Microsoft Launches Windows Phone 7

After Apple and Google if Microsoft wants to survive in the race of smartphone, it desperately needs Windows Phone 7 to be a major hit. Frankly it's the only way to get back in the game. Gartner has predicted that Microsoft's share of the worldwide mobile OS market will boost from 4.7% in 2010 to 5.2% in 2011 if this release of Windows Phone 7 goes as expected. However, he further predicts that since the competitors Apple and Google continue to gain control of the market with the iPhone and Android, the company's share might ultimately fall back to just 3.9% by 2014 respectively.

Microsoft's primary launch partner for Windows Phone 7 is AT&T Wireless. The carrier is now offering the Samsung Focus and HTC Surround, both for $199 with a two-year contract. Although the devices are requiring a minimum data plan priced at $15 per month, AT&T also offers the no-contract versions of the phones for $499. Afterward it is rumored that AT&T plans to introduce a third Windows Phone 7 smartphone, the LG Quantum.

On the other hand, the second U.S. carrier for Windows Phone 7, T-Mobile is selling the HTC HD7 for $199 with a two-year contract and minimum, $15 data plan. Whereas, T-Mobile will soon launch the Dell Venue Pro at a later date as well.

Regardless of manufacturer, Windows Phone 7 devices promise to deliver a common user experience based on an interface, which Microsoft calls, Live Tiles. These total six tiles, allow users to quickly access all major reasons why a smartphone is called a smartphone, for example calling, social media, messaging, photo, e-mail, and personal applications and services. Which will, quite predictable, deliver real-time information to the main interface.