Microsoft giving up on the business market with Windows Mobile 7?

February 8, 2010 | By Surur

Chainfire, via Tweakers.net, has posted this collection of Windows Mobile rumours:

Microsoft will drop much of the business side of WM in favor of the consumer side. The traditional business offerings like Office / Exchange functionality will of course still be supported, but the focus will be shifted to gaming and multimedia. The Xbox and Zune brands will be represented, the Zune player willl be included and it will be possible to wirelessly exchange data, multimedia, and games with the Xbox 360.

The first batch of phones that will be released will have pretty much the same chip specs, and HTC, Samsung, LG and SE will be the ones to deliver this first batch of phones. In this first batch (September 2010), the OEMs are apparently not allowed to make big changes, they all have to use the same interface.

This means, no custom UI like Sense, no Opera Mobile either. Instead the default WM UI will be used and a new PocketIE based on IE7, but with some functionality from IE8.

The second batch (end of 2010) will be allowed to have small changes, but likely only theme-based and addition of some custom application.

Only at the third batch (early 2011) will the OEMs be allowed to add their own interfaces, like Sense, Panels, TouchWiz and S-Class.

The official announcements of the WM7 phones are not expected to occur more than a few weeks before actual release of the OS, [CF: so we probably won't see official (unleaked) specs and such before the end of July (based on the September release date)].

As hardware goes they say mostly the same as the chassis 1 specs. 1 Ghz+ CPU, Open GL ES 2.0, 800×480+, 3.5"+, 384mb+ (possibly 512+).

According to those we have seen the WM7 interface, it is nothing revolutionary. It should have standard multi-touch support and supports only capacitive. The interface is said to be a hybrid of iPhone / Android / Zune HD elements.

Apparently those that have used WM7 builds differ in opinion about the software. Some state it is much faster than for example the 3GS, while others mention apps are slow to start and experiencing ‘hickups’.

Apps-wise, old applications will in principle not be compatible with Windows Mobile 7, throwing away many thousands of apps that are currently available. It may be compatibility for old apps will be emulated, but this is not clear yet. How exactly this will work will likely be explained at MIX 2010 in March.

It certainly seems like only .NET apps will be supported [CF: ugh!], however it is not clear if the Compact Framework will be a part of that .NET support.

About Surur

Site Admin and Windows Phone enthusiast, he has been using Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC’s. He is currently sporting a HTC 7 Trophy.

Tagged windows mobile 7, zune phone

http://intensedebate.com/people/Foamy Foamy

I don't mind too much about limiting the interface as long as you can install custom stuff later. MS needs to make it all look similar for ads so they build brand recognition. If they're limited custom apps then i will stick with 6.5.3. Also what really defines the business side? I would see this more ass adding casual functionality rather than taking away business functionality.

Overall though I'm losing hope for WM7 though. I guess we'll just have to wait and see; I just hope we don't get a repeat of the ipad situation.
John

Different experiences with app loading speeds might be due to the software still not complete. I know most of you hate the fact that the old apps wont work, but I think its a good thing. Its a clean break, it gets rid of the need for legacy code and support, the vast majority of old apps are written with GDI interface elements designed for stylus imput, and it opens the door for all the best of them to be rebuilt with much better UI and ease of use.
Eiren

If this is true, it will be a fundamental step backwords for what I have long considered the best mobile operating system around… granted the UI is pants, but the OS itself is superb. If the ability to multi-task, side load, run some of the numerous applications I have to hand (particularly after MarketPlace!!!) is lost, etc. then MS will have lost me as a customer, along with a lot of other folks. I suspect Maemo or Android will be my next port of call if this really is the case, but I honestly hope it isn't.
Jake

Given they are starting nearly at zero for the number of apps on Marketplace perhaps the limiting of legacy applicaitons is to encourage fresh deveopers and attract (back) iPhone devs. having said that I agree that this would be a fundamental slap in the face to current users, and especially the corporate market (which is the vast majority of deployed WM devices). I am keeping my Touch HD 6.5.1 and have zero intention of changing it anytime in the future for any Windows Mobile product. The minor improvements and retrograde software "enhancements" are not worth it. If I was still a WM licencee (I was for 6 years) I'd move my company to Android rather than licence a restricted, closed OS from Microsoft. Wait, they are forciung current and new WM licencees to use Bsquare of all people. F**k that was the most retrarded of all the stupidity coming out from Redmond.
Dave

Since it's only a week till MS lets at least part of the cat out of the bag, I'm going to wait till then. All these stupid rumors are starting to piss me off.

