Microsoft has revealed the long-awaited and much-rumoured new generation of its mobile phone operating system, Windows Phone 7 Series. There's a strong focus on seamless connectivity and aggregated services, with social networking updates available in real time. There'll also be access to Xbox Live information and the 'Zune' music player. The company says phones will be available in stores by the end of the year.
Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's CEO, said "I’m proud to introduce Windows Phone 7 Series, the next generation of Windows Phones. In a crowded market filled with phones that look the same and do the same things, I challenged the team to deliver a different kind of mobile experience. Windows Phone 7 Series marks a turning point toward phones that truly reflect the speed of people’s lives and their need to connect to other people and all kinds of seamless experiences."
Mark Bridge and James Rosewell are reporting from Mobile World Congress this week; you can hear their podcast – which includes a discussion about the press launch – if you click here.