Thread: Windows Phone 7: When will it get useful?

I've been playing around with an HTC HD7 for a few weeks now, and I'm quite disappointed at the lack of functionality of the OS. I mean it's fast, and for a few basic apps and messaging and media, etc., it's OK, but it's missing so much:

No Flash, very few applications, no custom ringtones, no cut & paste and so on.

I bought it specifically to connect it to Exchange 2010 when we install it, but even connected to Exchange 2003, for a Microsoft OS it's a dog.

It seems to me that they rushed out this crippled version just to try and get some market share out of the Christmas rush, which is a pretty stupid reason to do so.

However, there appears to be a large January update coming which will start to address some of these problems, at least that's what the URL suggests (although of course they could mean January 2012):

January Update

And other gossips suggests a much bigger update to follow not long after:

Windows Phone 7 handset owners are most likely to receive an update at the beginning of 2011, with a larger, more feature rich update coming soon after in February.

So I'd have to say at the moment, I wouldn't bother buying a WP7 phone. It's not even close to matching Android or iPhone yet.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

No Flash, very few applications, no custom ringtones, no cut & paste and so on.

Sounds like they're got Apple firmly in their sights...

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

No Flash, very few applications, no custom ringtones, no cut & paste and so on.

Sounds like they're got Apple firmly in their sights...

In fairness, at least they've indicated that they intend to add these things.

This is what happens when you rush sh*t out...

For the most part the platform has received overall positive reviews, that is unless you are trying to use the Bluetooth capabilities of the device. The Microsoft Answers help forum has been busy with users having Bluetooth issues. The most common issue is when pairing the device to a cars built in Bluetooth. Users are claiming issues of call quality being poor or that their phone is randomly restarting when paired with the car.

and

It was not long ago that Neowin broke the news about Microsoft's FaceTime competitor, but since we broke the news, a bit more information has come across our inbox and shines a bit more light into the details of the application.
As Neowin previously showed, WP7 has the built-in calls for a front facing camera. According to our source, the intent was to launch WP7 with the front facing camera requirement and the application to provide a more direct competition to Apple. But as the deadline drew near, Microsoft became aware that WP7 was falling behind schedule and instead of delaying the release the product, they had to start slashing features.
Did you ever wonder why the Copy & Past cut came near the end? It is because this simple idea, while not hard to implement, was near the end of the feature requirements for Microsoft. Because of this, C&P was pushed back a bit further, which is why it will land most likely in the next month or two. But how does this relate to the FaceTime competitor? From what Neowin understands, the application development was never stopped, only the implementation into WP7 was cut. So while WP7 doesn't have the featureset, it is almost certain that the application will be included in WP8.

winCE was useless, WinMo was useless why does anybody expect them to succeed with Windows Phone ?

The iPhone can connect to MS Exchange Server just fine ! No need to try crappy WinP

Originally Posted by swissbanker

winCE was useless, WinMo was useless why does anybody expect them to succeed with Windows Phone ?

The iPhone can connect to MS Exchange Server just fine ! No need to try crappy WinP

Yes, but iPhones are gay and for retards.

I'm told that WP7's interactions with Exchange 2010 are what will make it stand out. But first they have to get this January update out.

The first update for WP7 is here, but it's simply to prepare the phone for the big one. The prick teases.

Starting today, some of you might see something new on your Windows Phone: A message announcing that a software update is available. Woo hoo!
Now, before you get too excited, let me explain: This isn’t the update you’ve probably been reading about or perhaps waiting for, the one with copy and paste (but that’s coming soon).
No, this update is a relatively small one.
Still, it’s our first—the first of many—and so I’m sure you have lots of questions. Let me try to answer the most obvious ones. If I miss something, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to respond.
What’s in this update?

This first update for Windows Phone is designed to improve the software update process itself. So while it might not sound exciting, it’s still important because it’s paving the way for all future goodie-filled updates to your phone, such as copy and paste or improved Marketplace search.
In the future, I encourage you to check out our new update history page on the Windows Phone website for a brief, plain-English summary of what each update does or what features it adds to your phone.
When will I get this update?

We’ll begin sending it out today.But to help ensure the process goes smoothly, it won’t be sent to everyone at once. So you might see an update message before your spouse, co-worker, or neighbor (or vice versa). This is a common industry practice. That said, we understand you’re eager to have the latest software on your phone, and our goal is to deliver it to you as quickly as possible.
How do I update my phone?

You’ll need to connect your phone to your computer and update it using either the Zune software for your PC or the Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac (depending on which kind of computer you have).
So just install one of these programs, connect your phone to your computer via the USB cable, and then follow the on-screen instructions. I also strongly encourage you to check out our step-by-step guide for updating your phone on the Windows Phone website.
One last important word: If you’ve installed the Zune software or the Windows Phone 7 Connector in the past, you might actually need to update that program first and then use it to update your phone. If that’s the case, you’ll know. Just follow the on-screen instructions, restart the software, and then connect your phone.
Where can I get more help?

