Devices
New Windows Phone Names from HTC
Jul 23rd
HTC seems to want to express their intellectual side through the naming of their new WP7 devices. Through the Twitter grapevine, the names of the yet-to-be released Windows Phone 7 devices manufactured by HTC have been leaked.
The HTC Mozart, Maestro, Salsa, Tango, and Swing are all top candidates for the new WP7 devices. The news is just taunting. We need some visual aids here, but nothing has emerged… yet. Either way, it’s great to know that HTC has an arsenal of devices that should fit the personality of every consumer out there.
Kin One & Kin Two
Jun 4th
Kin One & Kin Two
The Kin is the very first phone that uses Microsoft’s newest mobile OS, Windows Phone 7. Although the Kin uses a slightly stripped down version, it’s still considered a new mobile operating system. The Kin One and Two are available exclusively with the Verizon network, and only costing $49.99 and $99.99 for new customers. Very affordable, but at what cost?
There are downsides to the Kin. For one, the two new phones are manufactured by Sharp. Microsoft and Sharp have a lack of ‘technical synergy’ because the Kin was being planned out and developed even before Windows Phone 7 was announced. This leads me to believe that the Kin is more of a ‘gimmick’ product than anything else. In my opinion, Sharp is attempting to profit off of the ‘hype‘ surrounding Windows Phone 7.
Never purchase a new phone based on advertisements or what the media is saying. Do some research, especially if you’re looking to sign into a one or two year contract with Verizon. Personally, I’m going to pass on the Kin. Stick with HTC as your Windows Phone manufacturer. 
The Russians are Hiding Something…
Dec 31st
HTC Russia, I mean. They’re still Russian. While most people probably can’t read the language, they’re leaking sensitive information about the new Windows phone. Also, the HTC HD2 will be getting the very first Windows Mobile 7 upgrade download.
Since Windows Mobile 7 will have new hardware expectations, only a select few of WM6 phones will actually be able to upgrade to WM7. I believe Microsoft and HTC are working closely together, in order to plan the release date of the new Windows Mobile operating system.
WiMax for Windows Mobile 7?
Dec 27th
On January 6th there will be a conference that Sprint, Microsoft and LG leaders will host. The event is a secret right now, but rumors are speculating that the conference will involve some sort of major announcement involving WiMax technology being used in Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Mobile 7 operating system. LG (Life’s Good) will be manufacturing the WiMax Smartphones, it likely seems. Sprint will probably manufacturer their own WiMax Smartphones as well. Microsoft will be there to simply confirm that the news is true about WM7.
WiMax is a giant WiFi connection, essentially. It allows any internet-capable device to connect to the World Wide Web via an 802.16e connect. Watch the stock prices for these three corporations (MSFT, S, and LG) soar on the day of announcement, January 6, 2010. God bless capitalism.
HTC to Release 3 Windows Mobile 7 Phones, Q3 of 2010
Dec 20th
HTC has been strategizing over how they should manage the market race for mobile marketshare. As of December of 2009, the iPhone and Android have been extinguishing Windows Mobile 6 in the marketplace. Some fellows at XDA have speculated that HTC will be releasing three new Windows Mobile 7 devices in Q2 or Q3 of 2010: the HTC Photon, HTC Trophy and HTC Tera.
However, during an open Q&A session with Microsoft in London, the head of Microsoft’s mobile division confirmed that the new mobile phones will NOT be released until LATE 2010. This usually means Q4. Remember, Windows Mobile 7 has a lot of catching up to do.
If you are hesitating on whether or not you should wait for Windows Mobile 7… don’t. It is going to be a year until it is released. However, if you want to remain loyal to Microsoft, get an HTC HD2 that runs Windows Mobile 6.5. Rumor has it that the HD2 will be the first phone to get the Windows Mobile 7 upgrade.
