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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And as someone who has used many of the major OS's I'll take WP anyday, anytime, everytime! Because it has more pizzazz than any of the others in my opin. Though I wish this nonsense questioning would stop. The argument still icons vs active icons and which one has more pizzazz or not? Really? This is like statistics you can make an argument for any position you hold. If someone doesn't like iOS or Android or WP or BB so be it. Use whatever OS gives you peace of mind. I'll stay with WP because I believe it's just better. Period.
I got the option to use a Win7.5 phone for a bit. I currently use Android and have used iOS and BB and Win6.x.......
After a week with the phone, I was split - I liked the tile functionality for the most part, but was frustrated at the lack of overall flexibility I had with how I could setup and customize the phone for my personal use / needs. I'm not going into specific details here - just giving my impression.
While the WInOS is fresher than iOS, I felt like I was wading through the same general "limited options" garden unlike my current experience with Android. It is kind of like driving a "great" car that has so many little things that annoy you that after a while when you do get rid of it, you feel relieved.
So yes, nice, but for me it lacks pizzazz.
After a week with the phone, I was split - I liked the tile functionality for the most part, but was frustrated at the lack of overall flexibility I had with how I could setup and customize the phone for my personal use / needs. I'm not going into specific details here - just giving my impression.
While the WInOS is fresher than iOS, I felt like I was wading through the same general "limited options" garden unlike my current experience with Android. It is kind of like driving a "great" car that has so many little things that annoy you that after a while when you do get rid of it, you feel relieved.
So yes, nice, but for me it lacks pizzazz.
ZDNet...there's your answer. Consumer product focus, not business. Pizzazz? Who cares, I want it to work and not crash. Have zero crashes on Win 7.5 phone, and nearly zero on Win 7 desktop. Can't say that about Android phone, and Apple is overprices and overhyped.
Those who caught the PC revolution late and now have been pushed to the smartphone revolution may well benefit from the similarity between PC and smartphone. So they use it as a scaled version of the PC which is handy!
My grandfather did not like my smartphone as it was very different and needed "learning". He acquired PC skills just to remain in touch with the family and now is being pushed to use smartphones. He may prefer windows based smartphone as it is a smaller cousin of the strange PC he is trying to get in terms with.
My grandfather did not like my smartphone as it was very different and needed "learning". He acquired PC skills just to remain in touch with the family and now is being pushed to use smartphones. He may prefer windows based smartphone as it is a smaller cousin of the strange PC he is trying to get in terms with.
I have been an Android and IOS user since both OS's were launched. I can 'get by' with Android, but IOS is always my first choice and the one I put in my pocket when I leave the house.
I recently bought a WP7.5 Nokia Lumia 800, as prior to iPhones I have always used exclusively Nokia's.
What a huge disappointment. The phone is actually unusable as a smartphone. Battery life is abysmal - from full to totally flat by lunchtime with only light use and all smartphone functions disabled. (defeats the whole purpose of a smartphone.)
Audio quality is very poor and on maximum volume, I can just about hear it in a silent room. In a gym or car, forget using the Nokia Drive or music player.
Nearly all the apps I use every day on my iPhone are not available for WP7.
Metro interface is constantly getting in the way.
No battery percentage remaining feature unless you dig down several menus, which is a disaster on this phone, as it needs charging 2 - 3 times per day.
To do this, you need to open a fiddly and fragile little flap that will surely break off before the phone is more than a month old.
I am unable to use Marketplace to buy apps and music as I set up my Windows Live account when I lived in the UK 10 years ago. Now I live in Singapore and Microsoft does not allow you to change countries. The only workaround is to set up a new account, lose all of my data, contacts etc, then set up the phone from scratch again. No thank you.
To put icing on the cake, Nokia will not repair or allow me to return my phone as I did not buy it in the country I live in, due to the long order lead times here.
I will not be using this phone again, and both Nokia and WP7.5 have missed their last chance.
I recently bought a WP7.5 Nokia Lumia 800, as prior to iPhones I have always used exclusively Nokia's.
What a huge disappointment. The phone is actually unusable as a smartphone. Battery life is abysmal - from full to totally flat by lunchtime with only light use and all smartphone functions disabled. (defeats the whole purpose of a smartphone.)
Audio quality is very poor and on maximum volume, I can just about hear it in a silent room. In a gym or car, forget using the Nokia Drive or music player.
Nearly all the apps I use every day on my iPhone are not available for WP7.
Metro interface is constantly getting in the way.
No battery percentage remaining feature unless you dig down several menus, which is a disaster on this phone, as it needs charging 2 - 3 times per day.
