Facebook update hits Windows Phone 7

On Wednesday, Microsoft made available an update to the Windows Phone 7 Facebook application, which is available for free on the marketplace. Before today, Windows Phone 7 users have had a frustrating time using Facebook on their phones. The application was slow, non-responsive and lacked many features. 

The update comes with some noteable new features, including Facebook Places (with your GPS, too), in-app photo tagging, as well as allowing the application to continue running under screen lock (A feature we couldn't live without), as well as a massive performance increase.

The update also features a slightly different interface, with larger fonts, and the application is responsive to the touch while still loading. Even so, we aren't quite sure why the keyboard still doesn't match the application though -- when the dark theme is selected, the keyboard shows up black even though the entire application is white and blue.

With the Windows Phone 7 marketplace surpassing 4000 applications and Microsoft announcing that they had shipped 1.5 Million devices, it's been a big week for Windows Phone 7. To get the application, go to the applications page on Zune; or visit the marketplace on your phone to grab the update.

Acer confirms a future WP7 handset

Tech giant Acer, said on Monday, that the company is currently working on a Windows Phone 7 handset.

The news comes as CEO Gianfranco Lanci stated in an interview with Ina Fried that “Today we are mainly Android, but we are also working on Windows Phone 7”

When questioned about why the company didn’t make a move to the Windows Phone platform earlier, he responded “We saw a lot of limitations on Windows Phone a couple of years ago and we moved to Android because of user experience, and even the possibility to be a little more creative from a content offering and so forth is better than on the Windows phone”

There hasn’t been any specific features announced for the handset, but Lanci claims he thinks WP7 has “the same opportunity you can see on Android in terms of customization.”

In September, a Microsoft employee hinted at the possibility of an Acer WP7 device and it seems clear now that we were right to take the hint.

As this is in the early stages of development there hasn’t yet been an announcement of when the handset is planned to be released.

Microsoft claims WP7 is 20% more efficient than other platforms

Microsoft is not shy about taking its gloves off when it comes to comparing its products to the competition. They recently released a video (and then pulled it) that talked about how OpenOffice was actually costing corporations money rather than saving it.

Microsoft is claiming, based on internal research, that WP7 "requires up to 20% fewer steps to perform common tasks," according to Computerworld.com. These claims are to show that Microsoft's platform, despite being the new kid on the block, will actually save you time. This information aligns with the idea that WP7 was designed to be a "glance and go" OS rather than a "stop and stare" OS.

As Microsoft continues its advertising campaign, you can be certain that they will be pushing this idea that WP7 is the most efficient mobile OS on the market. With nearly $500 million dollars behind the advertising campaign, they will release a barrage of content that will plaster all the faces of modern media.

Windows Phone 7 in demand in the U.K.

Nearly two weeks have passed since the launch of Windows Phone 7 in the United Kingdom and the news on early sales seems to be good if reports on Yahoo are anything to go by. Windows Phone 7 devices from a host of companies went on sale on October 21 in the UK, Samsung and HTC had their devices in most phone shops ready for the launch despite talk of low stocks. While LG's Optimus 7 Windows Phone 7 device took a few more days to arrive but is now on sale across various carriers including Vodafone.

The report said that the U.K. Carrier, Orange, has had to turn away some customers who have been after Windows Phone 7 devices, even providing some customers with money off vouchers if they were not successful in getting their hands on one. Though some reports have said that this is more likely to be due to a lack of devices making their way to stores still rather than high demand.

The first few days of the Windows Phone 7 launch in the UK didn't create much buzz, though this was mostly due to there being hardly any phone stores advertising devices on their window displays or even making mention of them in-store. The good news is that things have changed in recent days with a host of adverts for Windows Phone 7 running on TV and in magazines. Microsoft even made sure that they got into prime time viewing by running their "Really" advert during "The X-Factor" on Saturday night.

Windows Phone 7 Marketplace hits 777 apps on launch day

Microsoft's Marketplace for Windows Phone 7 hit 777 apps today.

Microsoft's Joe Belfiore, who oversees the Windows Phone 7 product definition & design team, revealed the figure earlier today. A number of Windows Phone 7 applications went live today including official YouTube support, Twitter and Windows Live Messenger. Microsoft is slowly releasing a number of high profile apps onto the marketplace and we've been told to expect more in the coming weeks.

