Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) has become infected with Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL)’s ongoing obsession with control. Beneath the pretty Windows Phone 7 operating system lie hardware and software restrictions. They are designed to improve customer and software development experiences. I suspect in many ways they will. But how much control should we give up in exchange for a supposedly pleasanter environment?
More of Microsoft's restrictions emerged this week during its MIX10 Web conference for developers. These include:
Microsoft will allow consumer applications for Windows Phone 7 to be downloaded only from its own online store, Windows Marketplace for Mobile, according to Todd Biggs, director of product management for the store. Microsoft wants to help ensure applications will work as advertised and won't adversely affect the handset. The company also wants to provide a single point of contact and a better application approval process for developers.
Microsoft says its store will be much more transparent and less onerous than Apple's. Although consumers won't be able to use third-party app stores, enterprises will be allowed to install applications outside of Windows Marketplace. Microsoft will provide more details in the future.
Microsoft won't allow user-replaceable memory cards. They might be allowed if they are in the phone -- perhaps (I'm speculating) included by the cellular operator in order to add some applications and/or cheap storage -- but only if the user can't get at them. Charlie Kindel, who directs Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 developer strategy, says Microsoft will ensure that handsets offer enough memory for applications.
So, if you want to store lots of music, videos, or any corporate applications on your own microSD card -- forget it! You'd better make sure to carry a USB cable or know how to use wireless to transfer data to your computer. The iPhone doesn't have a memory card, either.
Multitasking or background processing will be limited. Specific applications developed by Microsoft will multitask, but third-party apps will not. Microsoft is doing this to preserve battery life and improve stability. There's no doubt that multitasking/background processing (definitions are somewhat different for these functions, which are often used interchangeably) can cause phones to crash. Also, running multiple applications can decrease battery life.
Microsoft isn't philosophically against background processing. It just needs to find a way to reduce the potential problems. This lack of background processing is similar to, once again, Apple's restriction.
It looks as if VoIP will be limited. Without background processing, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to enable a constant connection for VoIP. This could be bad news for companies that want handsets with VoIP. Perhaps handset manufacturers, cellular operators, and VoIP companies will be able to offer specific VoIP services, such as Verizon Wireless's deal with Skype.
I realize that if Windows Phone 7 handsets perform well and have lots of great applications, many people won't care about Microsoft's policies. After all, look at the iPhone's success, which has sparked the cellular industry's copycat efforts -- in spite of Apple’s restrictions.
Many people also might say, "You don't have to buy Windows Phone 7 or Apple handsets." True, but the Apple infection seems to be spreading. For example, AT&T Mobility LLC 's first Android phone, the Motorola Backflip, is restricted to applications downloaded from the Android Market. Also, AT&T won't allow consumers to remove its own standard applications, although that restriction isn't unique to AT&T.
I can also hear people saying, "Microsoft and Apple are entitled to do anything legal that they want." That's true, too. But legaldoesn't always mean preferable.
I completely agree that many people are frustrated with computers and other electronic devices, and would gladly give up more advanced features if their devices "just work." That's also why Apple has been so successful, although "just work" for computers is relative! Apple computers crash, too.
However, we have to be vigilant about companies that seek too much control over their products and users. So far, we have many choices....and we should keep it that way.
Only by watching what's occurring -- and criticizing inappropriate actions -- will we continue to have choices, technological and otherwise. I certainly don't want a world where Steve Jobs' philosophy dominates.
All the tech advances we've made are incredible. But the average person is VERY frustrated with how challenging technology can be these days. They want technology that works....AND....they don't generally care about the rest.
The TV is a great example. As are all kinds of devices they use every day (cars, microwave ovens, landlines). Just think about all the jokes we've all heard about programming the VCR. Now, consider the average person who is NOT reading this site and who is not super techy. Honestly, even I get frustrated by the complexity and challenges of technology every day and I live for this stuff.
Why has Apple been successful with the iPod and iPhone? Why has the Wii had such an impact on gaming? Why do people accept limitations on technology when there are open systems that are "better", "faster", and "more complete"?
