Let’s face it, the partnership of two such large companies was always going to cause controversy. With Windows Phone 7 going into Nokia smartphones many are asking how existing partners HTC, LG and Samsung will respond to the news. Things have already become very interesting with Nokia boss Stephen Elop responding to a question during the announcement today. He told the audience that “Yes”, Nokia would be able to customize the Windows Phone 7. Although he quickly stated that they won’t be making use of this, it’s a smack in the eye for HTC, who were restricted in their Windows Phone 7 devices.
It’s a little too early to see if this rather massive agreement includes some “special allowances” but, if Nokia have been allowed to bend and tweak the Windows Phone 7 OS to suit their needs, it’ll no doubt rock the boat somewhat with LG, Samsung and HTC.
Links – Engadget – Earlier story
Interesting news.
Personally, I am not that bothered about customising my Windows Phone 7 device (its so slick as it is and that’s all I want), but I am very interested in this collaboration. I can however see how upset HTC would be if they weren’t given the same modding concessions as Nokia – after all since circa 2003 with the first SPV they have stuck with Windows Phone through thick and through thin.
Nokia can make great hardware, and if they hook up with Microsoft (for example imagine an E7 running WP7) I’ll have a slice of that! I think this news can only be good for the Windows Phone 7 platform, and increased competition between WP7 handset manufacturers can only be good for consumers.
Now where is that Windows Phone 7 update Microsoft????