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Microsoft publishes details of looming Windows Phone 7 update
Daniel Carey
Software updates are often seen as a big deal; they transform hardware into something newer and better — that is provided they don’t come with any major issues resulting in a bricked device. That said, Microsoft has finally released some details in relation to its upcoming Windows Phone 7 update. And while the update isn’t going to be bringing the slew of features once thought, it does lend its wares to several issues.
Copy and Paste
Copy and Paste is currently in store for Microsoft’s phone OS. As they state on their teaser page, “soon you’ll be able to copy text from emails, text messages, web pages, and Office Mobile documents, and paste it anywhere you can type.” Copy and Paste is often noted as a feature little unnoticed. It comes featured on nearly every operating system available to the modern market. So, when it was originally announced that WP7 wouldn’t come equipped with the feature, most were in slight awe.
As I’ve stated, it’s most certainly a feature that was missed by some and subsequently will be embraced by many. I know I certainly couldn’t live without copy and paste, however, I’m part of a very specific set of the market. Most general consumers not knowing the difference between Android, iOS, and WP7 would more than not be a little flabbergasted by such a feature. In fact, I have several family members whom are still in utter shock over what can be achieved on the internet. Now while I know this won’t affect everyone, it does attest to those who know very little about the hardware they’re purchasing and the subsequent updates pushed to said hardware.
Apps and Games
While little information was mentioned on the teaser site, it has been noted that app and game launches / resumes won’t take nearly as long as they have previously. As someone who has used WP7 sparingly, I can’t really comment on the issue. But I do know — from those few times I actually did use a device — game launches definitely took longer than growing, maintaining, and mowing a full spruce lawn.
Marketplace Search
Streamlining search in the Marketplace rounds out Microsoft’s teaser site. The Redmond based company noting that they’ve taken measures to ensure less superfluous search results in the market, no longer will consumers be plagued with unwanted music. Instead, when you search for an application, it will search for said application. However, if music search really is your thing, don’t be alarmed, you can still find music by searching via the “music section of the Marketplace.”
Wrap-Up
I’m a little saddened to see Microsoft made no note of a bug fix for their data phantom — which we now know to be Yahoo! Mail. I suppose it will be tacked onto the firmware update somewhere, but considering the nature of the issue, it’s more than certainly warranted an update notice.
Now, while you may be sitting there thinking this is all well and good; Microsoft has failed to mention one little caveat in their plan… when the update will be available for download. We’ve been hearing rumours of said update since late October of last year, however, now that it’s been officially confirmed via the company itself, I’m beginning to think it’ll be pushed out very soon. Or if not ‘very soon,’ at least in the coming weeks.
