examiner.com
Expect Microsoft to push Windows Phone 7 as they would the Xbox 360: a
video game machine that doubles as a multipurpose electronic and social
media device. That was the message being delivered as part of a
Microsoft Press Conference in New York this morning discussing Windows
Phone 7 and several key partnerships.
Multiple handsets (from Dell, Samsung, LG and others) are being
released as early as October 21st to European and Asian markets, with a
North American launch beginning November 8th.
Worthy of mention in Microsoft's briefing was the outpouring of
publisher support for the device. Not surprisingly, EA is backing
Windows Phone 7 with a host of initial releases including Need For
Speed, Tetris, and The Sims 3 - all of which will include XBox Live
support.
Microsoft has also mentioned development and publishing support from
internal Microsoft Game Studios, Gameloft, Konami, Namco Bandai, PopCap
and THQ.Once Activision jumps onboard, expect the Windows Phone 7
platform to become a contender - albeit a weaker one - to the mighty
iPhone platform.
Still, this is strong support from a prolific batch of publishers. If
Microsoft finds innovative ways to connect their Xbox 360 and Windows
Phone 7 games and delivers on the promise of weekly releases and demo
support, this could be a surprisingly fun experience. Remember that
they've also promised iterations of their Halo and Crackdown franchises
for the phone; another opportunity for cross-platform gaming perhaps?
For all things Windows Phone 7, head over to the official site.
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