Both PPCGeeks.com and MobileTechWorld.com claim to have received some new information about the upcoming Windows Mobile 7 operating system. The new details are attributed to an anonymous tipster who reveals the following:
- The User Interface is based upon codename “METRO”. It will be very similar to the Zune HD User Interface with a complete revamp of the “Start” screen.
- No Flash support initially but Silverlight will be supported (but not in the browser)
- Windows Phone 7 will only support application installation via a service like the Marketplace. Side-loading (application installation via storage card) will not be supported.
- No multitasking. Applications will pause when in the background and use a push-based notification system
- Marketplace will come with “try before you buy” functionality and an API
- No backwards application compatibility
- Full Zune and Xbox integration
- Windows Mobile Device Center to be replaced by Zune software syncing
- No OEM interfaces (like HTC Sense)
- Device release date on track for September 2010
These rumours align with some earlier ones that suggest that Microsoft is adopting a more Apple-like approach to its mobile OS. Is this a completely new direction for Windows Mobile or are we seeing a dual strategy (Zune Phone for the consumer space and Windows Mobile for the enterprise) emerging? Hopefully we will learn more at MWC…