When Microsoft first displayed its Windows Phone 7 laden prototype, most people, like me were a bit surprised because the prototype, demo handset was NOT made by HTC, arguably Microsoft's most trusted hardware partner when it comes to Windows Mobile hardware.
The handset that was showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2010 (and in the promotional photographs and videos) was made by Asus. Many wondered if this was due to some strain in the relations between HTC and Microsoft. That doesn't seem to be the case as HTC's CEO Peter Chou has confirmed in a recent interview with Forbes that there are no issues and that HTC would be bringing out its first WP7S handset before year end. However, has not divulged as to what the handset would be like.
HTC has been concentrating a lot on Android of late - for which it has designed many capable handsets like the Nexus One, The Hero and the Legend. As for the first Windows Phone 7 Series device from HTC, we wonder if it would be as capable as HTC's current Windows Mobile flagship, the HD2 or the recently announced Android flagship - the EVO 4G. Let us wait and watch.
HTC Windows Phone 7 Series Device Soon
Windows Phone 7 UI
Microsoft Phone UI from Techspot on Vimeo.
If you want to experience the features first hand, as I did in all these screenshots, first install the required developer tools to get the emulator. After you're all set up, download the .BIN file from here and then follow the instructions posted at XDA-developers to unlock the emulator. It’s still an early build of WP7S, but it should be interesting to poke around and explore. You can interact with the live tiles, check out the hubs, fumble around with the elusive voice search feature, and even use basic apps that are preloaded.
Sony Ericsson Aspen Unveiled
Sony Ericsson has announced the launch of its latest Windows Mobile powered handset, the Aspen.
A GreenHeart labeled handset, the phone is the first Sony Ericsson Windows Mobile handset to sport a QWERTY keyboard in a non-slide out format. The phone is being targeted as a Business device and packs in the latest version of Windows Phone and comes preloaded with powerful productivity tools. It is also a strong performer on the multimedia front with support for features like PlayNow and a mediabrowser.
The Aspen shares its design and form factor with successful business handsets like the Nokia E71 and all the popular Blackberry models. It also boasts of a Human curvature design that fits into the palm of the hand. The phone supports HSPA 900/2100 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, HSPA 850/900/2100 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For navigational purposes, there is support for a-GPS. It also comes with Google Maps preloaded.
The Aspen has a 3.2 megapixel camera that supports 4x digital zoom and features like Multishot, Self timer and Smart contrast. It also supports 3D games and has FM radio with RDS. It features a 3.5mmjack as well, that will be appreciated by the music buff in you
The Aspen features a 2.4inch screen that supports a resolution of 240x320 and can display 65,536 colours.
Specifications:
Size: 117 x 60 x 12.45 mm
Weight: 130 grams
Memory card support: SanDisk microSD, up to 16 GB
Operating system: Windows Mobile 6.5.3
Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 10 hours
Standby time: GSM/GPRS: Up to 450hrs
Talk time UMTS: Up to 8 hours
Standby time: UMTS: Up to 600 hrs
Music listening time: Up to 12hrs
The Aspen will be available in two colour options Iconic Black and White Silver starting Q2, 2010. The price is yet to be announced.
Here are some images of the phone:
Attention Verizon customers who own an HTC Ozone or an HTC Touch Pro2, a Windows Mobile 6.5 update is now available for your downloading pleasure. You can find the update for the Ozone 