To do this, you need to open a fiddly and fragile little flap that will surely break off before the phone is more than a month old.
I am unable to use Marketplace to buy apps and music as I set up my Windows Live account when I lived in the UK 10 years ago. Now I live in Singapore and Microsoft does not allow you to change countries. The only workaround is to set up a new account, lose all of my data, contacts etc, then set up the phone from scratch again. No thank you.
To put icing on the cake, Nokia will not repair or allow me to return my phone as I did not buy it in the country I live in, due to the long order lead times here.
I will not be using this phone again, and both Nokia and WP7.5 have missed their last chance.
Almost none of your complaints are about the Windows Phone 7.5 OS, and so they are irrelevant to the article. Battery life, charging, fragile plastic flaps and sound quality are hardware functions; your problems with Windows Live can be overcome by creating a new account and then exporting/importing your data.
The only half-valid complaints you have are that you expect to find all your iPhone apps on Win OS marketplace, and that you have a problem with the Metro UI. I'll bet you can find high-quality counterparts for the apps (I did, and I found exact matches, too).
I find the Metro UI to be extremely easy and intuitive to use, a 200% improvement over the Android I had before this one. I can navigate much quicker than I did on the Droid. Yes, the tiles aren't shiny and 'cool' like Droid and iPhone icons, but they can impart so much more info at a glance than static icons, and their larger size make them easier to tap without hitting the wrong icon. But, everone will has different preferences on UI.
The only half-valid complaints you have are that you expect to find all your iPhone apps on Win OS marketplace, and that you have a problem with the Metro UI. I'll bet you can find high-quality counterparts for the apps (I did, and I found exact matches, too).
I find the Metro UI to be extremely easy and intuitive to use, a 200% improvement over the Android I had before this one. I can navigate much quicker than I did on the Droid. Yes, the tiles aren't shiny and 'cool' like Droid and iPhone icons, but they can impart so much more info at a glance than static icons, and their larger size make them easier to tap without hitting the wrong icon. But, everone will has different preferences on UI.
Yes, if I owned an Xbox, I would be able to jump through the hoops to create a new Live account then export and import my data:
http://support.xbox.com/en-US/billing-and-subscriptions/account-management/manage-live-id#76cffc5b10344d06867dd0a08d878da9
However, I do not have an Xbox and have had my Live account since the late 1990's, so I have literally hundreds or thousands of contacts and 3rd party accounts dependent on this address. I am not willing to change my logins on literally hundreds of different applications just so I can migrate to this half-baked phone.
With regards to the app market, these are the following apps that I use many times a day on multiple operating systems, and for which I have found no Window Phone version:
-Zite customised newspaper
-pwSafe
-Magazine subscriptions (Newsstand on IOS)
-iMessage
-Tide Plan for SE Asia
-Singapore CDG Taxi booking app
-Penultimate notes
-TomTom navigator
I understand your remark that my points are about mainly about Nokia, but my experience is that this phone with Windows 7.5 does not function as advertised or as required. As such, it is sadly quite useless to me as a smartphone, which is disappointing as I am trying to leave the Apple ecosystem.
http://support.xbox.com/en-US/billing-and-subscriptions/account-management/manage-live-id#76cffc5b10344d06867dd0a08d878da9
However, I do not have an Xbox and have had my Live account since the late 1990's, so I have literally hundreds or thousands of contacts and 3rd party accounts dependent on this address. I am not willing to change my logins on literally hundreds of different applications just so I can migrate to this half-baked phone.
With regards to the app market, these are the following apps that I use many times a day on multiple operating systems, and for which I have found no Window Phone version:
-Zite customised newspaper
-pwSafe
-Magazine subscriptions (Newsstand on IOS)
-iMessage
-Tide Plan for SE Asia
-Singapore CDG Taxi booking app
-Penultimate notes
-TomTom navigator
I understand your remark that my points are about mainly about Nokia, but my experience is that this phone with Windows 7.5 does not function as advertised or as required. As such, it is sadly quite useless to me as a smartphone, which is disappointing as I am trying to leave the Apple ecosystem.
I updated and migrated my Windows Live contacts through the Windows Live website. No XBox required. Phone apps are another story. I'm no a big apps downloader or user, because my experience with Android is the more apps you run, the more memory gets used and unreleased, and the slower the Droid responds to any command. WinPhone handles apps differently, in a way that doesn't hog resources, but I'm still a bit gun shy about clogging my phone's memory. I use and like the built-in navigator, but it's probably not as polished as TomTom. I use OneNote and EverNote. I don't read magazones or newspapers on my phone, as my eyes are getting too old for that.
