Ever since Microsoft showed off Windows Phone 7 Series at Mobile World Congress, one of the major questions has been what kind of hardware can we expect from the device manufacturers. All we saw in Barcelona was a developer device.
But today on The Engadget Show, Microsoft’s Aaron Woodman brought a new toy. It was a prototype LG device, with the Windows Phone 7 Series OS, a sliding QWERTY keyboard -- which was a bit of a surprise -- all of the hardware buttons that we’ve been told to expect, a 5-megapixel camera with flash, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Let's reiterate that this was a prototype, and we'd kind of like to see a production unit with a little more sophistication. An new OS of this caliber deserves something that at least looks like more than the hardware the old Windows Mobile (sorry, but it is) runs on.
Oh, and the fact that Paul and Nilay posted their hands-on with the LG device as The Engadget Show was taping live was more than a little sick. [Engadget]
Reader comments
LG Windows Phone 7 Series Prototype Fondled on The Engadget Show
Design is a bore. How about a Zune HD form factor? Or even better a how about an HTC Legend form factor with WP7 on it. That would kick arse..
Ugh... the legend looks like it's got such a small screen compared to the body.
I'd prefer to see a large screened HD2 form factor, or an HD2 with sliding keyboard.
Um, since your'e all design experts and masters of fung shui... what would be a better form factor?
I think it's alright, but thank goodness this isn't an Apple business model so we'll get choice in form factor, brand and carrier.
But I agree, can't wait to see more.
Why do I have to be a phone designer? I'm simple saying that this design is very boring compared to HTC's latest Android devices and even the IPhone. Microsoft isn't coming out with any WP7 devices until the end of this year. If they want to keep the hype going high they're going to need to come up with something that's going to wow. This isn't it. Google and Apple are going to sit idle either. HTC HD2 is great but it's not pocket-able and yes I've handled it.
I don't see how this is more boring than the iPhone. I never understood why so many people keep calling it chic and sexy; it looks like a completely uninteresting slab to me. Anyway, the point is that we get a CHOICE in hardware style. No one's making you buy LG's style of WP7 and, luckily, HTC was smart enough to support Windows still, too, so there'll be many HTC flavors, as well.
Also, so far, I think Apple has sat idle... even the iPad still looks like the iPhone.
Okay what consider an example of a good looking phone? Enlighten us...
Looks like the LG eXpo with a slightly modified case. Not that that's a bad thing, though i'm really surprised to see a QWERTY slider for one of the first WP7 devices.
To the Apple business model idea: What if MS offered, for example, TP2/Tilt2, HD2, Hero/Eris and Snap/Ozone models for their OS. You could still have a choice of form factor and carrier, but MS could have better control over the hardware/software interaction.
I think that's sort of what they're trying to achieve with the chassis idea, except we still won't be limited to just that few of styles. OEMs can put their own looks on each of the chassis while we still get a better and consistent user experience all around.
It's just a prototype, some like it some don't. Just wait to see what HTC, samsung, and the rest do.
Asking questions was a bust though, the party line is "at MiX", so why they even tried to get any info was funny. I doubt he'd make a mistake and just blurt something out, that could've been the hope though.
16 more days!
looks okay.
Looks good, might be switching from my Pre if W7 comes to Sprint this year.
is it just me or does that screen look real small? it is missing the wow factor of such devices as the HD2 but I do like the slide keyboard. I can't wait to see what HTC comes up with!
I don't see how this is more boring than the iPhone. I never understood why so many people keep calling it chic and sexy; it looks like a completely uninteresting slab to me. Anyway, the point is that we get a CHOICE in hardware style. No one's making you buy LG's style of WP7 and, luckily, HTC was smart enough to support Windows still, too, so there'll be many HTC flavors, as well. m65
Also, so far, I think Apple has sat idle... even the iPad still looks like the iPhone.