Windows Phone UK To Have Live QnA

Windows Phone UK will shortly being having a Live QnA with Alex Reeve, Director of the UK Mobile Business Group through their Twitter account, @WindowsPhoneUK. You can still submit questions to the team, just direct them at @WindowsPhoneUK and include #WP7UK.

I will have blog about the most interesting questions and answers on this post as they come in.

Question from tracyandmatt

@WindowsphoneUK What is the minimum device specification for WP7? Can anything currently run it? #wp7uk

Answer

We are specifying the device to a detailed level, which is not published…

Our partners will be building devices especially for Windows Phone 7 Series.

 

Question from tracyandmatt

Can the UI be customised in the same way as WM6.5 in the way that HTC added TouchFLO for example?

Answer

We have created a new and unique UI for consumers. We feel there is no need for our partners to change the UI.

 

Question from tracyandmatt

How does Live Messenger fit into the WP7 experience, can it be run in the background or is it a push based system?

Answer

Not everything is decided. But social networking will be built in to the experience in the ‘people hub’…

…and our ‘live tiles’ on the Start screen will update in real time.

Question from tracyandmatt

Will customers that have recently bought 6.5 handsets be able to upgrade to WP7 if their device meets minimum spec?

Answer

It’s early days yet, and that’s really for our hardware partners to think about

 

Question from tracyandmatt

Will applications written for Windows Mobile still work on Widnows Phone 7 series?

Answer

We will be talking more about applications and developer tools at the MIX 2010 event in mid-March – not long now!

 

Question from tracyandmatt

Exchange support – is Windows Phone 7 Series going to be able to support multiple Exchange accounts (like the Nexus)?

Answer

Not everything is yet final in the product. But I can say that the Exchange integration and Hotmail is best in class.

 

Question from tracyandmatt

Do you see WP7 making its way in to other products in the same way as the iPhone OS has with the iPad?

Answer

At present we’re totally focused on the launching Windows Phone 7 Series as the best smartphone on the market.

 

Question from tracyandmatt

It has been suggested that WP7 is not yet a working platform & that current demo devices are just running slideshows?

Answer

Wow, really? All demos are pre-Beta software – no faking. You can see some great videos at …

…see it at http://bit.ly/cmRcAZ

 

Question from tracyandmatt

When will we start seeing devices with WP7?

Answer

In time for Christmas 2010.

 

Question from tracyandmatt

Finally Alex, as our half an hour is almost up, what new feature(s) in WP7 are you most excited about?

Answer

I’m excited it’s so different from anything before. Live Tiles right to the Start screen. Working w a great team in US & UK!

 

Question from JohnathonWaples

Will the xbox live require alot of data usage to bring down info such as friend lists and achievments? is there speed focus?

Answer

The XBox Live service will be great, with avatars, high scores and everything you’d expect.

 

Question from stuartbruce

How well will Windows Phone 7 support business/enterprise use given the on-going support for class/6.5?

Answer

Windows Phone 7 Series will be great for business, with Exchange, Office hub, etc. It’s for real people who work AND play.

 

Question from dovella

Hi, WP7 and Zune HD App/Games is same? , Twitter Hub? Thanks -Domenico

Answer

More on applications next month after we’ve done the MIX.

 

Question from heromilkshake

Will you be able to install other soft keyboards? and can you browse the storage card from windows and install cabs ?

Answer

I don’t have all answers yet. Soft keyboards installed best in class. Focusing on consistent, excellent experience

 

Question from jamiet

Will anything on the phones be region specific? i.e. Will it ship with UK specific apps/content?

Answer

Will work closely w UK devs to get UK apps + global ones like Twitter. Other content also UK specific where relevant.

 

Thanks everyone for all your questions about our cool new product. I’ll be back next month after the MIX event for more. Alex

 

Feb 25, 2010

• Posted by Gilly
• 3 comments
• Microsoft in the UK, Windows Phone
• Windows Phone, Windows Phone 7 Series