Microsoft’s mobile reboot

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Chris Morris

Critics, analysts and carriers have all lauded Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7, the company’s latest attempt to reclaim ground in the mobile space. But in a field increasingly dominated by Apple and Android, the biggest name in personal computing is still far from a major player.

Opening day sales figures for the phone line were anemic, coming in at a reported 40,000, despite a lavish marketing campaign and worldwide media events. (To put that in perspective, Apple sells roughly 270,000 iPhones per day.) But the early numbers don’t necessarily tell the full story.

Gadget gift guide 2010

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Chris Morris

This holiday season, gadgets are a good worry-free gift to get that bizzer who has everything — particularly since everything that’s tech seems to be changing. From 3D TV and a video-streaming set-top box to a new twist on motion-capture gaming, Variety has put together a list of the latest gizmos that are sure to be as much fun to give as they are to receive.

Analysis: Xbox Live – The Killer App For Windows Phone 7?

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Chris Morris

[Following Microsoft’s new details on Windows Phone 7, Gamasutra editor-at-large Chris Morris talks to the company and analysts to examine how Xbox Live may help the smartphone OS thrive.]

Microsoft’s gamble with Windows Phone 7 is anything but a sure bet – but the inclusion of Xbox Live as a prominent part of the operating system could be the ace up the company’s sleeve.

Mobile gaming has been evolving rapidly over the past three years – and tying it to a service that has been so phenomenally successful for Microsoft could position the company to regain market share.

Windows Phone 7 takes aim at Apple

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Chris Morris

While Microsoft’s previous efforts in mobile technology haven’t generated a lot of support or enthusiasm, the company is incorporating a variety of entertainment elements into its upcoming phones — which could be key to winning marketshare.

A trio of handsets featuring Windows Phone 7 — which many analysts feel is the company’s last chance to make a real impact in the mobile space — will hit AT&T stores on Nov. 8. Other carriers will follow shortly thereafter. (Some European customers will get the phones on Oct. 21.)

Microsoft’s mobile division hits a big roadblock

Posted on September 16, 2010 by Chris Morris

Windows Mobile 7 might be the most radical (and promising) operating system from the company’s mobile division in years, but the road to retail isn’t going to be perfectly smooth.

Verizon, which was famously burned by Microsoft with the Kin earlier this year, has announced it will not carry phones using the service at launch – or at all this year. It will be some unnamed date in 2011 before the company begins supporting the OS.

Chris Morris: Journalist

Tag Archives: windows phone 7