Windows Phone 7: Why It's a Disaster for Microsoft

[spudtrooper]

All this ms hate... People must be scared wp7 is on to something :D. 1Week down fir me with my focus and everyone who has seen my phone is hooked!

[Vice]

Youre not being harsh youre coming off as sounding immature and hardly professional. Last time I checked "crap" wasnt a legitimate reason for why something is bad, rather a subjective assessment which if fine but you're trying to couple it with some professional respect which just isnt accorded via forums. I couldnt give a flying toss if you designed the original 'xerox' interface if your critical thinking abilities and basis for argument has been reduced to "crap" then I rate your input no more higher than the next troll.

I already said specifically what I didn't like. Calling it Crap was me summing up my thoughts on the UI. To quote myself:

I don't really know how anyone can like it really. It is just big plain boxes, very large rudimentary icons that represent the software on the phone. And when you open the apps they are very basic as-well. You know what the UI reminds me of, a terminal window from 1985.

And I'm pretty sure everyone you idealise has used words that are more than a feeling to dismiss things that are poor in quality. Not of all of us 'critical thinkers' have time to sugar coat our opinions.

One problem with handheld devices is they have small screens but they are now more than ever expected to provide the user with coupulous amounts of information. Each year the amount of data users want to see increases. Facebook updates, Twitter updates, Phone Calls, Emails, Calender Events. Just to name a few. And well.. jsut look at this wasted space: (I didn't make this image)

I'm not a fan of this approach, I think that iOS nailed it and the only thing that iOS really needs to make it truely great is to add a proper lock screen that displays 'at a glance' information. Things users need to unlock the phone and launch an app to see. And I think Apple can do that, I don't think that Microsoft can fix the problems with Windows Phone 7's UI because they don't think they are problems they think they are assets.

I think Windows Phone 7 will end up being a failuer. Simple as that. You can call me a troll all you like.

[M_Lyons10]

And I'm pretty sure everyone you idealise has used words that are more than a feeling to dismiss things that are poor in quality. Not of all of us 'critical thinkers' have time to sugar coat our opinions.

One problem with handheld devices is they have small screens but they are now more than ever expected to provide the user with coupulous amounts of information. Each year the amount of data users want to see increases. Facebook updates, Twitter updates, Phone Calls, Emails, Calender Events. Just to name a few. And well.. jsut look at this wasted space: (I didn't make this image)

I'm not a fan of this approach, I think that iOS nailed it and the only thing that iOS really needs to make it truely great is to add a proper lock screen that displays 'at a glance' information. Things users need to unlock the phone and launch an app to see. And I think Apple can do that, I don't think that Microsoft can fix the problems with Windows Phone 7's UI because they don't think they are problems they think they are assets.

I think Windows Phone 7 will end up being a failuer. Simple as that. You can call me a troll all you like.

And how is a grid of icons that tell you absolutely nothing better than tiles that actually present information? Regardless of the small area to the right of the tiles that is not used (Which is a design choice to convey that there is more information to the right, and IS used when in apps, so it's not unused space), it does allow you to actually SEE some information without having to launch multiple apps just to see what's going on... It's much more usable than IOS...

[Shadrack]

If I have learned anything from this year's iPad it is that tech junkies and forum crawlers don't have a clue about what will and what won't be a success in the market.

I love my iPhone. I think it is awesome and after playing with plenty of other phones, I will probably stick with that next upgrade. That being said, the WP7's interface knocked my socks off. I thought they did a really good job making it stand out as something unique and not trying to rip off iPhone, Android, or BB. It lacks a lot of features right now, but if MS brings it next year and proves to us that their whole push update system actually works across the various providers and hardware that is available then they will have a force to be reckoned with. They may win me over.

[Shadrack]

Why does WP7 need to be better then the Iphone to be successful.. I hate that reasoning that if its not the best then it will fail because it goes against the history of electronics. I believe it might have failed if they tried to price their cellphones the same as the Iphone but they are cutting the prices by quite a bit and I think that people will really respond to that..

In Canada: The cheapest of both OS's

16 GB Iphone 4 = $659

16 GB LG Optimus Quantum = $449

The most expensive:

32 GB Iphone 4 : $750

16 GB Samsung Focus : $550

That is a freaking 200 dollar difference on both so please

Please compare cellphones that are at the same price point.