Microsoft launched Windows Phone 7 today in Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Unfortunately, some delays and lack of devices have seen a large number of shoppers in the UK go without. Due to a small number of devices, retailers have sent all existing stock to high volume stores. Microsoft assures us that they are doing their best to work with operators and device manufacturers to ensure the phones are available. "We are working hard with our partners to get enough phones off the ships and planes and into the stores as soon as possible. If anyone has not managed to get a phone today, you can order online and will be able to get one in the next few hours and days," said a Microsoft spokesperson.

First Windows Phone 7 device sold in New Zealand

As Microsoft prepares to launch Windows Phone 7 across Europe, lucky kiwis have got their hands on the devices.

The first Windows Phone 7 device has been sold today over in New Zealand. Lucky shopper Jourdan Templeton picked up the world's first Windows Phone 7 at a store in New Zealand. Shoppers across Europe and in the UK are anxiously waiting until tomorrow morning when devices go on sale at 7am. Microsoft has teamed up with Capital FM in London to promote and sell the devices at Orange's Oxford Street store tomorrow.

Capital FM show presenters Jonny Vaughan and Lisa Snowdon will be heading to the store following their morning breakfast show and will be offering prizes to those in store from 10am. Microsoft will be handing out a number of freebies to those wishing to get a Windows Phone 7 device tomorrow morning. For now though, the first device has gone on-sale and we await initial reactions and reviews of Windows Phone 7. Stay tuned to Neowin where we will be posting a Windows Phone 7 review in three hours time.

Facebook for Windows Phone 7 appears in Marketplace

Windows Phone 7 sports some pretty heavy social integration. Among all of this is its ability to connect with Facebook. The platform does this natively, leading us to believe that a dedicated Facebook app may not be necessary. However, despite the integration, many people across the blogosphere have complained that they'd rather have a separate Facebook app, just like other platforms provide.

Well, according to 1800PocketPC, an official Facebook app has made its way to the Marketplace. Confusingly, the publisher shows up as Microsoft. However, the report seems to imply that it's the official app, as it's branded with Facebook's logos. The app will give Facebook users the ability to:

"post status updates, check your news feed, review your upcoming events, manage your inbox, upload photos, publish notes, accept friend requests, and look at your friends' photos, walls, and info."

With the above in mind, it sure seems like a pretty feature rich version of Facebook for a first release. Back when Facebook launched for Android, some of the biggest gripes were its horrendous interface, lack of inbox, friends, notifications, and chat. Most of these seem to be neatly bundled into this beautifully architected Windows Phone 7 Metro UI template. Assuming it works as it should, WP7 users are sure to be quite happy with the app.

AT&T to give Windows Phone 7 users free entertainment package

As we move forward to the launch of Windows Phone 7 in just two days, AT&T is set to give away a free entertainment package for customers who purchase a Windows Phone from October 25th through December 31st. While the package is only good for 30 days, it gives you access to three major components of the new Windows Phone platform. Totaling $29.97 in value, according to the AT&T webpage, the package will offer the following:

• A 30 day Zune Pass which enables you to have unlimited access to songs in the Zune Marketplace. You also get to keep 10 songs a month, which are DRM free. After the 30 day trial, you will have the option of retaining your membership for $14.99/month. More information about the Zune Pass can be found here.
• A 30 day AT&T U-verse Mobile subscription which gives U-verse TV customers one-app access to download and watch TV shows and schedule their home DVR recordings directly on their smartphone.
• A free 3D Xbox Live game from Southend Interactive, makers of Lode Runner HD and Tecmo Bowl Throwback, called ilomilo. The game is essentially a 3D puzzle, with extremely detailed artwork. Check out the trailer below. 

Official Windows Live Messenger app coming to WP7, but not from Microsoft?

Imagine this: Microsoft releases a new mobile platform and when it comes to bringing their popular messaging client to the platform, they outsource the coding to someone else. Sound strange? Well, it gets even more interesting. This real life scenario leaves us with a version of Windows Live Messenger that’s actually titled “Messenger by Miyowa,” although I’d speculate that Microsoft won’t let their flagship messaging application go to market with that name.

On their blog (via WMPoweruser.com), Miyowa discusses briefly that their 250-man (no women?) software company has already produced the Messenger clients for various other platforms, although it's unknown if this list includes iOS and Android. Miyowa also states that it’ll be releasing WP7 applications for other social networks (including Facebook and Twitter) in the marketplace. While this is good news for those that want nice looking and functional applications for their shiny new WP7 devices, one has to wonder why Microsoft couldn’t code this application themselves, especially given the simplicity of coding within Silverlight. It could be that Microsoft's Windows Live team have been too busy working on the recent Windows Live Essentials 2011 release, although you’d think that getting all core Microsoft content and services onto WP7 would have been a priority from day one.

