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[brotkasten]

The Samsung Focus/Omnia 7 supports USB tethering in a debug/service mode

- Open the phone dialer and tap: dial ##634# and press call
-Once you are in diagnosis mode, dial: *#7284# and you will then have to select Tethered, Modem Call.
-Your device will then have to reboot. Once it is done just plug your device to you PC and and a Samsung driver should install automatically.
- Once it’s done just go to Control Panel / Network and Internet / Network Connections and should see the Samsung Omnia7 or Focus Modem connected.You will then have to change the settings of your Samsung Modem and add your carrier’s info. if required. Here are AT&T’s:
number: *99***1#
user name: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
password: CINGULAR1

Enable USB Tethering on the Samsung Omnia 7 and Samsung Focus Windows Phone 7 phones..if you can

Not as good as real tethering support, but still nice if you're on the go.

But if you enter the same code in the Venue Pro ...

Saw the article about tethering the Samsung Focus…made me try ##634# on my Dell Venue Pro, which instead displays a Matrix screen…interesting Easter Egg.

Dell Venue Pro has secret menus also, if you take the blue pill

Paul Thurrot spoke with Joe Belfiore about the update situation and if we still have to wait for carriers.

Spoiler

Yes, we have to

We build an update for everyone, and certify them with carriers,” he said. “They’re on a regular cadence as they are on the PC. If a carrier wants to stop an update, they can. But they will get it out on the next release.”

“Updates are cumulative,” he added. “If a carrier doesn’t get their testing done in time, the next push date comes and it goes out then.

“Carriers could in fact block updates to sell you a phone. That can happen,” he said. “We don’t expect that to happen. We are not going to push updates onto carrier networks that they have not tested. Microsoft is being very trusting of the carriers here. It’s very different from the situation with Windows Mobile, where every phone was very different and a full test pass was required on every phone. Here, there’s no impact on OEM code, network code, etc. There are upgrades that will require a full test pass. Most will not.”

Long story short: If you bought a phone on contract, carriers can fuck you. If you bought it unsubsidized, you're good (phew, my FAQ is still correct :lol)

On the first update:

We are shipping a compelling update very, very soon.

The truth about Windows Phone 7, software updates, and carriers’ ability to block those updates

 

[besiktas1]

with tethering, does that just go toward my standard usage allowance or will tmobile somehow now and charge me extra?

 

[VanMardigan]

I called it. All you fuckers gave me a hard time. "bu, bu, but it's thorough the zune software, they can't block it!"

But vanmardigan knew there was no way carriers could possibly be kept out of a loop when they are the ones who sell you the phone and service.

Hopefully it's better than the android situation, but iphone is still the gold standard on updates cause they have at&t by the balls and they have more hardware control.

Also, I talked my sister out of an iphone 4 purchase and instead convinced her on a focus. I'm setting it up right now, and aside from stupid issues with using gmail as a live id, it's been a smooth process so far. If only the zune software wasn't taking so damn long. Seriously, a 100 mb download and then more downloads after that. Come on ms, get your shit together.

 

[Blackhead]

The Samsung Focus/Omnia 7 supports USB tethering in a debug/service mode

Enable USB Tethering on the Samsung Omnia 7 and Samsung Focus Windows Phone 7 phones..if you can

Not as good as real tethering support, but still nice if you're on the go.

But if you enter the same code in the Venue Pro ...

Dell Venue Pro has secret menus also, if you take the blue pill

Paul Thurrot spoke with Joe Belfiore about the update situation and if we still have to wait for carriers.

Spoiler

Yes, we have to

Long story short: If you bought a phone on contract, carriers can fuck you. If you bought it unsubsidized, you're good (phew, my FAQ is still correct :lol)

On the first update:

The truth about Windows Phone 7, software updates, and carriers’ ability to block those updates

Are you sure unsibsidized phones are getting updates direct from Microsoft? The quote in the article says unlocked phones and specifically mentions that those aren't available in the USA Is any site exporting Omnia 7s yet?

 

[dLMN8R]

If it's a supply driven problem, then it's a stupid decision to launch with so few units. Android devices sold about 4x as many devices that same day. Probably around 3x iPhones sold as well.

The "supply-driven problem" is more complex than that.

1) Yes, sales are limited by supply, as evidenced by the huge number of places reporting they're selling out quickly and only getting a few at a time.

2) DESPITE that supply problem, these sales numbers are hardly anything to worry about. As many other people have already shown, 40,000 in one day is roughly the same as the opening weekend that the Droid got. Furthermore, they're United States only, not Europe, which launched two weeks earlier.