Good luck on escaping Apple.
Good luck on escaping Apple.
those people, who are/were/have been in the position of deciding for themselves wether to upgrade to the next version of (desktop) windows often consider nothing else than "its much more beautiful" ..... why would this be different when choosing the next mobile phone ?
I have a Samsung Omnia W and yesterday I tested the internet connection sharing, so easy, so user friendly. No bugs, no crashes. The metro interface is very nice and responsive and really fast.
I bought it 2 months ago, I just complain the need to recharge it every night, but I'm a heavy email user, with Gmail, Hotmail and Exchange accounts configured, synchronizing every 15 minutes. And the main apps I need are available.
It's an amazing OS.
I bought it 2 months ago, I just complain the need to recharge it every night, but I'm a heavy email user, with Gmail, Hotmail and Exchange accounts configured, synchronizing every 15 minutes. And the main apps I need are available.
It's an amazing OS.
My best advice for any personal type of device, be it mobile phone, photo camera or music player -- that is, anything you have to hold in your hands, touch, listen to, see trough etc is:
Go to a store, play with them all, do various things (ignore what those around will tell you to try). One of these devices will "talk to you". Ignore anyone else's advice, but your inner self and take it home! It is your personal device, after all. If you don't 'like' it, and if the thing does not 'like' you you will not have long lasting relationship.
Anyone else's opinion does not matter, because not they, but you will be using that device.
Consequently, even with the most amazing OS, or apps, or whatever 'spec' it has, if the mobile phone just does not 'grab you' -- just don't buy it! Ever.
People can adapt to things they like, but they cannot adapt to things that are too alien to them, however perfect those things are.
Go to a store, play with them all, do various things (ignore what those around will tell you to try). One of these devices will "talk to you". Ignore anyone else's advice, but your inner self and take it home! It is your personal device, after all. If you don't 'like' it, and if the thing does not 'like' you you will not have long lasting relationship.
Anyone else's opinion does not matter, because not they, but you will be using that device.
Consequently, even with the most amazing OS, or apps, or whatever 'spec' it has, if the mobile phone just does not 'grab you' -- just don't buy it! Ever.
People can adapt to things they like, but they cannot adapt to things that are too alien to them, however perfect those things are.
Pay attention to the time limit on your return / exchange policy.
You can always take it back and try something else....
You can always take it back and try something else....
In many countries, especially in Asia, you have no returns options at all. Sometimes you don't even get a warranty. If an item breaks, the best you are likely to get is a new replacement of the same model. You are almost never able to return a functioning item just because you changed your mind or didn't like the item.
I find that both the OS and the Hardware will speak to me. Some phones just don't feel right in my hand. I have big hands and small phones don't seem to fit very well, while phones that others find big and clunky feel perfect to me.
I've used pretty much all cellphone OSes and WP7 really blew me away. I hate staring at mere command or app icons, love the way WP7 icons come "alive", the constant changes with social network contacts' activities is real neat. It's fast and receptive to user inputs. The WP7 OS got me fired up that I also tried the Windows 8 customer preview OS on my laptop (too bad I don't have a touch screen) and I am truly loving the experience. I think Windows got it right this time. Can't wait to try their other offerings. Cheers all!
Recently I read about someone conducting the test described in the subject of this post. The result, people *loved* the "iPad 3" even when it was an iPad 2. You can take a couple of different perspectives from this. The Apple Optimist would say,
"That is because Apple is doing it *that* right!"
The Apple pessimist would say,
"That is because Apple buyers are sheep who just care about the Apple logo".
I like to think of this as the "Windows Vista" effect. The tech press has a louder, more accessible voice than ever - and it can make or break the success of a product.
Despite a rocky start, Vista matured eventually and became a decent, if not fantastic OS. But it was doomed as soon as the press turned against it. We've seen many other examples of this. Android tablets are experiencing this. Consumers are afraid to jump in because they've heard so many bad things - but Honeycomb actually ended up pretty decent, and ICS is arguably better. In the meantime, prices have dropped, resources and capabilities have gone up, and choices are widespread. All of the things that the press expected when the original Galaxy Tab and Xoom hit the market have been met - but the press continues to treat Android tablets largely as a "why would you get that when an iPad is the same price" kind of choice. It isn't the truth - but I think that this perception is having a huge impact on Android tablet adoption. In fact, Android's rough SMART-PHONE start suffered from a similar fate. Consumers stayed away until the Droid 1 (partly) because tech journalists told them to. If the Droid 1 hadn't been the *only* Verizon smart-phone to come near an iPhone experience (after multiple failed attempts) - I wonder if Android might still be struggling.
