So Microsoft decided to make some strange decisions with Windows Phone 7 – like not having copy/paste at launch and no memory card support – and now it seems like customers are paying for it. The first-generation iPhone-esque approach is odd, considering the criticism that Apple took for the lack of certain features. However, Microsoft is very quickly moving to alleviate some of those problems.
Samsung, on the other hand, is hoping to overcome its customers’ woes in the meantime. The manufacturer decided to go with memory card slot support in the new Focus, and that daring move is now proving to be a little costly. Users are complaining that they can’t install just any microSD card, and we heard last week that AT&T employees were told not to install memory cards for customers.
Samsung says that microSD cards will have to say “Windows Phone 7 Compatible” in order for them to work with its WP7 smartphones. But in the meantime, Samsung claims that the SanDisk 8GB class 2 memory cards will work with the Focus.
Samsung states in its support forum:
Hi, actually the Samsung Focus has a 16GB internal memory and expandable up to 32GB. So you can insert a 32GB micro SD card on this device. However there are certain limitations when it comes to the micro SD card. Compatible micro SD cards will be branded as “Windows Phone 7 Compatible” on the packaging. Approved cards can be obtained from the manufacturer or carrier. (The SanDisk 8GB class 2 micro SD card has been certified.) Many commercially available retail micro SD cards are not approved for use in Windows Phone 7. Use of unapproved cards may cause performance degradation or device instability, including unexpected reset and loss of user data.
At this point, perhaps it might be wiser to wait until the certified memory cards become available instead of risking voiding the warranty on your Samsung Focus.