Windows Phone 7
Complete new smartphone
Microsoft's latest Windows Phone 7 has already started receiving rave reviews. News has it that it bares little resemblance to past versions of Windows Mobile. 'This really is a completely new OSand not just Microsoft's new OS, it's a new smartphone OS, like webOS new, like iPhone OS new. You haven't used an interface like this before,' Engadget writes. The latest available scoop on the OS is that the user interface has been totally redone. Instead of the typical grid of icons, the Microsoft system uses actively updating "live tiles" and "hubs" that gather features and content into onscreen panels. Manufacturers will not be able to make massive modifications to Windows Phone. Much of the interface is very Microsoft Zune-like. The Zune brand will be used for music/video content, while Xbox Live will be used for Games. Naturally, the phones running the Microsoft OS will get the Office Mobile suite of apps, as well as OneNote and Sharepoint for business users. Windows Phone 7 also makes it easy to combine contact info, photos, status updates and activities from users' social nets. The homescreen is made up of two pages: on the left is a series of "panels", either square or rectangular, which serve as shortcuts to your favorite applications and display data pulled in from them. On the right is a simple list of all the applications installed on the handset. You flip back and forth between the two pages by swiping. The company is quite strict in its specifications for the hardware that will run the OS. They are laying down the ground rules in an attempt to create a more consistent experience across phones. Microsoft is currently talking with handset makers such as HTC, Samsung, LG , Sony Ericsson, Dell, HP, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile USA about offering Windows Phone 7 enabled devices. Reviewers are already looking forward to the release of the OS. But unfortunately, it won't be out until end of this year. And when will it be available in Bangladesh? We'll just have to wait.
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