The application is expected to be available for free on the marketplace at launch.

Copy and Paste coming to Windows Phone 7 in early 2011

Windows Phone 7 is fresh out the door and Microsoft is trying to make as many waves as possible. By first announcing 10 new phones that will land on carriers around the world, Microsoft is now saying that the device will support copy and paste in early 2011.

Microsoft has gone on the record to say that copy and paste will hit the platform in early 2011 but a firm date was not given. It was quite a surprise to hear that copy and paste would not be supported in the initial release as Microsoft made this a staple of their older mobile OS. Apple users were perturbed by not having that simple but crucial feature on the iOS platform for several iterations and are mockingly pointing out that WP7 does not currently support this feature.

Microsoft demonstrated the upcoming feature to CNET on Monday. The copy and paste feature will work by letting users click on a particular word that will allow them to expand the selection further. Separate paste functions are built in but the look is not yet final.

Microsoft is just now starting to make its inroads in what will surely be a massive marketing campaign to make the public aware of the platform and all of its capabilities. With a huge budget and a tier one marketing group, its fair to say that the game is on for Microsoft and it wants the world to know about its platform.

Microsoft Unveils New Windows Phones

Microsoft on Monday unveiled the final version of its long-awaited Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system, which it hoped would give it a greater presence in the rapidly expanding market for smartphones.

The software was introduced at a news conference in New York City led by Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s chief executive. He said the new operating system would be available on nine handsets next month from a variety of hardware manufacturers — LG, Samsung, HTC and Dell. Some of these phones would have keyboards, Mr. Ballmer said, and others would be exclusively touch screen. More…

Windows Phone 7 to launch with 2000 apps

Windows Phone 7 is being eagerly awaited by techies everywhere. Some question its attempt to rival big players like the iOS and Android platforms. Microsoft will be holding a Windows Phone 7 launch event in New York and London on October 11.

Engadget have reported they had been forwarded a snapshot taken from a Three UK document. The shot reads that the Windows Phone 7 will have 2000 applications when it’s launched and that it comes equipped with a 4.0 inch Super AMOLED Capacitive Touch Screen. Amongst the Windows Phone 7 device, lays the Samsung Europa and the Blackberry Torch.

Microsoft refused to announce the amount of apps the phone would have at launch, but 2000 seems plentiful. Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO has already announced that applications written for Windows Phone 7 will work on all devices running the OS. "Unlike Google, if you write an app for Windows Phone 7, it will work on all Windows phones" said Ballmer.

Before long, it could be a distinct possibility that the amount of WindowsPhone 7 apps surpasses the amount of those on the Apple app store. It seems we’ll have to watch this space and see whether developers flock to Windows Phone once again.

Google engineer on WP7: The world doesn't need another platform

In an interview with PCMag (via Engadget), Google engineer Andy Rubin discussed Android, market fragmentation, and even Windows Phone 7. In what was probably a spur of the moment statement, Rubin stated that he thinks that the world doesn't need yet another mobile phone platform. The way Rubin sees it, the only reason someone would even try to create a new platform is for political reasons. Maybe he has a point. More OS's mean more fragmentation in the market, more phones that developers have to choose between, more chances of incompatibilities, etc. Many of us clearly remember the pre-Windows world of desktop computing and the annoyance that came with finding out that you can't get the software you want on your machine.

When Android was first announced, Apple's iOS was taking the world by storm, Blackberry was getting into the ‘touch' scene, Symbian was doing OK, and Microsoft had a small share too. At that stage no one knew they needed Android, and there were already plenty of OS options. Since that time, the market has become even more complex with Samsung throwing in a new in-house OS (Bada), and soon Microsoft's going to be launching their Windows Phone 7 platform - but it's still Windows Phone. Microsoft's replacing the old Windows Phone with a new (very different) version, they're not a new player with a new brand. Claiming that the world doesn't need another phone OS seems a little strange to me when you work for a company that made a completely new OS, and you're trying to brush-off a competitor that's heavily revising their OS.