For example:

LG optimus 7 vs the Blackberry bold 9780

Iphone 4 vs the Blackberry torch 9800

Iphone 4 vs the Galaxy Tab

At least in the US, subsidization rules the market. I don't know a single person who pays full price for a phone. No. Everyone gets their phones with 2-year contracts because it is ridiculous to pay the unsubsidized price. You need the service anyway, and here at least the price of the service is the same regardless of subsidized/non-subsidized hardware and contract status. That being said, the price difference between most phones is negligible. The 3x WP7 at AT&T were going for $199 w/ 2-y contract and come with 16GB of internal storage. You can get a 16GB iPhone 4 for the same price.

So

16 GB Samsung Focus: $199

16 GB iPhone 4: $199

That is a freaken 0 dollar difference on both so please

[BajiRav]

I already said specifically what I didn't like. Calling it Crap was me summing up my thoughts on the UI. To quote myself:

And I'm pretty sure everyone you idealise has used words that are more than a feeling to dismiss things that are poor in quality. Not of all of us 'critical thinkers' have time to sugar coat our opinions.

One problem with handheld devices is they have small screens but they are now more than ever expected to provide the user with coupulous amounts of information. Each year the amount of data users want to see increases. Facebook updates, Twitter updates, Phone Calls, Emails, Calender Events. Just to name a few. And well.. jsut look at this wasted space: http://lh6.ggpht.com....jpg?imgmax=800 (I didn't make this image)

I'm not a fan of this approach, I think that iOS nailed it and the only thing that iOS really needs to make it truely great is to add a proper lock screen that displays 'at a glance' information. Things users need to unlock the phone and launch an app to see. And I think Apple can do that, I don't think that Microsoft can fix the problems with Windows Phone 7's UI because they don't think they are problems they think they are assets.

I think Windows Phone 7 will end up being a failuer. Simple as that. You can call me a troll all you like.

Whoever made that image, haven't actually used the phone. The top space is actually used when you scroll. The space on the left is used when you go in a hub/app etc. Criticizing that empty space is like pointing out the icon spacing in iOS / Android is waste of valuable screen estate.

There are various flaws with iOS' UI/functionality as well but since they "nailed it", no one apparently sees them. wastage of lock screen as you mentioned or the stupid notification system or the dumbass calendar that never updates properly or the email client that lacks the basic function of "mark as read", lack of a consistent back button, wasting one whole screen for useless spotlight (especially on older models), should I go on?

If you think lock screen is the only problem with iOS, then you are not looking hard enough.

[jakem1]

I already said specifically what I didn't like. Calling it Crap was me summing up my thoughts on the UI. To quote myself:

And I'm pretty sure everyone you idealise has used words that are more than a feeling to dismiss things that are poor in quality. Not of all of us 'critical thinkers' have time to sugar coat our opinions.

One problem with handheld devices is they have small screens but they are now more than ever expected to provide the user with coupulous amounts of information. Each year the amount of data users want to see increases. Facebook updates, Twitter updates, Phone Calls, Emails, Calender Events. Just to name a few. And well.. jsut look at this wasted space: (I didn't make this image)

I'm not a fan of this approach, I think that iOS nailed it and the only thing that iOS really needs to make it truely great is to add a proper lock screen that displays 'at a glance' information. Things users need to unlock the phone and launch an app to see. And I think Apple can do that, I don't think that Microsoft can fix the problems with Windows Phone 7's UI because they don't think they are problems they think they are assets.

I think Windows Phone 7 will end up being a failuer. Simple as that. You can call me a troll all you like.

I'd recommend that you check out http://pocketnow.com/windows-phone/divine-proportions-why-the-start-page-has-a-big-blank-space-on-the-side for an explanation of what you call "wasted space". BTW, do you also call the space between iOS icons or Android widgets wasted?

You should also have a look for comparison shots of WP7 and an iPhone as they clearly demonstrate WP7's ability to use screen space more efficiently. In many examples, WP7 is able to display at least the same amount of information as the iPhone but with larger fonts in a more readable, touch-friendly layout because all the unnecessary chrome is removed from the UI.

