Despite the fact that Microsoft is the name behind Windows Phone 7, there are many who believe that the mobile operating system shouldn't be considered a main competitor. As of right now, that title seems most fitting for Apple's iOS and Google's Android. Honorable mentions would be given to HP's webOS, Research In Motion's BlackBerry OS, and Nokia's Symbian mobile platform. But, Microsoft's significant upgrade to Windows Mobile doesn't seem to be attracting a lot of attention, especially not from manufacturers or wireless carriers.
At Mobile World Congress, Verizon's Chief Technology Officer Tony Melone decided to enlighten those around him as to how he thinks Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 stacks up. Unfortunately for Microsoft, it isn't good.
Melone believes the three main competitors on Verizon are iOS, Android, and BlackBerry OS. That makes sense, considering Verizon just launched the iPhone 4, and the wireless carrier has been making a significant push for Android. And BlackBerry has been a common commodity on the network for years. Melone went as far as to say that he doesn't believe that Verizon "needs" the Microsoft and Nokia relationship, which just became official.
If that's not bad enough, he goes on to add that he has faith in HP's webOS and that based on "the strength of the OS," webOS has potential. Apparently, Verizon's CTO just doesn't think Windows Phone 7 is worth the time. And I think this is wrong. Yes, Windows Phone 7 is a new mobile operating system. Yes, it probably hasn't had the huge adoption that Microsoft would like. But that doesn't mean you count it out. More handsets will be released, especially when CDMA-based devices finally find their way to US-based carriers, and that will be good news all around.
I can honestly say that I hope Verizon changes their point of view on this, and soon. If they don't believe that Windows Phone 7 will sell, then they won't try to gain new handsets, or even push the ones they do receive this summer. And with the updates set to change the platform for the better, I think it's too soon to make these kinds of comments.
Do you think Verizon's CTO is off-base with these comments? Or do you think that Windows Phone 7 is destined to slip away into the folder of failed operating systems? Let me know in the comments below.