On the topic of fragmentation, Rubin shared the views of most consumers and claims to want OEMs to use the latest Android versions instead of out-dated builds. Of course, Google's long-time competitor Microsoft would be able to tell them a few stories about OEMs not giving up on old software versions. In fact, Windows XP might be the case study that Google needs to learn from. The biggest reason for XP's prolonged (zombie-like) existence isn't because people don't like change, and it's not because people don't want to upgrade their hardware. It's because so many companies put so much time and effort into building applications for XP - and it takes a long time for those companies to decide that it's worth the money to rewrite huge amounts of code. Android, which has gone through a number of version changes since birth, may be suffering from a similar fate. Perhaps Google's way out of the fragmentation mess is to change is to give developers more of heads-up, that way they'll be able to code with future changes in mind and not be stuck with a customization that only works on one build.

What do you think about Andy Rubin's comments? Is Windows Phone 7 going to add that much more confusion into the mobile marketplace, or is it already so full of competition that it won't matter?

Windows Phone 7 to debut in New Zealand first

Paul Spain on Geekzone NZ says that "based on what [he's] been hearing [he] expects handsets to be available to consumers around the world." The dates of availability may be:

• Australia/New Zealand - 21 October 2010
• Asia - from 21 October 2010 (availability varies by country)
• Europe - 21 October 2010
• USA - 8 November 2010

Obviously these dates should be regarded as rumours, and are not confirmed by Microsoft. In saying this, they make sense based on what happened with Windows 7's launch last year; New Zealand was the first country in the world to get the RTM software because New Zealand is the first country to see the specific date because of the international date line.

Microsoft has yet to comment on the news, saying that more details about the launch will be "coming soon." We'll know for sure in a weeks time at the launch event.

Windows Phone 7 is Microsoft's attempt at regaining traction in the mobile phone space. Windows Phone 7 is an entirely new phone experience, unlike any other phone on the market and will be available later this year.

Microsoft: No CDMA Windows Phone 7 devices until 2011

Microsoft said on Thursday that when Windows Phone 7 devices hit the shelves later this year, there will be no CDMA verions until 2011.

Microsoft Senior product manager Greg Sullivan told CNET news that the company had to make some trade-offs. "Even Microsoft doesn't have unlimited resources. We had to prioritize doing fewer things, really, really well", Sullivan said. The software giant made an active choice earlier in the year to delay CDMA versions of Windows Phone 7 but confirmed the decision on Thursday.

"For the worldwide market, the vast majority of phones are GSM phones, so we focused on GSM first and then plan to deliver an update that will have great CDMA support in the first half of 2011," Sullivan said. What does this mean for Windows Phone 7? Well those who were hoping they could pick up a Sprint or Verizon Windows Phone 7 device this Christmas are out of luck. The public acknowledgement of no CDMA support came on a day the company announced its plans for YouTube and Twitter support on Windows Phone 7.

Microsoft also announced the final development tools for Windows Phone 7 on Thursday. The tools allow developers to create Windows Phone 7 applications which can be submitted to the Windows Phone marketplace when it opens in early October. Microsoft has still not confirmed when GSM devices will be available in the U.S. or worldwide. The company will hold an open house event in New York City on October 11 where company officials are expected to detail worldwide launch plans.

Xbox Live on Windows Phone 7

This week at GamersCon 2010 in Cologne, Germany Microsoft announced what will be the first wave of games developed for the Xbox Live experience on Windows Phone 7.

The integration of Xbox LIVE, together with a quality launch lineup, will set Windows Phone 7 apart from its competitors, according to the Windows Phone 7 team at Microsoft.

Here is the list of games they announced:

• Max & The Magic Marker
• Flight Control
• Game Chest
• Guitar Hero 5
• Bubble Town 2
• Bejeweled Live
• GeoDefense
• O.M.G.
• Toy Story Mania
• Ilomilo
• Puzzle Quest 2
• Uno
• Asphalt 5
• Glyder 2
• Star Wars: Battle for Hoth
• Rocket Riot
• Implode XL

And Microsoft is very confident in this line up of games and the launch of the gaming piece of Windows Phone 7:

“We’ve done this over and over, and we know how to launch a gaming platform,” he said. “Starting with the announcement today, we’re going to bring a set of high-quality games and experiences to bear at the launch of the Windows Phone 7.”

Want to see a 90 second video that shows off some of these titles and how they will look on a Windows Phone 7 device?

Here you go courtesy of Channel 9:

And finally – later today you can join Xbox Lives’ Major Nelson for an hour long chat where he will take questions and demo Xbox Live on the Windows Phone 7.  Here are the details:

Date: Thursday, August 19, 2010
Time: 5p ET/ 2p PT (What time is this is in your time zone)
Where: Windows Phone Backstage (free registration required to participate)

Microsoft to open a new gaming studio for the WP7 platform

If it wasn’t already obvious that Microsoft was going to throw all of its weight behind Windows Phone 7, now they are taking another big step to ensure its success. Microsoft is going to be opening a new game studio solely for making games for the platform and is now looking to hire software engineers.