The press has been lukewarm toward Windows Phone (and Windows Phone *does* have some big challenges that keep it from being a compelling choice). But there is a lot of potential with Windows Phone too. They're actually way out in the lead on some aspects.
If you argue that iOS superiority lies in stability and ease of accessibility, Windows Phone does this even better. But that amplifies many of the limitations that Android users *complain* iOS lacks. WP out-competes iOS in polish and finish - and I very rarely find myself trying to compare Android and WP, because... well, they're so radically different there is very little basis to compare on, anyhow.
And that is part of the problem. People aren't GETTING the concept behind the whole WP approach. While Apple and Android are squarely in the app-centric smart-device approach, Windows is more about this integrated Metro interface that is information-centric and removes the emphasis from particular apps.
Then, Microsoft has some challenges. Their biggest one is that they're charging MORE for the most desired apps than the paid versions of those apps in the Apple Market or Google Play. Worse, they generally don't have free, ad-supported versions while Apple and Google do. Beyond that, there are so far fewer apps that many cross-platform apps that Android and iOS users both enjoy aren't available on WP. Microsoft needs to make sure WP has ALL the killer apps, and they've got to make it MORE attractive to go with WP to *get* those apps. Google offers $.49 app promotions, Amazon offers from Android App of the Day, iOS constantly offers free and discounted apps. Microsoft doesn't seem to be generating that kind of buzz with their market - and they need to the most - the most frequently, and the most aggressively.
Nobody every thought Microsoft would be able to unseat Sony in console gaming. It all depends on how long Microsoft can stay in the game, and if they can consistently improve and maybe benefit from the competition making some mistakes. We've seen how quickly this segment can change around. From Palm Treos, to WinMobile to RIM to iOS to the here and now - giants turn into yesterday's news overnight in this market. But Windows Mobile sure has a huge gap to close with the leaders - and app development seems to be a critical component of being able or not to close that gap.
"That is because Apple is doing it *that* right!"
The Apple pessimist would say,
"That is because Apple buyers are sheep who just care about the Apple logo".
I like to think of this as the "Windows Vista" effect. The tech press has a louder, more accessible voice than ever - and it can make or break the success of a product.
Despite a rocky start, Vista matured eventually and became a decent, if not fantastic OS. But it was doomed as soon as the press turned against it. We've seen many other examples of this. Android tablets are experiencing this. Consumers are afraid to jump in because they've heard so many bad things - but Honeycomb actually ended up pretty decent, and ICS is arguably better. In the meantime, prices have dropped, resources and capabilities have gone up, and choices are widespread. All of the things that the press expected when the original Galaxy Tab and Xoom hit the market have been met - but the press continues to treat Android tablets largely as a "why would you get that when an iPad is the same price" kind of choice. It isn't the truth - but I think that this perception is having a huge impact on Android tablet adoption. In fact, Android's rough SMART-PHONE start suffered from a similar fate. Consumers stayed away until the Droid 1 (partly) because tech journalists told them to. If the Droid 1 hadn't been the *only* Verizon smart-phone to come near an iPhone experience (after multiple failed attempts) - I wonder if Android might still be struggling.
The press has been lukewarm toward Windows Phone (and Windows Phone *does* have some big challenges that keep it from being a compelling choice). But there is a lot of potential with Windows Phone too. They're actually way out in the lead on some aspects.
If you argue that iOS superiority lies in stability and ease of accessibility, Windows Phone does this even better. But that amplifies many of the limitations that Android users *complain* iOS lacks. WP out-competes iOS in polish and finish - and I very rarely find myself trying to compare Android and WP, because... well, they're so radically different there is very little basis to compare on, anyhow.
And that is part of the problem. People aren't GETTING the concept behind the whole WP approach. While Apple and Android are squarely in the app-centric smart-device approach, Windows is more about this integrated Metro interface that is information-centric and removes the emphasis from particular apps.
Then, Microsoft has some challenges. Their biggest one is that they're charging MORE for the most desired apps than the paid versions of those apps in the Apple Market or Google Play. Worse, they generally don't have free, ad-supported versions while Apple and Google do. Beyond that, there are so far fewer apps that many cross-platform apps that Android and iOS users both enjoy aren't available on WP. Microsoft needs to make sure WP has ALL the killer apps, and they've got to make it MORE attractive to go with WP to *get* those apps. Google offers $.49 app promotions, Amazon offers from Android App of the Day, iOS constantly offers free and discounted apps. Microsoft doesn't seem to be generating that kind of buzz with their market - and they need to the most - the most frequently, and the most aggressively.
