If the Microsoft Zune / Danger smartphone platform will be released as rumored, we may finally see an end to disappointing multimedia overlays on Windows Mobile.
Yesterday, we talked about the disappointments of Windows Mobile multimedia overlays, and today, it turns out that Microsoft may have revealed some tidbits about what's in store for Microsoft fans. CNBC's Jim Goldman has the scoop:
I'm hearing from a good source that Microsoft is ready to give a major facelift to the company's Zune music player that could mean its evolution into a new smart phone from the company.
My source says that the new device falls under the codename "Pink" and that it will combine the company's Zune and technology from Microsoft's purchase of Danger Inc., the company that brought us the Sidekick flip phone available on T-Mobile.
We can only hope that Jim Goldman's source is trustworthy. And we think it is, because right now, a new platform from Microsoft is overdue. Windows Mobile in its current state, separated in three different platforms (Classic, Standard and Professional), lacks a fourth and obvious Multimedia platform. Of course, there's a good chance that Windows Mobile 7 will give you everything in one package, but we're easily talking 4-5 years from now until Microsoft has built a significant user base for it.
What their hardware partners need right now, is a Multimedia / Messaging platform that will let their products reach out to consumers without having to fiddle with overlays. Both the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 and Samsung Omnia is aiming at multimedia enthusiasts, but when looking beneath the surface, there's so many loose ends that it just doesn't make sense.
Right now, the main selling point for the Samsung Omnia is not its TouchWiz interface, but the fact that you can turn it off and use the standard WinMo Today Screen. And the main selling point for the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 right now is its WinMo panel. In other words, they're both marketed as something new, but end up relying on the hard work of those who built up the Windows Mobile community, without actually giving something viable in return.
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