Windows Phone 7 kills multitasking, removable storage

It looks like it’s one step forward and two steps backwards because Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 Series will be ditching full third-party multitasking, removable storage and the ability to add applications from places other than the Windows Phone Marketplace.

Microsoft is obviously taking cues from Apple, Research In Motion and Palm (to a certain extent) in taking more control over the platform in order to deliver a more cohesive user experience to consumers. This is kind of understandable because the iPhone has sold boatloads because it’s simple to pick up and understand. Like Apple’s baby, third-party apps won’t be able to arbitrarily run in the background. This won’t be as restrictive as Apple’s policy because programs like Pandora will be able to stream music in the background but it looks like we can say goodbye to fully-functional VoIP apps.

Microsoft said its devices still “fully support multitasking,” and a notification system will be implemented for certain third-party apps in order to offload much of the work from the local processor. I think the lack of multitasking could be a major step backwards. I know there’s always a struggle with battery life and performance but full access to the operating system can lead to some innovative things no one thought of. If you look at webOS, these things can be done elegantly without being too much of a performance hog (don’t know if Palm has solved the battery issue though). The notification system is supposed to not be intrusive but I still think it’s needlessly limiting. Microsoft’s Larry Lieberman, senior product manager for developer experience, told us this was “by no means a policy decision.”

Speaking of limiting, you won’t be able to add apps from places other than the official Windows Phone Marketplace. Other than the enterprise space, the only reason Windows Mobile is relevant is the vibrant tinkerer community. These are the people who had Skype running over 3G years ago, are already working on WP7S themes, and these types of people want the option of going to more than just one store. You won’t be able to side load apps on a microSD card because WP7 devices won’t have removable storage. Microsoft said it’s working with handset makers to make sure there’s enough memory on board (looks like 8 GB will be the minimum), but, again, I like the option of being able to hot swap memory cards.

It’s still far to early to grill Microsoft about these without a full understanding of how the devices will feel in the real world. Our head honcho Will Park is speaking with Microsoft right now, so stay tuned for some more details.

[Via PCMag]

About The Author

Marin Perez

Marin Perez has torture tested cell phones and smartphones for industry leaders like CNET and InformationWeek. He remembers when 4G was just a screen on PowerPoint presentations and is fascinated with the amount of innovation out there. Marin has spent a lot of time with BlackBerry and Android but he finally broke down a bought an iPhone to see what all the hype's about. He also has too many tablets.

Jeff

The WP7S platform looks highly closed. Why does Microsoft need to “approve” all apps that can be sold? That’s disastrous. Microsoft now has egg on its face after criticizing iPhone over multitasking.

The closed nature of Windows Phone 7 Series has convinced me to get an Android phone instead.
Marin Perez

I wouldn’t have much of a problem with MS approving all the apps in its store if it would let you install from other places too. Google can remove apps from the Android Market too.
Achal Dave

I really don’t understand why the iPhone and Windows Phone don’t support SD Cards. The only possible reason I can think of is that they want people to pay more for the same phone with more memory… but is there some other reason? I don’t see what’s wrong with SD cards!
NH3MAN

Not supporting removable storage is a deal breaker for me. Long Live Windows Mobile & I guess then on to ANDROID
Zorkor

After carefully studying all options and using different mobile phones and platforms, I have come to a conclusion that Android is the future. Google will destroy everyone. Just give them few years.
Marin Perez

I want a boatload of internal storage and quick access to a microSD card. Don’t know why this is such a big deal.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DBDLOJ6I4637FRY5KFKVDB4BRM Richy Raymond

Windows mobile 7 OS is really great to use. But I think we should wait for launch of Windows mobile 8 with Nokia mobile which will make biggest impact in mobile market. Some people become bore from Android and Apple and they will get good choice is Windows mobiel 8 with Nokia.