Mobile World Congress 2010 is being held this week in Barcelona. The emphasis on "mobile" used to refer primarily to cell phones, but this year there are plenty of developments aimed at mobile computing as well.
Monday, Microsoft announced a completely revamped mobile OS called Windows Phone 7 Series. This is the successor to Windows Mobile 6.5, and represents Microsoft's attempt to catch up with iPhone OS and Google Android. Windows Phone 7 Series has a beautiful new interface, with simplified icons and quick paging to multiple screens. In addition to making phone calls and browsing the Web, the OS has links to XBox games, plays Zune HD audio and video, and works with the Microsoft Exchange email service used by many businesses.
Microsoft announced alliances with many cell phone carriers to use the new Windows Phone 7 Series OS. Delivery of phones using the new OS should begin late in 2010.
Update: Here's a Youtube video produced by Microsoft to show off some of the Windows Phone 7 Series features
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IOTrqlz4jo
Now I'm waiting for the announcement that Windows Phone 7 Series can also be used as the OS for small mobile computers that use ARM processors. Just like Apple's iPhone OS has been expanded to work with the iPad, and Google's Android works with many small computers, Windows Phone 7 Series is likely to work on other mobile platforms.
The combination of ARM processor, touchscreen display, lightweight OS and "Internet anywhere" connection via a cell phone 3G data network is a compelling mobile computer platform. Let's hope the companies don't get greedy when pricing these new devices.
Monday, Microsoft announced a completely revamped mobile OS called Windows Phone 7 Series. This is the successor to Windows Mobile 6.5, and represents Microsoft's attempt to catch up with iPhone OS and Google Android. Windows Phone 7 Series has a beautiful new interface, with simplified icons and quick paging to multiple screens. In addition to making phone calls and browsing the Web, the OS has links to XBox games, plays Zune HD audio and video, and works with the Microsoft Exchange email service used by many businesses.
Microsoft announced alliances with many cell phone carriers to use the new Windows Phone 7 Series OS. Delivery of phones using the new OS should begin late in 2010.
Update: Here's a Youtube video produced by Microsoft to show off some of the Windows Phone 7 Series features
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IOTrqlz4jo
Now I'm waiting for the announcement that Windows Phone 7 Series can also be used as the OS for small mobile computers that use ARM processors. Just like Apple's iPhone OS has been expanded to work with the iPad, and Google's Android works with many small computers, Windows Phone 7 Series is likely to work on other mobile platforms.
The combination of ARM processor, touchscreen display, lightweight OS and "Internet anywhere" connection via a cell phone 3G data network is a compelling mobile computer platform. Let's hope the companies don't get greedy when pricing these new devices.