Dave
Owen

I think that we might have to change the name of this site to androidpoweruser.com if this is true… and I will be selling my HD2!

http://intensedebate.com/people/Lennard Lennard

I'll buy that HD2, sir.

Who?

I'd actually strongly consider buying an HD2 if these rumors are true. It may be the last best Windows Mobile phone ever be made. But there's still not point in discussing these rumors right now.

http://twitter.com/RecoveryPill @RecoveryPill

I'm waiting to see what WM7 is like before I buy my next phone.

I'm currently split between the Nexus One and the HD2.

At the beginning, I wasn't even considering the Nexus, and now… I'm starting to think that I'll end up getting that instead.

I'm just hoping that MS doesn't screw up.
efjay

Sounds like BS. Microsoft dropping the business side? Giving up and leaving it to RIM? All that builtin connectivity to Exchange going to waste? Giving their competitors an even bigger advantage over WM? Does this sound like anything Microsoft would do?

http://intensedebate.com/people/Lennard Lennard

this is the same thing I was thinking. no way MSFT is going to drop it like that. I don't believe. I will see and hear it when I see it. screw all these rumors.

bkwmiata

Every time I start to read some of these rumors I start to loose hope for 7 but then I remember some of the other rumors like there being different versions of the OS marketed to different groups. I have a feeling we'll be seeing at least 2 if not 3 versions of the same OS come from MS. One for those people that like a hands off experience (project pink which may be why they called it project pink (women)) and the other 2 for people that like hands on custiomizations. If I'm not mistaken in one of the interviews either Balmer, Bache or a programmer specifically said that 7 would bring even more customization than before. So before any of you start talking about jumping ship lets wait till next week after all we've waited this long.
http://www.appubator.com appubator

I don't think this is right – the last set of rumors came out that there would be 2 versions (biz and entertainment). They can't bifurcate software / app compatibility, but they can bifurcate features and UI.
Windows Mobile Biz vs. Windows Mobile Consumer (Fun)
Seven mss

A lot of the current wm people are mad yes, because MS is going to go mainstream. MS wants to reach the market of casual people, that want eye-candy, Zune, fart apps, etc. Like always, usually Apple, MS etc dont care about the people on sites like wmpoweruser. Their focus is on anothergroup of people.

I myself am very happy with the way WM7 is going. I am no business man, I dont need to have freedom and customization if the OS is solid itself. Just a few more days and we will know more guys!

http://intensedebate.com/people/wreiad wreiad

This.

I don't know why people get worried when they can't customize the OS. The only reason we had to was because it was so poor from a consumer perspective in the first place! We got the hint with the 6.5 homescreen that they're going for the consumers, so now what's the big deal? We knew this was gonna happen. 6.0-6.1 were so bad that they needed the custom uis to begin with, and you guys know that's true. That's only reason people began looking for alternatives. It was only because the original was lacking. That's why now they're betting this stuff won't lead people to look for alternatives, hence there are none. They don't care about "power users" [right now at least] and they damn sure don't care about XDA developers.

Who?

You sound like a iPhone user suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. "Oh we don't need this because the iPhone is so great, oh, we don't need this because it will kill the battery, oh, we don't need this because you can get the same thing by doing three different things instead."

http://intensedebate.com/people/wreiad wreiad

This is besides the point, but oh well. I'll soon be a Windows Mobile 7 user with stockholm syndrome:)

Who?

