Microsoft’s brand new Windows Phone 7 platform launched yesterday, bringing a ton of exciting new developments with it; perhaps most notably, the integration with Xbox live, letting the user experience console-like gaming on their mobile handset.
Microsoft have been working with a variety of designers, and phones are available at launch from LG, HTC and Samsung. Since three out of the five handsets available at launch are HTC, though, I’m going to concentrate on those for the moment.
It will certainly prove a big step for HTC, who this year have been on the up and up with a range of high-end, best-selling Android devices (most notably the HTC Desire).
We haven’t managed to get our mitts on the handsets for a proper look at them yet, but it’s only a matter of time as they’re launching across the country this week. At first glance, the main draw-back to the handsets seems to be that they don’t have a MicroSD card slot, meaning you have to make do with the on-board memory.
HTC 7 Trophy
Here’s a brief low-down of the three:
HTC 7 Mozart
By all accounts, the Mozart is an aesthetically pleasing phone, with Engadget describing it as “classy” and ITPro as “good looking”. Of the three, this looks to be the definite choice if it’s the media experience you’re after; with integrated Microsoft Zune, you can sync your phone with your PC media library. Dolby Mobile and SRS WOW HD give you virtual surround sound. Though the 3.7 inch screen is more than generous, if you’re keen on a more visual experience you’d be better off with bigger brothers the HTC 7 Trophy or 7 HD.
HTC 7 Trophy
The Trophy, on the other hand, looks like a great choice for gamers – my little brother’s already salivating over it. With a 4’3 inch screen and integrated Xbox live, it gives an immersive experience so that you’ll never be away from the action for too long. On the other hand, we have trouble prising my brother away from the Xbox as it is, so your mileage may vary on whether being able to game wherever you are is a good thing or not!
HTC HD7
The HD7 is your own pocket cinematic experience, whether you’re a budding film director or more of a coach potato. It comes with a 5 megapixel camera and can both shoot and playback video in HD, giving your home movies that professional sheen. Like the Trophy, the screen is an enormous 4.3 inches, so it’s definitely important to invest in a good HTC HD7 cover.