US telecom operator, AT&T will start selling Samsung Focus based on Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7 platform in the country for $199.99.
The recently launched Windows Phone 7 mobile OS form the software giant offers various features that are currently unmatched by rivals in the smartphone market. Windows Phone 7 is set to help Microsoft leap ahead Symbian ^3 mobile OS from Nokia. It also includes features that put it ahead of Google Android phones and even Apple's iPhone. The "Live Tiles" in the OS are more active in way than Apple's and Google's Android devices.
The new OS has only a few recognizable apps-such as Internet Explorer and the rest is completely new. The Metro interface of WP7 has two striking elements called Tiles and Panorama. Tiles are giant app icons that can incorporate live data and Panorama means that most of the apps which allows users to swipe screens to the left to reveal more elements.
The platform allows users to easily see short cuts with the flick of a finger, to which the users can add items like address-book listing, an application or a Web bookmark. The platform has also prioritized new, relevant information over inventorying the phone's applications.
All the Windows Phone 7 handsets will feature three hardware buttons: a Windows button that brings the user to the desktop, a Back button that returns the user to the previous screen, and a Search button. The Friends Hub feature streams Facebook updates right into the OS. It aims to combine contact information from multiple sources-address books, Facebook, Windows Live.
AT&T's Focus, like other WM& device will use an onscreen keyboard for text input and Microsoft also provides auto-correction software. The new Bing-powered Web and map search allows users to speak to the apps. The phone also has a Zune-based music player and Office integration of contacts and email are some of the unmatched features.
Experts say that the company will have to create an App collection for the platform. The lack of apps may be because of the rich native functionality of these devices however apps add a great of appeal to any smartphone. Microsoft may be of the view that it does not need to have apps from third parties.
