Remember those
old, allegedly leaked Windows Mobile 7 screen shots from way back in 2008? You know -- those ones that look absolutely nothing like the so-called Metro UI that
Windows Phone 7 Series is actually using? Well, Microsoft's Albert Shum -- one of WP7S' chief designers who we had the pleasure of meeting back at MWC -- just confirmed the accuracy of those leaks in a session here at
MIX10. Discussing the reboot of the WinMo 7 program that happened inside Microsoft about a year ago, Shum flashed a slide showing eight of those infamous shots featuring those crazy bottom-aligned battery and signal meters along with WinMo 6.x-ish ID oozing from every nook and cranny. Needless to say, a clean-slate approach was sorely needed, and that's exactly where Metro ended up coming into play -- but be honest: is there anyone out there that would've still preferred the old leak in a production device?
posted March 15th 2010 7:35PM
no.
@Mack Stone
Most of us like the new products they've come up with and are no longer bothered by the old 'promises' you speak of. Of course plenty won't and will continue to whine on every post, such as yourself but you can't ever please everyone, never. The majority are quite impressed by WP7 and look forward to it. I couldn't care less about 2008's press releases right now.
@Mack Stone
I would tend to agree with you on that one. However, I thinks its more a difference in marketing strategy between the two company's. Apple prefers to keep people in the dark, release minimal specs that really sound "ground breaking", Then release after everyone is done creaming themselves. At this point in the mobile game, Microsoft HAS to release a full fledged attack and release everything up front to gain support for their new OS. Palm did the same thing with the Pre, I'm hoping it pans out better for WP7S than it did webOS.
@buoy
I would...As long as the old look retained multitasking abilities.
@Mack Stone It seems to me that this article is very clear that the pictures were "leaked." There is a big difference between a set of unintentionally leaked pictures and a company "promising" to do something.
Just sayin'.
@Almo
so your reply was pretty much- oh well, mixed with a little Mac fan bashing and M$ gushing.
@Mack Stone
When did Microsoft release these photos? Weren't they unofficially leaked and unconfirmed? (Answer: YES).
Using that same standard, Apple has leaked information about the iPad for YEARS. The device has changed tons of the years of speculation.
Do we hold Apple accountable for leaks that occur on their end? No. The fact is that leaks at different development stages shouldn't be used to penalize a company. That's the nature of product development. You go through different iterations until you settle upon the one that works. I want to be very clear - Microsoft DID NOT promise anything in 2008 as it relates to WP7.
@Mack Stone
Could be because msft encourages employees to blog.
@doubleyewdee
Microsoft is the king of vaporware.
@Mack Stone
How about this explanation. The 'leaked' images came out and some people liked it while others didn't. Now the actual product is out in the public and some people like it and some people don't. Among these people are windows fans, apple fans, android fans... whatever. Some people who liked the leaks may not like the new product (check out the post on how the new marketplace will be closed) and vice versa (the new UI brought a lot of new potential buyers on board). Maybe some people really did change their minds (is that a crime?).
Now it's your choice whether you want to try to reduce everybody's individual opinion to one unanimous, single-minded, fanboy, "me against them" deal. If that kind of thing makes you happy.
@aaquib
I hope it keeps some form of multi-tasking! There has to be a medium somewhere thats suitable.. Ring fencing like the iphone is horrible but at least the users know if they are using their phone lots, battery goes down, with multi-tasking there is always an element to bring in for bad battery life.. even if it is caused by the user, bad press can spiral?
@Mack Stone Did Microsoft promise anyone that those features are coming in Windows Mobile? Did they guarantee it anywhere?
@buoy
As a long time Windows CE/Mobile user, I would like a new OS that retains some of the old flexibilities such as the ability to install our own software instead of being forced to use WM Marketplace.
I am intrigued by WP7S but it feels less PDA to me... more like an iPhone than it's predecessors and that's my main problem with it.
@Mack Stone
MS always gets a pass? every tech journalist has been praising the iPhone (which it deserves) while bashing on winmo's lack of progress... specifically calling out delays in WM7. most tech enthusiasts/readers agreed with them hence WM decline in market share. WP7 happens to offer a much better approach to a MS phone (even if a few promised features (which i cant remember any WM7 confirmed features... just vague screenshots of a 'new' UI)) and older features (task manager style multitasking) SO if the feature set and execution of the product is radically better than what they initially promised... why would anyone want to complain?
@Mack Stone: you make me laugh... @ not /w. Can I call you "Paul C. Chapel 7 Series"?
The main features WinMo users have been wanting are Zune & Xbox Live. On those fronts, MS has delivered big time. As for the scrapped version, go to WinMo fan sites (like XDA), and those screenshots were NOT treated with a universal praise by a long shot.
yes
No. I like WP7S as it is. A new breath of fresh change.
@Almo "a breath of fresh change?" yet they are doing everything apple and the iPhone has done for years. They are closing the once open (install any app at anytime). How is that a fresh change? They are now not allowing multi tasking and won't let anyone develop unless it meets certain guidelines. It sounds like to me that win ph 7 series is trying everything the apple crew is profiting off of. Things are changing people don't want a closed platform they want change and win ph 7 looked like that change but after today it looks pretty much the same but with a little different way of force feeding. Just sayin
I don't know if I would prefer it, but I can definitely say that I will miss the old WinMo. Sometimes it's kind of nice to have a computer in your pocket.
