Windows Phone 7 series brought a sigh of hope for Windows Mobile fans. Microsoft claimed that in order to maintain standards, they would enforce ,minimum hardware to run Windows Phone 7 series. But the tight hardware spec means that Windows Mobile 6.5 devices – including HTC’s just-launched HD2 – can’t be upgraded.
HTC HD2 is a great touchscreen Smartphone, despite the point that HD2 meets most of the criteria laid down in Microsoft’s ‘Chassis 1’ spec – including a 1GHz Qualcomm processor, high-res capacitive touch display, 5 megapixel camera and 3.5mm headphone jack – the phone is not upgradeable for a simple (and strange) reason that it has 5 buttons instead of the 3 mandated for all Windows Phone 7 devices.
If you feel that this is just ridiculous, read the official words:
Natasha Kwan, GM for Microsoft’s Mobile Communications told:
“HTC HD2 doesn’t qualify because it doesn’t have the three buttons”.
“Because we have very specific requirements for Windows Phone 7 Series the current phones we have right now will not be upgradable”, Kwan explained.
However, Tony Wilkinson, said “there are some hardware components that the HD doesn’t have”. We suspect it’s the Graphics engine that would deliver seamless, smooth UI.
Microsoft will not abandon Mobile 6.5, but rather rebrand it as Windows Phone Classic, and will be targeted for budget-conscious buyers.
All Windows Mobile 6.5 will be upgraded to 6.5.3 before the Windows Phone Classic rebranding takes place:
“A lot of 6.5 applications have been built very much from the old paradigm of the stylus. Those legacy apps will be a lot more compatible on 6.5.3 because we have magnifier technology which lets you use your finger for navigating, even though it has a much bigger surface area.”
The move ahead in Phone OS (series) creates a big incompatibility-gap. But this was all need of the hour for Microsoft to re-enter mobile market.
That’s all for now, stay tuned for more. More on Windows Phone, Android, iPhone and Tech news via @taranfx on Twitter or:
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