It's also disconcerting (as well as pompous/arrogant) to think that you speak for all people: "we."

http://intensedebate.com/people/wreiad wreiad

That's really not the point, and like I said, the reason manufacturers decided to cover up the ui and we [I said it again] got so used to alternative ui is because the default is so bad to begin with from a consumer's perspective. Feel free to offer a different explanation as to why so many companies like LG and Acer are making a consumer push and covering up an outdated ui with their own stuff.

http://www.chainfire.eu/ Chainfire

Well I personally think one of the most important tidbits in the 3-phase introduction. Could these be 3 different versions of WM7? For example (1) ZunePhone/Pink/whatever (2) WM7 Consumer (3) WM7 Pro ?

Of course, as with the original Tweakers.net article, I have no idea if any of this is true (I'm just the messenger), but seeing the differences between the three rumored batches, this might actually make sense.

Who?

You're probably right. The leaks are leaks, and the confusion arises over the fact that people are not getting the full information, and if there are multiple versions of the OS coming out people are bound to get confused. It's just one big game of telephone right now.

http://intensedebate.com/people/mohsen7x8 mighty

an article of disappointment this is… but somehow, I can't believe all of this… MS should know it's silly to remove all of WM's strengths. Then again, maybe they don't even know their own strengths…
http://twitter.com/one_solo @one_solo

Without Multi-Tasking, HTC Sense and not be able to install whatever I want in where I want, I will never buy a new winmo pda phone again…
I'll guess I'll have to go to Android or in the worst case to iPhone
I think companies are going paranoid… don't understand why so many restrictions when on the desktop side u can do whatever u want… Because of a majority of dumbs, that don't even know how to shutdown a computer, the rest of us have to suffer of these limitations…

NuShrike

Fleeing back to the PalmOS design model after over-running it, a bit?
Who?

Don't sleep on WebOS. If Palm releases a phone with decent specs in 2010 I'd consider that first before Android.

http://www.facebook.com/mobilitygeek Alex Januschewsky

rumors rumors rumors – let's see what the MSFT press conference at MWC will show! Until then all those postings are only for generating traffic…
Peter

I really hope these rumors aren't true. I have been eyeing Android recently and will readily switch.
Craig S

Hooray inane speculation!

OK, so Zune Phone is coming early "surprising analysts", but Business/General WinMo doesn't make it until next year? Even though that should be easier to release?

I doubt Microsoft is silly enough to sacrifice their stronghold to RIM just in order to build their brand with consumers
http://intensedebate.com/people/Lennard Lennard

wmpu, please cut out the rumors. as you get them just drag and drop them into the recycle bin.

Who?

Thanks. I have a rumor. It's for the HD5. Please post on WMPU.

Specs: 2.75 Ghz processor (Intel)
Screen: 4.8 inch capactive touch
RAM/ROM: 4gb/16gb

Release date: September 2012.

Source: Who?

Yuri Andropov

Before we all go off on the deep end, this is isn't all that unexpected a development. There have been rumors that there will be a consumer version of WM7 and a professional version of WM7. The danger acquisition, the oddly half-baked Zune app store, the Zune HD O/S being based on WCE and the long-rumored "Pink" project fit perfectly into this scenario. What's being described here is the successor to the Sidekick aka the Zune Phone. It's not what we think of when we talk about Windows Mobile 7. MS isn't going to give their enterprise-centric phone business to Blackberry (or toss one of their big Exchange Server selling points) in a mad dash to chase the iPhone.

I'm very interested in knowing if MS intends to resell this version of the OS or if it intends to just sell MS-branded handsets. If done well, it could eat into the potential Android market quite a bit. It also bodes well for the pro version of WM7. If the Zune Phone catches on like the original Sidekick, we may see a lot of slick Silverlight apps in addition to the usual XDA Developers stuff. Or it could be another Brown Zune. I guess we'll see.
somethingclever

Hey Microsoft! If you haven't noticed your huge market of business customers are losing their collective s**t over this rumor- if true. Here's what u should do:

* Announce and make available the more restricted "consumer" edition (either beta test or small fee) for Zune HD thru the MS marketplace.

