Microsoft’s slogan should be “… you don’t need an app for that…” – because it’s all beautifully integrated into WP7 Mango.

And that is the fundamental difference – MS have created a fantastic user experience by taking a different approach – you don’t need to think about what app you need to use, because WP7 seamlessly integrates most activities in “hubs” of related functionality. Because so much is natively built into Mango, it means that apps in WP7 can focus on specialised functionality, rather than having to provide basic fundamental features as found on other platforms.

When comparing WP7 Mango with other platforms, it’s no longer about WHAT features the phones have, it’s about HOW these features are implemented. In effect, Microsoft has taken a leaf out of Apple’s book and improved on the idea of what a great user experience actually means.

All this is great for us consumers because it will drive innovation forward. We will all benefit from this irrespective of which platform we prefer.

As a long-time Symbian user I am very much accustomed to the way the calendar works in my Nokia phone.

I can set a reminder for an event, just like I can do it in WP7, however in Symbian, the reminder will alert me continuously (with intervals) with a rather long and loud melody until the event is due or I dismiss/snooze it. It becomes really handy if I am not located right next to my phone or my phone’s in the briefcase – as WP7 stands right now, this one “ding-dong” it makes is not enough for me.

As a long-time Symbian user I am very much accustomed to the way the calendar works in my Nokia phone.

I can set a reminder for an event, just like I can do it in WP7, however in Symbian, the reminder will alert me continuously (with intervals) with a rather long and loud melody until the event is due or I dismiss/snooze it. It becomes really handy if I am not located right next to my phone or my phone’s in the briefcase – as WP7 stands right now, this one “ding-dong” it makes is not enough for me.

They surveyed people, created a social network, and had contests for people interested in WP7, yet they used NOTHING from what they learned.

They surveyed people, created a social network, and had contests for people interested in WP7, yet they used NOTHING from what they learned.

It’s funny they should say that.  People seem to have no idea WebOS had this feature originally.  But anyway, It was one of my favorites and I’m very pleased to see it in Mango.