@jroff
So then get/keep one? You don't HAVE to get WP7 if you're not satisfied with it, stick to WinMo, it still calls people you know and will do everything else you wanted.
@Almo It's because there will be a LOT less support for Classic
@jroff
I would definitely trade these looks for copy/paste and multitasking.
nope
I prefer this one, more features and more open than Apples I ment Microsofts Windows 7 series iPhone I ment Phone
@OCEAN CLAK
Not everyone want's openness. I hate how the HD2's apps are so fragmented around the net and the level of quality is awful. But hey, if it works for you, stick to it. Otherwise, I'm happy with the 'ecosystem' direction they're innovating.
@davidmuful
Thank you spelling police.
I now know how to spell ''Androids the best mobile Operating'' two hours ago.
Thank you officer Davidmuful.
@OCEAN CLAK
*Android's the best
If you're going to talk about grammar and spelling, at least check yourself buddy.
@Kulahan
Thanks for agreeing Android's the greatest operating system.
RIP Windows CE (1996 to 2010)
RIP Windows Mobile (AKA Pocket PC) (2000 to 2010)
RIP Windows Phone Severn Series Phone (2010 to 2010)
Never coming back to a Windows Mobile thread again.
Android here I come.
@OCEAN CLAK
Wow.
First, "I now know" implies present tense, and "two hours ago" would imply past tense. Simple ideas in English can only be represented with one tense. You could have written "I knew how to spell 'Blah' two hours ago", or you could have written "I now know how to spell 'Blah' because of [insert even] which happed two hours ago" which would be an example of a complex idea that can have more than one tense.
Second, "Androids" should have an apostrophe, because it is a contraction of the words Android and is.
You're welcome,
Spelling Police.
@OCEAN CLAK
Sweet. Hope we don't see you on Windows Phone posts anymore. Enjoy!
@Joe Cool
Spelling and grammar are the least of his problems.
@OCEAN CLAK Lol. I gotta hand it to ya that was a good comeback
Your joking right?
Ok, so why isn't this Windows Phone 7 Classic?
6.5 is a joke. Replace its UI with this, keep Metro for the premium versions.
@Evster88
I like the fact that I can replace the UI with a custom one that I prefer. I cannot do that with the revamped winpho7
@Evster88
You have 6.5? I do, and it's no joke. If you want it to look like this then there are skins out there. In fact, this looks very similar to 6.5 today.
@Evster88
6.5 is not a joke. It's fully functional and very dynamic. It's just lacks the "pretty" factor that the fickle masses only seem to be concerned about these days. Truth be told, I like the corporate look of 6.5.1 best; I use my phone for business, I like that it reflects that.
Metro is nice looking, though
@JDubbs115
Oops, I meant just 6.5 (6.5.1's lower buttons are HORRIBLE). But my opinion still stands
@Evster88 6.5 is powerful and attractive, but for some back-end UI controls that don't really bother many people
No.
Honesty, I would have preferred the old leak. The first thing I do when I set up any OS, be it mobile or desktop, is make it look how I want it to look. With my current phone (Touch Pro2) I can do that no problem. With WP7S/Metro, I can't do that. I'm all for a clean slate, but what I really care about is advancements in technology, not just a pretty UI. This doesn't seem like they're going up, they're just going sideways, and in some aspects (ie multitasking), down a little
@EGOvoruhk
The first thing I do with my phone, is make sure it works well.
Windows mobile was never suited to that.
@Taylor Yes Taylor
HD2 begs to differ.
@Taylor Yes Taylor Why so much hate? Peace and love brotha, you can like other brands and not bash on all the others, take a chill pill, would you?
I don't use WinMo, but it works for many people, and I like the ability to configure it to my needs. Lets just hope WinMo7 doesn't take that away from users.
Sorry, IMO the the leaked UI looks better. The reboot date is interesting as well. If they truly started from scratch only a year ago, there is little chance of a consumer release this year.
@Ed T
Except they already announced there will be devices available come this Holiday season. Microsoft has the money and man power for round the clock development for this. I worked in an IT department before and developers are some of the most dedicated people you will meet. Plus, Microsoft knows that they need to stay consistent, deliverer, and meet deadlines to continue to differentiate themselves from "the old" Microsoft.
I have no doubt they can get this out in the coming months.
Good riddance what ever that was... Yuck
Love the new kick ass Metro UI
This leaked UI was one of the reasons I almost jumped to Android. Never thought I'd say this, but AT&T's woeful support of the Android platform was my only barrier, and I'm actually thankful for it now.
It's been a very long time since Microsoft has given me wood. Between the ZuneHD, WP7S, Windows 7, Xbox, the promise of Courier, and ecosystem integration that embraces all of the above, welcome back to my pants.
@schismal
hahah wood.
I totally agree. Finally I'll be able to say, I have a Windows Phone without having to prepare myself to defend Windows Mobile.
Ouch you can really tell that a "clean-slate approach" was taken.