A job posting on Microsoft’s website states that “Microsoft Games Studios is establishing a new Studio - MGS Mobile Gaming - focused on bringing games and entertainment to the mobile life that people lead. Our vision is to deliver games and entertainment so good that people will want them always with them, on a service that makes them social, connected and relevant anywhere their life goes.”

It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that Microsoft is making a strong push into the gaming market. Apple has shown that there is a lot of value (and money to be made) in selling mobile games and Microsoft is naturally looking to tap into this market.

While opening a studio does not ensure blockbuster success, Microsoft will probably take a similar approach to that of the Xbox, exclusive game titles. Microsoft used this tactic effectively with the Xbox 360, so it would only make sense for them to carry this business plan over to its mobile platform. 

Microsoft: Windows Phone 7 due in November for US and October for EU

Over the past several months, Microsoft has been trickling out news about Windows Phone 7 a little at a time. However, there are still many details that remain unknown at this point in time. The unknown details include retail device information (including device name and specs), prices, and release dates. That is slowly starting to change.

According to Engadget, “While discussing the move to Microsoft's next great hope in the mobile space, the Redmond COO told the world that the transition is expected to happen in the October timeframe across Europe, and in the November timeframe in the US.”

While there have been hints every so often that Microsoft intended to launch Windows Phone 7 at the end of the year, this is the first solid evidence that it is on track for a Q4 2010 launch. A video of Turner’s speech can be viewed here.

One potentially interesting factor in this news is the fact that Europeans may get the new platform before we get our hands on it here in North America. Windows Phone 7 is Microsoft’s latest attempt to reinvent their mobile platform. They are aiming to create a much more robust platform this time around.

Some major features of Windows Phone 7 include Hubs (integrated experiences for multimedia), The panoramic views that are provided within the platform’s multimedia functions, and Integration with key services such as Xbox Live, Zune, Facebook, and Office.

How to Install Offline Documentation for Windows Phone Developer Tools

Microsoft's Windows Phone Developer Tools have only offered online documentation for general Windows Phone developer topics and Silverlight Windows Phone application development topics.  However, it is possible to use the Visual Studio 2010 Help Library Manager to download an offline copy of the Windows Phone developer documentation. 

Steps to Install Offline Documentation:

1. Run this command:  "%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Help Viewer\v1.0\HelpLibManager.exe" /product vs /version 100 /locale en-US

2. If you have never run Help Library Manager before, you will have to first select a local path to download the content to. 

3. After selecting a local path, the main Help Library Manager page will appear.  Click on the link named Install content from online. 

4. In the list of online content, scroll to the bottom, locate the item named Windows Phone Development and click the Add link. 

NOTE: You can also use the Help Library Manager to install offline content for other technologies like the .NET Framework, the Windows SDK, etc.

All Microsoft employees to get Windows Phone 7 devices

All Microsoft employees will receive a new Windows Phone 7 device, an executive announced Wednesday.

That's right, all Microsoft employees. There are more than 92,000 of them worldwide, about 53,000 of them in the United States and about 40,000 in the Puget Sound region.

One caveat: Microsoft employees will get Windows Phone 7 devices when launched in their market, a spokesperson told seattlepi.com. So, the 53,000 U.S. employees should get them around the holidays, but who knows when Microsoft Latvia employees, for example, will get them.

Andy Lees, senior vice president of Microsoft's Mobile Communication Business, made the announcement Wednesday in Atlanta at the Microsoft Global Experience (MGX) conference for sales and marketing employees. Judging by the explosion of tweets about it, Microsofties are excited.

So, that's 90,000 Windows Phone 7 devices already accounted for. We'll see if Microsoft can sell millions and millions of them.

Alex Johnson of msnbc.com reports, however, that the worlds "free" and "given" never crossed Lees' lips. I'm trying to get more information on that.

Update 4:30 p.m.: Microsoft is giving no information on whether it is giving the phones away for free. Microsoft does have a reimbursement program for employees who use their personal phones for work -- you see many iPhones on campus.

Here's what I've got from a spokesperson:

As you know, employees will be able to get phones as soon as they launch in their markets. Precise details beyond this are being worked out.