Nobody every thought Microsoft would be able to unseat Sony in console gaming. It all depends on how long Microsoft can stay in the game, and if they can consistently improve and maybe benefit from the competition making some mistakes. We've seen how quickly this segment can change around. From Palm Treos, to WinMobile to RIM to iOS to the here and now - giants turn into yesterday's news overnight in this market. But Windows Mobile sure has a huge gap to close with the leaders - and app development seems to be a critical component of being able or not to close that gap.
I don't disagree with any of that, the tech press can and does, indeed, make or break products. However, I must say that a lot of the reviewers who raved and praised WinPhone7 and finally convinced me to buy the phone were Apple enthusiasts, whose blogs were mostly dedicated to Apple products, epecially the iPad and iPhone.
I know of someone directly who purchased an HTC Trophy based partially on my review of that device.
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/smartphones/verizons-htc-trophy-wp7-offers-nothing-to-hate-or-love/3579?tag=content;siu-container
But I think the major voice in the tech press has been disinterested in Windows Phone. The carriers aren't pushing Windows Phone. Microsoft has some PR excitement problems.
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/smartphones/verizons-htc-trophy-wp7-offers-nothing-to-hate-or-love/3579?tag=content;siu-container
But I think the major voice in the tech press has been disinterested in Windows Phone. The carriers aren't pushing Windows Phone. Microsoft has some PR excitement problems.
Catchy name... NOT!
Metro is cool. Honestly, what do you think when you hear the name "Windows" then combine it with phone?
Windows is not cool.
Metro is cool. Honestly, what do you think when you hear the name "Windows" then combine it with phone?
Windows is not cool.
Did you not notice the "Live Tiles"??? They are a tremendous time saver while providing important user feedback at a glance. I can only ask that you actually try and used the device for more than a minute before making your lack luster comments on a public form like this.
After trying Win7.5 I set up a couple of screens on my Android with nothing but widgets that took me into the corresponding apps. Seems to work pretty much the same but much more flexible than Win...
They (MS) seems to have the right idea, I just found the current functionality too constrained.
They (MS) seems to have the right idea, I just found the current functionality too constrained.
I find the 'People' tile is a completely twisted mess. As soon as I had logged into LinkedIn, FB and twitter, I suddenly needed to wade through a tsunami of data I did not want or need when trying to make a phone call.
I prefer to segregate my phone book from my social network updates.
I prefer to segregate my phone book from my social network updates.
I do wish they allowed me to opt in to which contact source I wanted as my default, rather than all of them. But at least I could opt out.
I have been a WP7 user for a year and my phone is a Samsung Focus. I used to have a BB and I was very happy with that phone. However, when I had to renew the equipment, I needed to figure out which phone was the best option. I had friends with both iPhone and Android OS's and I was very inclined to get the iPhone (4 at that time,) although I have certain reluctance to get into apple products. Anyway, when I was almost signing for the iPhone (after several tests between the two systems,) a friend of mine suggested to try his Samsung focus with WP7.... I loved it: I loved the fact that the live tiles were giving all info needed at a glance; I loved that you could pin whatever you wanted into the start screen;. I loved that (having an MSN account) all my contacts were there immediately without doing anything; I loved synchronization with Outlook; I loved Office integration (the real thing and not something else trying to read/edit office documents;) I loved the idea of Xbox live; and above all, I loved the simplicity of the system in itself and its functionality. I have to clarify that this was before "mango" and hub integration almost in every aspect of the phone, which, when upgraded, It only made me love the OS and the phone even more! The system is really fast (with no need of dual core processors or things of that sort; it is pretty and colorful but easy to scan and find what you are looking for, which from my perspective gives that pizzazz you are talking about and with more and more applications added to the market, and adding the live tiles functionality, if you have a busy day and you do not have time to jump into every single application to see what's going on, or you want to access only one place to DO all things related (like the messaging hub, the people hub or the "me" hub" just to mention a few, then this is the PERFECT phone! BTW, before "mango" I had some issues with the lack of customization of the phone as well as some other deficiencies I found compared to my older BB or to iPhone or android, but with mango, a lot of them actually were corrected. I am looking forward to upgrade to the new Samsung focus or a Nokia lumia for functionality like the front camera or a faster processor, just because if right now the phone excels, with a newer model will truly wow me (or at least I certainly believe so...) 
One of my challenges with Win7.5 is that my MSN account stuff is strictly for testing and technical in the MS world. Aside from that, my primary email / contact / calendar information is either work (MSEx) or Google (Gmail). I was unable during the time I had it able to initiate from Gmail instead of my MSN account.
