Welcome (back) Windows (Mobile) Phone

The first day of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona usually throws up a few surprises, but I am not sure anyone expected what went down on this cold day in February.

After a complete anti-climax of a press event from Nokia, their faces were well and truly rubbed in the dirt by Steve Ballmer and the Microsoft team. A technical hitch at the beginning of the presentation was the only speed bump in a smooth ride for the Microsoft team, whose presentation has been greeted with great aplomb. Windows Phone 7 is a completely new product from Microsoft that encapsulates a vast range of services and offerings focussed on the consumer (which Windows Mobile before it never seemed to grasp). Where did that come from?!

For me, there were several key USPs that make Windows Phone a very promising inclusion in the smartphone operating system wars.

• UI designed with UX – The UI behind Windows Phone is so heavily user experienced focussed, it goes above and beyond any other produced by Microsoft. Designed for the fast paced ‘at a glance’ lifestyle, it has gone lengths to redesign traditional and even the latest UIs to create a functional and enjoyable experience for its users. OK, so the UX market is dominated by the Apple iPhone OS, but until it embraces widgets and multitasking, it will fall behind.
• Multitasking – Multitasking is the main advantage that Android has had over the iPhone OS, and it seems with a decent UX, it could really challenge the market. Lets just hope it is glitch free as running multiple apps could create some headaches.
• Office for mobile – The Microsoft Office package is the worlds most common utilities packages for personal and business use, and it has received an overhaul for Windows Phone that promises to offer a whole new experience for its users, as well as ensuring a smooth cohesion between itself and the desktop counterpart
• Current service offering extensions – Windows phone will support Xbox Live and Zune in the entertainment arena, offering an opportunity for customer retention, as well as attracting new users with connected purchase decisions.

Microsoft has created a product to support the personal nature of the mobile phone. By taking into account the user experience, they have developed a UI that appeals to a users preference, offering relevant information that can be personalised to a seemingly ‘nTH’ degree. Only time will tell whether this is Microsoft’s fight back onto the mobile scene; all I know is that it is a major step back in the right direction.

For a good summary of the keynote, check out a break down here. Or for the official press release, click here.

Back to Basics

The GSMA yesterday announced its first batch of Mobile Media Metrics, in association with all of the major UK MNO’s. 2 years in development, these statistics not only mark early signs of the mobile industry working together towards a common goal, but it also signals what we hope is the start of a swift adoption of mobile as a platform on which brands and businesses can target their varying audiences.

‘But mobile is common place in marketing already!’ I hear you cry.

Yes it is being employed, but is the quality and targeting of said work demonstrating not just ROI and all the other buzzword bullshit, but true engagement with its users? (read more…)

iDo or iDon’t?

Verizon Wireless has been heavily seeding the net with virals for its Motorola Android handset in the past week, and is certainly sparking some controversy! It has a few digs at the iPhone and goes further to demonstrate Motorola’s strong support for the Android OS. iPhone might be a little worried about the emergence of Android, and the commitment made by the members of the Open Handset Alliance, but I for one do not believe a Motorola handset will take away the iPhone’s crown. But in the meantime I am enjoying watching the industry give Apple a gentle kick in the nuts.

Some smart alec Apple fan boy has replied with their very own take on the Droid Does viral. (read more…)

Get your first Tattoo with HTC

The customisable, interchangeable mobile phone cover was a real fad in the early days of mobile going mainstream. I fondly remember my Homer Simpson X-Press On cover for my Nokia 3210, which I eventually swapped for a ‘blingy’ mirror effect case with jewel like buttons. I disgust myself when I think about it. What we must remember was that back in the day, this was how we customised our mobiles! Long before applications, downloadable images, and even ring tones, the interchangeable cover was our way of expressing who we were via our mobile. But as the industry matured, it was recognised that people didn’t care about changing their handset aesthetics….or do they? (read more…)