Microsoft released its new Windows Phone 7 smart phone operating system in November 2010, essentially scrapping its previous mobile phone operating system developments. Like competitors Apple and Google, one of the selling points of Windows Mobile 7 is the ability to install add-on apps such as games, reference materials and productivity tools from Microsoft along with third-party developers.
Communications Apps
Integration between Windows Live and Facebook lets users see Facebook status updates of their friends through their smart phone's contact lists. However, a separate app is available for people who wish to easily access Twitter from their Windows Phone 7 devices. The Twitter app includes full access to the timeline of friend's Tweets, user suggestions, messages and lists. Through "pivots," a user can move from different elements of their Twitter account, such as going from their timeline to direct messages.
Business and Security Apps
Business users and other customers who want enhanced security for their Windows Phone 7 smart phones can install Find My Phone, an app designed to help locate lost or stolen phones. Users can determine where the location of their phone, lock the phone remotely or even wipe out all information from the phone including potentially sensitive business documents. Windows Mobile 7 phones also come with 25 GB of free storage on the Windows Live SkyLine cloud computing network, which can be used to save files and share them between a phone and a PC.
Entertainment Apps and Games
Instead of watching YouTube videos through the Internet browser, Windows Phone 7 users can view clips through a free YouTube app. This application streamlines the viewing process and allows videos to load faster and more smoothly than watching through the browser. Another option for viewing video content on Windows Phone 7 devices is the Netflix video service. Subscribers can download a free app which allows them to stream Netflix content like movies, TV shows and other video over their smart phones.
Microsoft has also created mobile versions of video games previously available through its Xbox LIVE system, allowing players to use their existing Xbox LIVE avatars and share their gaming achievements with their friends. Among the titles available at the launch of Windows Phone 7 in November 2010 were mobile versions of shooter game "Rocket Riot," "Star Wars: The Battle for Hoth" and puzzle game "Bejeweled Live." (References 6)
Tags: Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, from their, mobile versions, November 2010, operating system