Android, Blackberry OS, iOS, Windows Phone – All current(ish) mobile operating systems and all with their own good points and foibles. I have never made any bones about the fact that I am an Android user. I have had a few Blackberry devices but moved on once the HTC Desire was launched and have stuck with the Android platform since then. I’ve used iOS in the form of the iPod Touch and I have to say that the Touch is a wonderful device, unmatched in the personal media player stakes. However, whilst iOS has its millions and millions of followers it simply isn’t for me.
HTC 8S in white with Windows Phone 8
Which leaves Windows Phone which, as I am sure everyone is aware, has recently been updated to version 8. I am ashamed to say that until now I had never had more than a fleeting play with Windows Phone. In the small amount of time that I had with the platform I found it to be quite good but I hadn’t spent long enough to form a proper opinion. Now though, thanks to the wonderful folks over at HTC that has changed. They very kindly sent over an HTC 8S for a few days.
The review of the 8S is being covered in a seperate article earlier today by our own James Pearce. So instead I’m going to detail some thoughts on the platform and how I got on over the time that I spent with it.
I have now seen a few different Windows Phone handsets, the Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 as well as the HTC 8X and 8S. My over riding impression is that they really do look good. They’re well made and attractive to look at. They’re different from the pack and in this case, different is good
So, having inserted my SIM and gone about the usual setup details that is the prerequisite for all smartphones nowadays, my first issue was how to get my contact and calendar details onto this new platform (those Liverpool fixtures are of great importance don’t you know!). I need not have worried for within the settings menu is an option to sync your Google account. Contacts, contact pictures and calendar entries are all synced up so you are ready to go. In fact the contact management is far and away the best I have seen on any platform bar none. The integration with Facebook and Twitter is exceptional, extremely impressive stuff.
So, my contacts are copied and in place, next for some ringtones. At this point I have to connect the device to my laptop whereby a sense of impending dread comes over me. Will it find the drivers? Will it connect properly? Once again my worries were groundless as the 8S connected flawlessly, even prompting me to download the Windows Phone software. After a painless experience it was time to start searching for the equivalent apps to those that I use on a daily basis. My preconception was that the Windows Phone app store is less than great, that you could not find anything of use and that its like a barren wasteland. Well, how wrong was I!? Whilst the breadth of apps may not be there (lets face it Android is now over 3 years old whilst iOS is over 5) there is a thriving marketplace for both free and paid for apps.
The big names are all there, Facebook, Skype, Twitter, YouTube, Angry Birds, Flixster and so on and on. Recently Google (well, Eric Schmidt) said that Google will not be developing for Windows Phone because it is not a big enough platform. I disagree. I’m sure he will be really upset to hear that! 🙂 The one app that I really missed was Google Music, which I can’t see being migrated any time soon.
On day to day use Windows Phone is slick and quite polished. Menus are easily navigated and finding what you want is easy. The combination of the HTC 8S and the OS make for an all round pleasant experience. The live tiles on the home screen are a good touch with the constantly evolving and updating information being easy on the eye. The fact that they are resizeable and moveable is also a nice touch. Generally the OS is a pleasure to use, is fairly self explanatory and good for both experienced smartphone users and newcomers alike.
There is however a but and for me it’s a deal breaker……..
The one question I would put to the Microsoft developers is “Where is the Va Va Voom?”, what makes Windows Phone 8 stand out and better than anything else on the market? Windows Phone 8 is a nice OS. Â It’s pleasant to look at and pleasant to use. Â It’s uncomplicated however in my opinion it is typical Microsoft.
I would even describe it as safe….
The smartphone world is a competitive one and with Android seemingly growing exponentially while iOS shows no signs of slowing down Windows Phone has a long hard climb. Â The manufacturers appear to have done their part but it feels to me like Microsoft still have some way to go to match and surpass the other more established operating systems.
I no longer buy into the lack of apps argument and the substandard hardware description no longer applies, there is a lot to like about the latest offering but put quite simply it doesn’t have enough to pull me away from the latest that Android has to offer.
Their biggest issue is that MS seem to have abandoned the business user. With WinMo 6.5 and prior, there was the ability to seamlessly sync with Outlook and Office via cable direct to PC. This has now gone (apart from Exchange users) and has forced this sector – which I believe was the success of WinMo – to migrate to Android or iOS to be able to sync properly. There are many, many forums out there and also within the MS community sites shouting about this and MS seems to be ignoring the issue along with ALL REVIEWERS of the OS.
What sort of business user needs a cable to sync anything?!? Some sort of time traveler from 2005?
This very review mentioned how easy it is to sync with Google Apps. Syncing with Exchange is also quite easy. What kind of business doesn’t use something compatible with those for their mail, contact, calendar, documents etc? Google Apps is 50 bucks a year per user, hosted Exchange can be competitive.
And here is the real kicker… The services this OS supports sync everywhere all the time, with no silly cable. Nobody mentions your “issue” because in the real world nobody has your issue..
Read the forum (http://windowsphone.uservoice.com/forums/101801-feature-suggestions/suggestions/2488092-full-sync-with-outlook?tracking_code=bb92cc227d4bfc3747ef54b715dd69ad) This is typical of the response of someone who doesn’t understand/realise that not everyone/business needs or wants to put everything in the “cloud”. Also you’d find – with just a little research – that Windows Mobile Sync via cable was the only way to sync Outlook properly field for field. Have a look out there and open your eyes/mind!
I’d never have guessed you would end up liking android simon, that comes as a real shock to me. its not like you’ve ever been a staunch google zealot in the past. at least you took the ‘massive android fan’ out of your bio so you at least look a tiny bit unbiased now. its clear to see now that your iOS opinions are based on an ipod touch and id assume an old one at that. also, android was launched in 2008 chch makes it 4 years old not 3.
fair enough on the age of android, thanks for that!
I will always admit that I am an android fan, but that is not to say that it is without fault. As I said, i don’t dislike WP8 at all, however after the wait and all the build up (some of it from us I am aware!) i expected fireworks that sadly aren’t there.
In my defence the iPod touch i used was on iOS 5 (not 6) and at some point I will give it another go with an open mind.
Some of the team that writes here really need to stop expecting so much from a mobile phone os. Your disappointed there was no fireworks, James doesn’t like iOS (although gave it a fair try) and Craig is “bored” by all of the os out there. Not to be rude simon but if you believe the hype a company like micrsoft or apple or google puts out then its your own fault. god i hope you dont write for a grocery blog or youd write an opinion piece everytime tampax didnt let you go rollerblading or lynx didnt get you lots of women!
you mean its not true? I’m going to have to change my home shopping order now!!
Having tried to use WP devices twice (7.5 & 8 incarnations) I can also say that, although I generally like the OS, it is not for me. It’s very hard to give up the freedom Android gives you. it’s about huge variety of apps, endless customization options, system tweaks, ROM flashing et c. If you appreciate (and are spoiled by) this freedom then there’s no other mobile OS that you’ll be satisfied with.
For Google Music on Windows Phone, try Gooroovster. Its working really well for me, and I’ve got a decent sized library. The only thing it lacks is Offline sync, although that allegedly will come one day.
I’m doing my own WP8 experiment looking for an alternative to Android, and I’m really enjoying it. Could I make the switch? No, not yet, but I really like the OS, but the dreaded app catalogue does really need to catch up, but at the moment its not really getting any support from anyone (Google I’m looking at you!).
I do hope the OS progresses and doesn’t get abandoned by MS like we’ve seen in the past. It deserves a chance.