Microsoft announced earlier today, via the Windows Team Blog, that it would be releasing its Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system to manufacturers. Redmond noted that the mobile operating system is the most “thoroughly tested” mobile platform it has developed.
“We’re very excited to say that we’ve reached the biggest milestone for our internal team – the release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows Phone 7! While the final integration of Windows Phone 7 with our partners’ hardware, software, and networks is underway, the work of our internal engineering team is largely complete,” Terry Myerson wrote.
Exactly one month ago, iWinUX reported that 3,000 Windows Phone 7 devices had been using a Facebook application to connect the devices to Facebook. So it’s no surprise when Microsoft says that it had 10,000 phones in testing daily up until this point. Microsoft also plans to give all 90,000 of its employees a WP7 device.
Microsoft has also been listening to feedback and acting on it, as the Myerson wrote that feedback showed users wanted ways to filter their contacts so Facebook friends only appear if you really know them, and Redmond added support for just that.
Other Facebook features include the ability to view Facebook and even “like” posts from the device’s “People Hub”, or write on their wall directly from the device.
At the Microsoft Global Exchange 2010 conference, the software manufacturer announced that it would be giving all of its employees a Windows 7 phone. The corporation currently has over 90,000 employees around the world.
The move was predictable as Google and Apple, both, gave its employees Nexus Ones and iPhones, respectively. Palm has been the only other major smart-phone manufacturer that has not given its employees phones.
Andy Lees, Microsoft’s Senior VP of Mobile had this to say in an internal email, “With all the buzz, a lot of you are asking how you can get your hands on a phone and get more involved. So, I am thrilled to announce that a new Windows Phone 7 will be made available to every Microsoft employee as we launch in each market around the world. The process will vary based on your market, your carrier, and your launch date so stay tuned for more information closer to launch.”
Source: Gizmodo [via Neowin]
After failing to meet expectations, Google is saying goodbye to its flagship phone, the HTC Nexus One. The phone will no longer be available on the search engine’s website reported ComputerWorld.
Customer support will still be available for the Android device in the United States and developers will still have access to it. Google also noted that the phone will still be sold through European and Asian carriers with the likelihood of being sold in other markets if the conditions are right.
Google only attempted to sell the Android smartphone for six months, which is about half of a smartphone’s lifespan. Usually after a year, smartphones end up being replaced by newer models since the technology is always being revamped and out-done by competitors.