Did I say that I have not had a system crash whatsoever in almost a year with the phone? That says something too..
I dont see how iOs has any pizzaz either. At least the live tiles provide information at a glance. The only thing you can get out of an iphone at a glance is the time.
It's not just the physical aspect of the phone, it's the association to the phone. Look at Android. You know it's from Google but 'Android' gets top billing, no matter who makes it. With MicroSoft, you know it's from MS but 'Windows' gets top billing; not 'Metro'. Say 'Windows' to your self and what do you imagine?
... I imagine the best, most stable and secure, easy to use Windows OS I've ever used, that supports all the special music hardware and other software I need. Can't say that for Linux or OS X
Hi, my name is Tamas Nagy and I am a freshman in college. I recently developed my first game. I would appreciate it if you all would take a look at it. http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/38ca89b7-be0f-48e7-b71f-c9cb3b84e285
A few weeks ago I change my phone, I was looking for one thats support HDMI Out and Micro SD support. But this two features are not easiely found in a WP7 so I get an motorola razr with android I think one of the best hardaware in mobil phones for now. So I think that WP7 have to have better choices in hardware. I'm in Mexico at this moment we only have less than three hardaware options for WP7 :-S
I have a Lumia 800, and a 2 years old Nexus One. Even though the Lumia has a better screen and camera than my old N1, it won't replace it. Why? Because it has WP7. Here are only some of the problems I found after trying to use this phone for over a month:
WP7 tiles are big, garish and almost unusable, when compared with the much more flexible android widgets they copy.
There are no notifications.
Applications don't multitask properly, some just are suspended when you switch from them, others close completely. Most file transfers only work in the foreground.
The whole keyboard is a mess! To write a number you need to switch into number mode, there are no long press values on the keys, and the dictionary gets completely confused if you happen to be bilingual. Cursor positioning and word selection work the reverse of everything else (one tap to select a word, long tap to get a movable cursor) and is constantly getting on the way.
SMS functionality is minor, no way to even save a draft.
The lack of flexibility and configuration is such that the whole WP7 feels like having a straightjacket on. There is no easy way to use a mp3 as a ringtone. There is no easy way to transfer music into/out of the phone, as there is no uSD card and no USB mass storage mode (both WP7 impositions). You need to have a windows PC and to install Zune to transfer anything to the phone, so good luck convincing your work sysadmins.
20% of the screen is wasted in a stupid black bar which has no use I can see.
The search button opens bing, isn't configurable to use another search engine, and isn't context sensitive. If an app has a search function, it needs to implement another search button.
No way to change the background or the lock screen.
There are no independent sound controls! If you mute the sound to avoid hearing the notifications during the night, the alarm is also muted so you won't hear it when it is time to wake up.
Bluetooth is only partially implemented, you can't send files or photos, only receive contacts, and that only because Nokia has a special permit from Microsoft. The only part that seems to have been implemented is the audio profile. Come on, this is 2012! I want to send my photos to my wife's phone immediately, without having to pay the data transfer to send them to facebook and download again (in low quality).
I could go on, but my advice is to stay away from WP is you want something with more functionality than a feature phone. It might look pretty on the store (if blocky and garish tickles your fancy), but it fells too unfinished and locked up to be usable.
WP7 tiles are big, garish and almost unusable, when compared with the much more flexible android widgets they copy.
There are no notifications.
Applications don't multitask properly, some just are suspended when you switch from them, others close completely. Most file transfers only work in the foreground.
The whole keyboard is a mess! To write a number you need to switch into number mode, there are no long press values on the keys, and the dictionary gets completely confused if you happen to be bilingual. Cursor positioning and word selection work the reverse of everything else (one tap to select a word, long tap to get a movable cursor) and is constantly getting on the way.
SMS functionality is minor, no way to even save a draft.
The lack of flexibility and configuration is such that the whole WP7 feels like having a straightjacket on. There is no easy way to use a mp3 as a ringtone. There is no easy way to transfer music into/out of the phone, as there is no uSD card and no USB mass storage mode (both WP7 impositions). You need to have a windows PC and to install Zune to transfer anything to the phone, so good luck convincing your work sysadmins.
20% of the screen is wasted in a stupid black bar which has no use I can see.
The search button opens bing, isn't configurable to use another search engine, and isn't context sensitive. If an app has a search function, it needs to implement another search button.
No way to change the background or the lock screen.