* Include a surprise "winmo 6.5 emulator" and leave it to them to work out all the bugs so when you release the real consumer and business edition in the fall it'll be perfect.

Releasing the restricted version first will allow you to keep tabs on it better and won't totally piss of new winmo phone users. Plus the Zune HD sales will be c-r-a-z-y. I'd buy one instantly.

Best of all- if you put out WINPHO 7 on the Zune- immediately you'll be ahead of Apple (hardware wise and with a good deal of 6.5 winmo software) and take the piss outta their iphone 4.0 release in June!

You don't have to cut me a check- consider this a freebie Balmer
(am I insane guys? discuss)

Who?

You're insane because you're wasting your time getting angry (and using controlled cursing with asterisks) on the basis of a rumor.

goograwks

You guys aren't very smart if you believe that Microsoft is going to drop their business side of things. Of course, you're all a bunch of Google/NSA fans afterall, so I can expect that much from you.

Take a look at their latest financial statments and tell me how it would make sense to drop mobile business side of things? With the momentum behind Sharepoint, Microsoft is uniquely position to take advantage of their next billion dollar business especially integrating it in the mobile space. Look at all the work they've done in the Comm Server area (although, a little ways from being a billion dollar business) it only makes sens that Mobile is on the horizon in that regard. Oh, did you forget all the mobile related innovation in Exchange Server.
I call BS, but you all like giving up your privacy so you can't be that smart to begin with. lame

Hey, here's a rumor:
Microsoft will be revealing not only a mobile phone but a whole range of products at WMC. They'll all be a family of products that works seemlessly together and be connected via stream and Microsoft Cloud (Azure and GPS technology).
Microsoft will show you the first batch in their Context Aware devices.
Who?

The announcement is coming in a week, right? So there's no point in even addressing these rumors, but I'll say one thing: I hope these leaks are false and that this is just an attempt to lower expectations.

Craig S

I would give Microsoft tons of cool points if they were leaking wack info on purpose. What happened to the iPad? It was hyped before launch, then it underwhelmed. If Microsoft controlled the blogosphere by painting a really bleak picture (after all the hype that's starting to bubble around Zune Phone and MWC), then they're in a much better position to surprise people.

Who?

Also, this whole "OEMs not allowed to make changes" is irrelevant. It's the individual developers that matter here, not OEMs. People will hack Sense onto these WM7 phones even if Microsoft doesn't allow HTC to ship them with Sense.
aleis

well, the android community has me
so i can help yall come over if need be
but seriously…i want winmo to work!
i want winmo 7 to change the game!!!
i still get crap like "where is winmo aleis?" an man…i dont believe rumors by default…but i hate when they come out to be true. in this case…it NEEDS to not come true!
Mr Man

At this rate, it appears that WM 6.5.3 will actually be the better options despite the 'newness' of WM7…
http://twitter.com/killerdraft @killerdraft

I'll just wait and see what happens at mwc. If all these rumors are true, I'll most likely buy the Xperia X10 in april/may whenever it comes out.
K159

"(Office Mobile 2010) will be released on Windows phones (Windows Mobile 6.5 or above) by the general availability of Microsoft Office 2010."

I don't think MS is developing two separate versions of Office Mobile 2010 – one for 6.5.x and one for 7.
http://www.newsandtricks.com fucc

this is…if real…an announced suicide. I have WM only for multitasking. Why i need a WM7 phone instead of an Android One????? italians: http://bit.ly/bt62Aw
http://www.newsandtricks.com fucc

this is…if real…an announced suicide. I have WM only for multitasking. Why i need a WM7 phone instead of an Android One????? italians: http://bit.ly/bt62Aw
http://www.avianwaves.com Parrotlover77

Like every other WM7 rumor, I call bullshit. Complete, utter bullshit. It's like Apple fanboys are planting these rumors specifically created to piss off the hardcore WM fans by saying that WM7 is suddenly going to look like the iPhone.

No. Microsoft is a lot of things, but they are not stupid on the business market.

Bull and shit.

if you believe all this garbage, I have a bridge to sell you.