The Windows Phone website has several how-to and troubleshooting articles about phone updates. Here's the complete list.

As I said above, I've bought it primarily to see if it works well enough with Exchange for me to exorcise Bilgeberry out of my company.

But it needs a far bit of work.

I'm not going to buy another Android phone until at least 2.3 comes out.

I really only use the phone for phone and basic PDA sites (primarily sports scores!), so either will do me, but the bigger the screen the better!

I quite like the Galaxy S, but Samsung are shit when it comes to updates, they'd rather sell you a new phone, the wankers.

The Desire HD has a 4.3" screen- that's really pushing it- any bigger and it would almost be a tablet PC.

Android 2.2 will work fine for me- I've got a satellite box hooked up at my mom's house in NY that I stream through a Vulkano unit (Monsoon Multimedia Vulkano - Watch and control your TV from anywhere)- I want to be able to use the phone primarily to watch TV when I'm out of the house and bored- 2.2 can support the player I need, so I won't have any real benefit if I wait.

Originally Posted by FailSafe

The Desire HD has a 4.3" screen- that's really pushing it- any bigger and it would almost be a tablet PC.

Android 2.2 will work fine for me- I've got a satellite box hooked up at my mom's house in NY that I stream through a Vulkano unit (Monsoon Multimedia Vulkano - Watch and control your TV from anywhere)- I want to be able to use the phone primarily to watch TV when I'm out of the house and bored- 2.2 can support the player I need, so I won't have any real benefit if I wait.

I use the Slingbox, but I wouldn't use it on the phone because I have about three choices of incredibly shit data plans here

Ironically, the Microsoft forums are full of people complaining that the update stuck at step 7/10 and Microsoft are now "investigating".

I shouldn't complain, if they got everything right I wouldn't have a job.

Good to see they're ahead of the game.

Vulkano Players

PC Support

• Windows 7, Vista, WinXP, Mac OS/X

Mobile Support

• iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry (Symbian, WM6, Linux - Available Soon!)

The Vulkano was released in August (I bought mine when I was in NY in September)- they're basically using the buyers as beta testers- they get their stuff out eventually and come out with regular firmware updates and are constantly improving, but they're kind of slow. While a lot of people have had trouble with their first units, mine worked like a charm from the beginning (though getting it set up was a pain).

I only need 250kb/s for a watchable signal, and ~1mb/s for the highest quality.

It has recording capability (as least the one I have does- it's why I bought one over a Slingbox, even though the Slingbox manufacturer has its act together)- the phone players are free, though- I think Slingbox charges $30 for them.

Originally Posted by FailSafe

The Vulkano was released in August (I bought mine when I was in NY in September)- they're basically using the buyers as beta testers- they get their stuff out eventually and come out with regular firmware updates and are constantly improving, but they're kind of slow. While a lot of people have had trouble with their first units, mine worked like a charm from the beginning (though getting it set up was a pain).

I only need 250kb/s for a watchable signal, and ~1mb/s for the highest quality.

It has recording capability (as least the one I have does- it's why I bought one over a Slingbox, even though the Slingbox manufacturer has its act together)- the phone players are free, though- I think Slingbox charges $30 for them.

Yes, SlingPlayer Mobile is extra. But not as extra as the data charges where I am! How much data do you use watching say one hour of TV OTA?

I am impressed by the use of "Windows" and "useful" in the same headline.

Originally Posted by Thormaturge

I am impressed by the use of "Windows" and "useful" in the same headline.

Perhaps it would have been less offensive if I hadn't inserted the word "when"?

Mea culpa

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Yes, SlingPlayer Mobile is extra. But not as extra as the data charges where I am! How much data do you use watching say one hour of TV OTA?

I have no idea- so far I've just watched it through my desktop where my downloading is unlimited- I haven't tried it via a mobile device yet- I would think the answer would be, "quite a bit."

I'll generally be in places where I'll have a WiFi connection I can use.

When's 3G gonna hit Thailand? 2013? Friggin' ridiculous.

I just find Wifi kills battery in no time. I suppose if you're near a power supply it doesn't matter.

I'd find this stuff useful if I was on the move.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

I just find Wifi kills battery in no time.

Same here, every phone I've ever owned with a WiFi radio the battery lasts 5-7 hours with all radios on. My biggest problem is my own forgetfulness, I will be at my desk or in my car then at the last hour of my workday (usually timed minutes before a meeting) I'll realize that I hadn't plugged it in all day.