mobile-world

In the last 16 hours, 2 Microsoft guys in two different conferences on two different continents refused to disclose sales figures. And not just sales figures, they were vague anytime they were asked specific questions. Joe Belfiore at D: Dive Into Mobile and Charlie Kindel at LeWeb were both asked this and various specific questions that they sidestepped. First, at D: Dive Into Mobile Walt Mossberg really took it to Joe Belfiore. Right from calling out Microsoft for being 4 years behind the iPhone to not having Copy Paste on Windows Phone 7. Joe Belfiore I’m going to summarize it quickly because it makes for some interesting reading(the questions are in bold, followed by the gist of the response): 4 years behind the iPhone? – Microsoft is responding to what Apple has done and what users want, which is almost at par product wise. But it does not have Multi Tasking and Copy Paste! – Goes into a tangent and talks about how the phone does a lot of things that users want. How many Units Sold? – Microsoft is unwilling to discuss number at this stage. It is too soon! (uh oh!) How is the Device different? – It has a dedicated camera button. And Live Tiles where updates can be seen live, without the need to refresh. How many apps? – About 3000 Andy Rubin said you have a lot of old code? – A lot of it is new. How long until Windows is profitable and competing with iPhone and Android – Don’t know, longer than a few months, maybe a few years. You can read the entire transcript here . He didn’t sound entirely convincing, even insecure at some points. I guess they’re waiting and watching. Charlie Kindel And about 1 hr ago, Steve Kindel was interviewed at LeWeb in Paris. He too skipped the question about sales figures. He was frank though. Admitted that Microsoft had got it wrong it mobile and went on to give an example of a man who was climbing up a mountain whose arm was run over by a huge boulder. He then waited to be rescued before finally deciding to cut off his arm and continue scaling the mountain. Well, that guy is supposed to be Microsoft and the journey up the mountain is its mobile quest. Just on the back of news that India might be getting its first WP7 device as early as 15th December – the HTC HD7 – Microsoft isn’t really sending out the strongest signals. And while I haven’t seen a WP7 device myself, the numerous reviews online paint a very mixed picture of the platform. In fact, at LeWeb, few minutes ago Mike Arrington said – “I use a Windows Phone and it doesn’t suck”. While its great that they have majorly revamped and improved the windows mobile..er..windows phone platform. “Doesn’t suck” is not going to Cut it against the likes of iOS and Android. Speaking of Cut! How long until WP7 implements Copy Paste? Their older platforms had it! What do you think about Windows Phone 7? And Why Wont Microsoft talk about numbers – could it be because they’re disappointing? Let us know! Looking For A Social Media Agency?? TRY US! Related Posts Microsoft Finally Launches Windows Phone 7 – Will It Make An Impact? HTC HD7 is now available for Pre-Order in India ! So, Is Facebook Really making a phone?! Nokia Looking For A ‘Smart’ Revival Mobile World Congress RoundUp – Day 3