Both Telstra and Optus, who prefer to sell smartphones with a modified interface, could face problems with the new Windows 7 Mobile operating system, after it was revealed that Microsoft is set to do an Apple and restrict carriers from loading their own applications.
Reports coming out of Microsoft claim that the company is set to limit it new Windows 7 mobile operating system in its attempt to compete against Apple.
A version of the new Windows 7 Mobile software is expected to be shown in Europe this month at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona.
A leaked report claims that the new operating system will have a Zune-like interface (this is Microsoft’s equivalent of the iPhone, which has not been launched in Australia). The report also claims that Microsoft will drop multitasking, move to push upgrades similar to Apple while expanding its application store offering.
Companies like HTC, which recently launched its new Windows-based HD2 phone in Australia, will also be restricted from running its own interface overlays such as the TouchFLO and Sense software.
Some analysts believe the move could result in both carriers and manufacturers dropping the use of the Windows Mobile Operating System in favour of the Google Android operating system.
These analysts say that the changes could force Microsoft to sell smartphones direct in the same way that Google is selling its new Nexus One smartphone.
With the proposed changes, applications would also have to go through a “service-based delivery” system, such as Windows Marketplace, to install, reversing a years-old ability to download apps through the browser or other sources. A broad file system would be dropped in favour of a centralized but simpler storage area.
The new operating system will easily tap into social networks as well as support XNA app programming that would let developers write games using the same code they use for Xbox 360 games, although touch input and resolution would mean having to write different versions claims Electronista.
Insiders are tipping that the new operating system will be launched in September following a fast-track development cycle.
Apple is expected to reveal a new 4.0 operating system for the iPhone in May 2010.
