Windows Mobile 7 images show touch-friendly interface
updated 07:20 pm EDT, Tue October 20, 2009
Design appears closer to iPhone OS
An image has surfaced that allegedly shows comparative screenshots between Windows Mobile 6.5 and Windows Mobile 7 interfaces, including several attributes that appear to be more touch-oriented. The screenshots, posted by WMExperts, reportedly originated from an internal mockup used by Microsoft for design planning.
While small check-boxes still dominate the settings menus in v6.5, the v7 menus utilize toggle sliders similar in appearance to the iPhone OS. If the screenshots are accurate, changing settings would be easier to accomplish with a finger swipe.
Many users of the current Windows Mobile OS have complained that the interface is geared more for stylus input. Several smartphone makers have begun to shift their focus to Android, leading to speculation that the companies prefer a touch-oriented interface.
The calendar view also shows a different approach, diverging from the cramped layout of v6.5. The v7 mockup presents each entry with much larger fonts and clear time-slots, while the items appear to be color coded.
Although the WM7 interface has yet to be finalized, the leaked screenshots are claimed to accurately represent the general design of the upcoming OS.
wow
10/20, 08:09pm reply
hey, if they keep that up, they may have something that is almost half as usable or efficient as the iphone!
keep those photocopiers revved up microsoft!!
byRyan
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
hmm
10/20, 08:33pm reply
Those UI widgets look awfully familiar. I wonder where they got their inspiration...
WiseWeasel
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Joined: Apr 1999
On their own
10/20, 09:22pm reply
Wow! MS thought of this new stuff or their mobile OS on their own! I don't see any Apple iPhone reference whatsoever.
slapppy
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Joined: Mar 2008
holy cristo!
10/21, 01:00am reply
could that possibly look any more ripped off? i'm waiting for them to figure out how to work in some sort of apple-shaped icon.
rtbarry
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Joined: Aug 2001
You're right
10/21, 08:26am reply
The buttons and bubbles have a very Mac-feel and use the ubiquitous Mac OS X "blue". Even the font used is Myriad, Apple's default font for products the last 7 years.
But come on...after 20+ years of this, it's really old news to say "Oh my gosh, Microsoft just copied Apple!". These guys are at the point where they don't mind being called unoriginal thieves!
/
pairof9s
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Joined: Jan 2008
Zhende!
10/21, 09:53am reply
You are indeed wise, weasel.
thebiggfrogg
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Joined: Jul 2007
grow a pair
10/21, 11:44am reply
I'd like to see Apple grow a pair and sue M$ into next week for this blatant imitation, not like in the 80s when M$ tried to use the threat of not developing BASIC for the mac as a bargaining chip for not being sued for ripping off the mac OS look and feel (not like they did a good job anyway)
Glasspusher
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Joined: Oct 2000
phone
11/21, 02:34am reply
First of all the icons in windows Mobile 6.5 are really innovative and comprehensible for the user. Microsoft has their own path to deliver efficient products for their buyers. They have their won ideas and innovations to back up their products. I feel the settings menu and calendar is well structured for a user to operate.
pelton
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Joined: Nov 2009