The answer is almost always because they are easier to use and have less issues. In short, they just work and people don't want to spend their days struggling against technology. They just want it to work...
Okay, I agree that third party products sometimes cause problems, and consumers sometimes complain to the manufacturer of the original product. For example, not all memory cards work well or work at all in every device.
I dont believe I am actually taking a side in the matter. I am however pointing out that third party/after market products have been a significant source of complaints from consumers. Consumers then look to blame the primary product for not working, which in turn compromises the reputation and adds costs to the product manufacturer who otherwise did nothing wrong.
I don't dispute iPhone's enjoyment. There's a lot to like about it.
And, there has been a lot to dislike about Windows Mobile, although many people don't realize the powerful applications for Windows Mobile.
Android and Palm's webOS are trying to make cellular phones fun. That's also what Microsoft wants to do with Windows Phone 7. Nokia's also trying to develop more consumer-friendly operating systems with its new versions of Symbian, Maemo and MeeGo.
Fun is great! Even for enterprises, there's nothing wrong with a fun, easy-to-use phone, as long as it's also an excellent device for work applications.
The problem is when OS developers, hardware manufacturers and cellular operators increasingly restrict what users may do with their phones.
Perhaps Apple hasn't sent its Gestapo to arrest individuals creating Hackintoshes, but it certainly has sued companies out of existence that have tried. I'm not saying that's a problem, though. If Apple wants to maintain complete control of its OS, it has the right to do so.
I never meant to imply that Microsoft wasn't controlling or monopolistic, although I think it has become a somewhat better citizen as a result of the U.S. and EU anti-trust efforts, among others.
However, Microsoft's attitude towards its cellular operating system certainly has seemed to change, from a more open philosophy to more closed with Windows Phone 7. You must have three hardware buttons, and one must be for Bing.
The concept of public backlash is interesting because it sometimes is more of a wish than reality. As my lawyer friends say: It depends.
Apple has experienced a public (and developer) backlash because of its closed policies. But it typically continues its policies because enough users don't care and continue to pay a premium for Apple products.
As for voting with our dollars, that's where I tried to sound a small alarm with my blog. First Apple promoted the closed cellular ecosystem. Now Microsoft seems to be promoting it, albeit probably less limiting than Apple.
AT&T won't allow its first Android phone to access third-party application stores. Of course, the cellular operators have been restricting cellphone use forever.
I'm concerned that Apple's success is encouraging companies to become increasingly restrictive. The ultimate challenge is if the majority of cellular companies continue to increase restrictions, "voting" choices are limited.
Feel free to vote for whatever "cellular phone ecosystem" you want: Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, Jim Bunning or Michele Bachmann. Aaaarggghh!
I agree that the OS giants, so far, are Apple, BlackBerry and Google Android. Perhaps I see Android as more important now than you do.
Windows Phone 7 certainly has the potential to give Microsoft additional marketshare. Overseas, Nokia certainly is a powerful force, but with several versions of Symbian, Maemo, and MeeGo, Nokia's business certainly is in flux.
I hope Palm does well; webOS is a very nice product. But Palm needs a lot more users, devices and applications, or it might not be long for this world as an independent company.
As for application developers, the closed environment is a major reason developers have flocked to Apple, of course. Interestingly, Qualcomm's BREW -- which almost no one talks about -- has been much more successful that I imagined because it, too, is a closed environment, and the cellular operators (especially Verizon Wireless) like the business model.
If Microsoft creates an effectively functioning app store combined with a stable, glitzy OS and well designed phones -- which is entirely possible -- most consumers won't care about the lack of multitasking/background processing, although some enterprises might, as I noted in the blog.
I agree that the applications business is a mess. But it's a dynamic mess and, eventually, it will settle down.
Good luck with any smartphone purchase. There certainly are lots of good Web sites for reviews, such as CNET and PC Magazine.
One note: The original Android OS was v1.5. The most recent is v2.1. If you get an Android phone, try to get one with a more recent OS, and try to find out the upgrade policy.
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