MWC 2011: Microsoft promises Windows Phone 7 updates and Kinect crossover
Monday, March 7, 2011
, Posted by Unknown at 3:48 AM
Also plans to integrate Twitter as tightly as it has Facebook in WP7 OS.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer provided MWC attendees with a sneak peak at the future of the Windows Phone 7 operating system in his keynote speech.
One of the highlights was news that WP7 handsets will be able to interact with Xbox 360's Kinect motion control system. A demonstration showed someone firing balls with their WP7 smartphone at a friend, who had to dive about to block them using Kinect.
Microsoft also showed how Windows Phone 7 multi-tasking will work in a forthcoming software update - it's similar to iPhone's fast app switching. Music apps will be able to run in the background too, matching other smartphone platforms.
Ballmer also said Microsoft will soon integrate Twitter deeply into the WP7 software, just as it did Facebook for launch. The Internet Explorer 9 browser will also get a pocket-sized version for Microsoft's mobile OS later this year.
He gave an update on Windows Phone Marketplace too, saying the store now has 8,000 apps available, with 30,000 registered developers.
Interestingly, Ballmer also made a direct appeal to operators, saying that WP7 "will be the best place for operators to add value... we will be the most operator-friendly platform available" - a direct challenge to Android and BlackBerry.
Nokia CEO Stephen Elop was a guest on-stage during Ballmer's keynote, reiterating the two companies' ambition to create "a third ecosystem" to rival iOS and Android.
ME’s news coverage of MWC is supported by NewBay, the leader in cloud-based digital content services. NewBay’s LifeCache white label platform enables operators and device makers to deliver a lifetime of content experiences across mobiles, PCs, tablets and TVs. Customers include T-Mobile, Telefónica O2, France Telecom Orange, AT&T, Telstra, LG and more.
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