There are no independent sound controls! If you mute the sound to avoid hearing the notifications during the night, the alarm is also muted so you won't hear it when it is time to wake up.
Bluetooth is only partially implemented, you can't send files or photos, only receive contacts, and that only because Nokia has a special permit from Microsoft. The only part that seems to have been implemented is the audio profile. Come on, this is 2012! I want to send my photos to my wife's phone immediately, without having to pay the data transfer to send them to facebook and download again (in low quality).
I could go on, but my advice is to stay away from WP is you want something with more functionality than a feature phone. It might look pretty on the store (if blocky and garish tickles your fancy), but it fells too unfinished and locked up to be usable.
It sounds like you've bought into the Android way of doing things and you aren't terribly open to other alternatives. You want WP to function the same way as an Android and it doesn't. If it isn't the phone for you, that is fine, but that doesn't make it a terrible OS.
Some of your points have definite validity, but you don't appear to be finding things that are there to be used. It is actually rather easy to put an mp3 on as a ringtone since 7.5. You do not need SD or other methods to transfer files to or from the device. That is what SkyDrive is for. You want to change your lock screen? Just tap and hold an image and select set as wall paper. I could go on, but I won't. Bottom line, you can prefer Android, but make sure the functionality isn't there before you bash the WP.
Some of your points have definite validity, but you don't appear to be finding things that are there to be used. It is actually rather easy to put an mp3 on as a ringtone since 7.5. You do not need SD or other methods to transfer files to or from the device. That is what SkyDrive is for. You want to change your lock screen? Just tap and hold an image and select set as wall paper. I could go on, but I won't. Bottom line, you can prefer Android, but make sure the functionality isn't there before you bash the WP.
I am open to alternatives, not to reduced functionality. I don't even ask for WP to work the same as android (it wouldn't make sense), but I have to give up so much to use it and fight so many constraints that the Lumia is now relegated to secondary/emergency phone.
As for your points - using mp3 as ringtones isn't easy! Easy is to just select an mp3 and tell the phone to use it as the ringtone. Having to cut the mp3 to 30 seconds/1MB, change one tag, and transfer that thing back with Zune is all but convenient!
Skydrive - to use skydrive I'd have to use a data connection (and pay) to transfer files, unless I am at home using my network (and it will still be eationg out of my monthly data cap). It doesn't replace USB storage mode or a uSD card and it doesn't have clients for linux or android (no idea about mac), so no way to transfer files to my android phone or to my wife's phone.
Changing the lockscreen - you're right, that is as easy as on the android. I was wrong on this.
Bottom line, some of the functionality isn't there by design, in a stupid attempt to tie you to the microsoft "ecosystem", and in that removed functionality is everything connected to simple file transfer.
Some other functionality seems to not have been thought through - the keyboard, which is very efficient at recognizing where you touched, has all the shortcomings I wrote on the previous message. SMS functionality is very incomplete, even compared to my old sony featurephones (k850, etc.). The black band taking 20% of the screen, just to have a arrow button. The tiles with their limited functionality. The applications list that looks different if you have over a certain number of apps - and that you can't configure.
I didn't even touch other Microsoft imposed constraints, like single core cpu and small amount of memory, which will limit the "updateability" of the phones.
Really, WP7.5 looks like a glorified feature phone. So many constraints, so many attempts to push you into "microsoft's way" that limit its usefulness as a smartphone. If that is what you want, good for you.
As for your points - using mp3 as ringtones isn't easy! Easy is to just select an mp3 and tell the phone to use it as the ringtone. Having to cut the mp3 to 30 seconds/1MB, change one tag, and transfer that thing back with Zune is all but convenient!
Skydrive - to use skydrive I'd have to use a data connection (and pay) to transfer files, unless I am at home using my network (and it will still be eationg out of my monthly data cap). It doesn't replace USB storage mode or a uSD card and it doesn't have clients for linux or android (no idea about mac), so no way to transfer files to my android phone or to my wife's phone.
Changing the lockscreen - you're right, that is as easy as on the android. I was wrong on this.
Bottom line, some of the functionality isn't there by design, in a stupid attempt to tie you to the microsoft "ecosystem", and in that removed functionality is everything connected to simple file transfer.
Some other functionality seems to not have been thought through - the keyboard, which is very efficient at recognizing where you touched, has all the shortcomings I wrote on the previous message. SMS functionality is very incomplete, even compared to my old sony featurephones (k850, etc.). The black band taking 20% of the screen, just to have a arrow button. The tiles with their limited functionality. The applications list that looks different if you have over a certain number of apps - and that you can't configure.