If you prefer the iPhone's clumsy, out-dated app-centric model that forces you to open and close multiple apps to accomplish simple tasks then you are welcome to your opinion. Unnecessary fake wood or metal effects are important to some people in a phone ;) However, it's silly to dismiss WP7 as crap just because you don't understand the UI or don't find it appealing. It's also silly to dismiss the features that it has over the competition just because they don't appeal to you - XBox Live integration may not interest you but it's silly to compare it to Apple's me-too "games centre". Also, there is no Netflix client for Android.

[M_Lyons10]

I'd recommend that you check out http://pocketnow.com/windows-phone/divine-proportions-why-the-start-page-has-a-big-blank-space-on-the-side for an explanation of what you call "wasted space". BTW, do you also call the space between iOS icons or Android widgets wasted?

That's a really good write up on the design of WP7. I knew some of the usability reasons for the change, but not the design reasons so to speak. Very interesting.

I really think WP7's going to be huge.

[-=Outlaw=-]

i love my HD7, and i showed my phone to people at work. few of them actually want to get the phone but cant yet because they are on verizon. everyone loves the interface and how everything is smooth and fast. WP7 is a great OS. people that use android have told me that as well. and it just released so im sure they will have new cool things that they will release for the phone. but some people will say the OS sucks even without looking at the phone. its way better than the pics and videos you watch

[HawkMan]

At least in the US, subsidization rules the market. I don't know a single person who pays full price for a phone. No. Everyone gets their phones with 2-year contracts because it is ridiculous to pay the unsubsidized price. You need the service anyway, and here at least the price of the service is the same regardless of subsidized/non-subsidized hardware and contract status. That being said, the price difference between most phones is negligible. The 3x WP7 at AT&T were going for $199 w/ 2-y contract and come with 16GB of internal storage. You can get a 16GB iPhone 4 for the same price.

So

16 GB Samsung Focus: $199

16 GB iPhone 4: $199

That is a freaken 0 dollar difference on both so please

and what is the monthly minimum price on the iphone plan as opposed to the WP7 phones ? telling half the story doesn't cut it.

and damn I'm glad I live in a country where 12 months is the max you can tie up regular consumers to a plan.

[Woelfel]

and what is the monthly minimum price on the iphone plan as opposed to the WP7 phones ? telling half the story doesn't cut it.

and damn I'm glad I live in a country where 12 months is the max you can tie up regular consumers to a plan.

They are the same. Only thing about that other quote is that the Samsung Focus is 8GB, not 16GB (I wish it was 16GB)

[M_Lyons10]

i love my HD7, and i showed my phone to people at work. few of them actually want to get the phone but cant yet because they are on verizon. everyone loves the interface and how everything is smooth and fast. WP7 is a great OS. people that use android have told me that as well. and it just released so im sure they will have new cool things that they will release for the phone. but some people will say the OS sucks even without looking at the phone. its way better than the pics and videos you watch

Yeah, I'm in the same boat waiting for the OS to come to Verizon. Hopefully soon...

[George P Global Moderator]

Yeah, I'm in the same boat waiting for the OS to come to Verizon. Hopefully soon...

It shouldn't take long it seems, more info poping up that hints at January or Feb at the most for CDMA.

[Lachlan]

I ordered the LG Optimus 7 in Canada and they sent me 2 by accident... and only charged me for 1!!.. hurray

maybe Microsoft is rewarding me for not buying a smartphone until this point..

[WindowsFanatic]

WP7 has the greatest UI of all time. The metro UI is incredibly elegant and productive.On the other hand iOS UI is the fugliest UI possible. I feel sick every time I look at the crappy iPhone home screen. Bottom line is, WP7 is gonna destroy iPhone within a few years, just like Windows destroyed Mac OS.

[Ji@nBing]

I ordered the LG Optimus 7 in Canada and they sent me 2 by accident... and only charged me for 1!!.. hurray

maybe Microsoft is rewarding me for not buying a smartphone until this point..

Lol. I'm in Victoria too. Give it to me!! :laugh:

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[George P Global Moderator]

Rumors are still going around about the January update, if even half of these things come true we're talking a pretty big upgrade to, more of a 7.1 than a 7.0.1 type thing in the end.