the slow and controversial approval process. The proof of how well Windows Phone 7 will penetrate the market is by the way developers adopt the platform. If consumers spot applications and a user interface that makes it compelling to switch back from iPhone or Android devices then they will. Microsoft can also target the majority of feature phone users that not made the move to smartphone devices. The mobile device market is still young and consumers are able to chop and change easily thanks to subsidised handsets from mobile providers and the ability to upgrade their handset every two years. Microsoft might be late to the party but if it plays its cards right then it will certainly take the chips home. If Microsoft fails to provide developers with a platform that is compelling and that supports an improved way of multi-tasking then why did they create this video?
Development and Application information won't arrive officially until MIX 2010 next month in Las Vegas.
Thanks to Long Zheng - istartedsomething.com for the video
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