Smart, Microsoft tie up for Windows Phone 7

MANILA, Philippines - Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications has partnered with software giant Microsoft for the exclusive local release of the Windows Phone 7.

In a memorandum of understanding, the two firms formalized their collaboration to bring new offerings seeking to transform the mobile lifestyle of Filipinos as the Windows Phone 7 promises to fit the capabilities of the personal computer in a pocket device.

 “In the past year, we have seen a rise in the use of data, something that we have eagerly anticipated for quite some time now. We saw the surge in the use of mobile Internet -email, browsing and social networking - plus a host of other data-related transactions using Smart mobile phones,” Smart president and CEO Napoleon Nazareno said.

He noted that developments are clear opportunities for Smart services to grow and move forward, to help the company succeed in bringing its customers closer to the future of telecommunications,” he added.

Since last year, Microsoft and Smart have worked closely together to provide a special combination of service platforms and introduce Windows Phone 7 locally. Smart is bracing to make the devices as well as the service packages available to the local market by the fourth quarter this year.

“We are very happy to join forces with Smart as we bring an enhanced digital experience to the Filipino public through Windows Phone 7,” according to John Bessey, managing director of Microsoft Philippines. “With this partnership, we hope to maximize the potential of the smartphone market and let the Filipinos take full advantage of the benefits of the mobile lifestyle.”

Windows Phone 7 breaks the current smartphone convention to help people quickly and easily find and consume data, information and services from the Web and applications. The new phones are distinguished by unique design and integrated experiences built from Microsoft’s innovations such as Microsoft Office Mobile, Windows Live, Bing and more.

One of its most prominent and useful development is the customizable Start screen with Live Tiles, facilitating a more personal experience, allowing people to quickly see everything they care about on the screen. The Live Tiles provide the user with real-time updates from the Web such as news, appointments or the status and profile pictures of friends. New Live Tiles can be easily created from whatever content a consumer wants, such as applications, websites and music.

Smart said it is optimistic that market take-up for the Windows Phone 7 will be brisk. This considering that at least 75 percent of large corporations are using Microsoft Exchange Server, the springboard for push email technology on a Windows Phone device.

“Remember the Smart Amazing Phone? That was our first Smart-branded phone powered by Microsoft Windows. Even then, we knew that a mobile phone powered by both Smart and Windows is a very compelling combination. Our team up with Microsoft will surely bring many exciting offers and benefits to the increasingly mobile Filipino,” Nazareno added.