I didn't even touch other Microsoft imposed constraints, like single core cpu and small amount of memory, which will limit the "updateability" of the phones.
Really, WP7.5 looks like a glorified feature phone. So many constraints, so many attempts to push you into "microsoft's way" that limit its usefulness as a smartphone. If that is what you want, good for you.
I own an HTC Radar, my 2 Microsoftie friends have corporate provided HTC Mozarts, my friend just looked at my device and bought herself a Windows phone. Another friend is going to buy a Lumia 800 this week. I can see clear interest to this OS among my surroundings.
When I bought my Radar, first I just only read the personal mail accounts on it; then for shots and giggles decided to put a corporate mail on it -- and as a result, my corporate BlackBerry is only used as a phone! So much more convenient...
Here's the story behind a WinPhone: I went to Phones4u wanting to get myself a latest iPhone. Decided to have a look around, specifically on Windows Phones because I saw one before. Looked at the slick but sturdy Radar, like it's made for my palm... started to play with it and realised that I 100% can use my existing ecosystem (strictly Windows/Hotmail/SkyDrive/Bing etc.) which I love - and have a slick, great phone! Out of the way went the iPhone -- another deal breaker was the stupid, ridiculous price of MacBooks which I looked at... for the price of an entry level MacBook Pro I bought my wife an excellent Sony F series with Core i7, discreet graphics card and all the bells & whistles.
So I gladly decided that I don't need to enter the greedy, money-sucking Apple ecosystem (??60 for a "photo adapter", anyone?? - first you have no USB and then you charge for it??) and can go ahead with loved, familiar Windows. And then they didn't even announce Windows 8 preview... which made me like my ecosystem even more.
Live tiles are great. Changing themes colour is great. You put what you need on Start screen, and quickly can find the rest in application list (use navigation letters!)
But the most important thing is: the Marketplace has grown up now, and you can spend hours browsing for new ideas of what to install. Previous arguments about the scarcity of apps for WinPhone are now irrelevant. There is an app for everything. I have about 70 apps in total now, and the last additions were Tasks that support projects, and Personal Finance application. The applications I find here are of much better quality than BlackBerry ones.
I do own an Android Sony Tablet S, and despite the fact ICS is out for several months already, the update from 3.2.1 still hasn't come (Sony promises April...). My WinPhone already had 2 updates. Good stuff that Microsoft took updating out of mobile operators' hands, and into their own, capable ones. With Android we have now same situation that was with Windows Mobile before... fragmentation, ops not caring a spit about updates, delayed updates.
So... when Win 8 Metro tablets are out, upgrade is due.
When I bought my Radar, first I just only read the personal mail accounts on it; then for shots and giggles decided to put a corporate mail on it -- and as a result, my corporate BlackBerry is only used as a phone! So much more convenient...
Here's the story behind a WinPhone: I went to Phones4u wanting to get myself a latest iPhone. Decided to have a look around, specifically on Windows Phones because I saw one before. Looked at the slick but sturdy Radar, like it's made for my palm... started to play with it and realised that I 100% can use my existing ecosystem (strictly Windows/Hotmail/SkyDrive/Bing etc.) which I love - and have a slick, great phone! Out of the way went the iPhone -- another deal breaker was the stupid, ridiculous price of MacBooks which I looked at... for the price of an entry level MacBook Pro I bought my wife an excellent Sony F series with Core i7, discreet graphics card and all the bells & whistles.
So I gladly decided that I don't need to enter the greedy, money-sucking Apple ecosystem (??60 for a "photo adapter", anyone?? - first you have no USB and then you charge for it??) and can go ahead with loved, familiar Windows. And then they didn't even announce Windows 8 preview... which made me like my ecosystem even more.
Live tiles are great. Changing themes colour is great. You put what you need on Start screen, and quickly can find the rest in application list (use navigation letters!)
But the most important thing is: the Marketplace has grown up now, and you can spend hours browsing for new ideas of what to install. Previous arguments about the scarcity of apps for WinPhone are now irrelevant. There is an app for everything. I have about 70 apps in total now, and the last additions were Tasks that support projects, and Personal Finance application. The applications I find here are of much better quality than BlackBerry ones.
I do own an Android Sony Tablet S, and despite the fact ICS is out for several months already, the update from 3.2.1 still hasn't come (Sony promises April...). My WinPhone already had 2 updates. Good stuff that Microsoft took updating out of mobile operators' hands, and into their own, capable ones. With Android we have now same situation that was with Windows Mobile before... fragmentation, ops not caring a spit about updates, delayed updates.
So... when Win 8 Metro tablets are out, upgrade is due.
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