So I was reading the Globe and Mail today and learned that Microsoft is steppin up it’s game and playin with the big boys now: That’s right, the smart phones. Well, actually, they entered THAT market eons ago, but this is the first I’VE heard of them actually planning to get their butts in gear and advance their technology to match that of Apple and Google.
Behold, the much anticipated Windows Phone 7:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/microsoft-ramps-up-for-windows-phone-release/article1710740/
And ohhh isn’t it shiny. By the looks of it, this handy dandy gadget will have all sorts of AMAZING features- yeah, so amazing that I couldn’t help but awkwardly capitalize the word itself. I mean I’m talking video streaming, WiFi access, it’s own app downloads, and don’t forget it’s sleek, black, palm-fitting exterior…
Oh darn, was I describing the iPhone or the Windows 7?
That’s just the problem. The phone, while easy on the eyes (remember, shiny) resembles far too much the already popular iPhone and the Google Android. What’s more? There’s already buzz that the Windows 7’s going to severely lack in qualities such as app selection (especially since Microsoft is creating its own database, something that will draw consumers away from it given that Apple already has a HUUUUUGE app marketplace with iTunes), and even in simple features such as touch-screen sensitivity (take a look at this video, and you’ll see what I mean: 
).
This is a pretty gentle way of saying that, frankly, this phone is gonna suck. Which is pretty harsh considering it hasn’t even been released yet.
Simply put, Microsoft is relying FAR too heavily on the creativity of app developers to make this phone match the quality of Apple and Google’s products. I mean, it’s no secret that Apple already has one of the largest shares of the smart phone market, and if just a few differentiated apps are Microsoft’s answer to gaining a larger market share, then Bill Gates might as well chuck his wallet in the trash right now. Regardless of the “quality” of these apps or their abundance, it’s going to be a slow pickup for consumers to be convinced that the Windows 7 phone is superior to other smart phones already out there. Yeah yeah, we know that Microsoft may still have the largest market share in the computer industry, and it’s pretty obvious they’ll be relying heavily on the loyalty of hardcore PC and Microsoft users to make this phone even somewhat successful, but frankly the company’s sheer rate of development in phone technology is nothing compared to Apple’s, who seems to turn out new products in a matter of months.
Why start the race when it’s already been won?
SO, while in theory Microsoft’s (albeit gradual) entrance into the smartphone marketplace seems like a good idea, with so many huge firms already actively competing, AND with their own MUCH more popular and advanced technology, it’s going to be an uphill battle for the Windows 7 to win over consumers.
…I guess they could always draw on sense appeal in their ad campaigns with bright colors and some upbeat indie music. Wait, it’s been done already, by Apple? Oh. Awkward. Well then, yeah, good luck with the hunk of metal, Microsoft. But hey, when the time comes, at least you’ll have a nice share in the market for ridiculously expensive doorstops.