Expecting a brand new platform - regardless of manufacturer or developer - to get iPhone or Android numbers today, is absolutely ridiculous.

It's also obvious that they're holding back the $500 million ad campaign until they have supply further in the holidays. When they start really spending that money, you'll know it. Just look at the Kinect launch for an example.

 

[brotkasten]

Are you sure unsibsidized phones are getting updates direct from Microsoft? The quote in the article says unlocked phones and specifically mentions that those aren't available in the USA Is any site exporting Omnia 7s yet?

Sorry, I thought it was the same. Just a phone without branding and sim lock, coming directly from the manufacturer.

 

[dLMN8R]

Belfiore is just repeating what was already reported.

1) Yes, of course carriers need to approve updates. Yes, carries can reject updates. This happens with the iPhone right now. It's not transparent or shown to customers because Apple has only one device, and they wouldn't announce it to the world if their update was rejected for some reason for that one device.

2) Why would carriers reject updates in the first place? Some say it's to convince you to buy a new phone, but new phones barely make them any money. They make money from the service contracts. They keep people on service contracts by making them happy by offering free updates. If they require you to buy a new phone, then there's a good chance that customer might move to another carrier altogether. It's a competitive mis-step to not offer updates when other carriers might offer them.

3) Despite this approval, the updates themselves are still controlled by Microsoft. This is a drastic difference from Android. It's a thorough improvement from Android, all the way. There is absolutely no question about that.

4) When all is said and done, Microsoft says that carriers can reject updates, but only one. If Microsoft wants to release a second update, the carrier has to accept it and give it to all customers.

 

[VanMardigan]

Number two is obviously irrelevant because both carriers and manufacturers have found reason to withhold updates in android.

 

[Blackhead]

Can Carriers Block Windows Phone 7 OS Updates?

Spoiler

Yes

Number two is obviously irrelevant because both carriers and manufacturers have found reason to withhold updates in android.

And for webOS too, with only one manufacturer in control of the hardware, the carriers still found reason to delay the 1.4.5 update (I had to wait for over 2 months for my AT&T Pixi Plus). It's one of the reasons I'm so tempted to get an unlocked Pre2 or jump ship to WP7 until HP/Palm gets their shit together.

Moreover, Google offers guaranteed updates for the Nexus One. It's still uncertain whether there will be a similarly supported phone from Microsoft (or HP/Palm).

 

[Anton Sugar]

Can Carriers Block Windows Phone 7 OS Updates?

Spoiler

Yes

for ONE update cycle only.

Fixed. Do people think this is insignificant? Couldn't MS just push a minor update if a carrier has blocked the last one, in order to force them to push it out?

EDIT: Also, unrelated, but as the app store grows, what have people been picking up? Maybe we should start a WP7 App thread? Supposedly over 2000 apps now.

 

[Magni]

EDIT: Also, unrelated, but as the app store grows, what have people been picking up? Maybe we should start a WP7 App thread? Supposedly over 2000 apps now.

Flowers and Alarm Clock Pro. Total cost: 1.29€, and I needed Shrooms as my alarm tone :lol

 

[VanMardigan]

Fixed. Do people think this is insignificant? Couldn't MS just push a minor update if a carrier has blocked the last one, in order to force them to push it out?

In the same way that I didn't believe that carriers wouldn't have a say on updates, I don't believe this either. I don't see any way that carriers can be forced into a situation where they HAVE to accept an update because they blocked a previous one. On its face, that arrangement makes no damned sense for them. It's their network and they are selling the phones, THEY set the rules. Even Apple, who has had more carrier influence than any OEM in the phone space EVER, could not get At&t to relent on free tethering. Or maybe you think Apple likes seeing their customers have to pay an additional monthly fee for the PRIVILEGE of tethering. When their tethering update finally came out, it was under the carrier's rules. Or maybe you think that Apple benefits from having facetime be a wifi only feature.

 

[brotkasten]

Speaking of apps, Gizmodo reviewed some.

Windows Phone 7 essential apps, reviewed

I totally forgot about the Zune Marketplace integration in Shazam. That's really great (if you have a Zune Pass).

 

[Anton Sugar]

In the same way that I didn't believe that carriers wouldn't have a say on updates, I don't believe this either. I don't see any way that carriers can be forced into a situation where they HAVE to accept an update because they blocked a previous one. On its face, that arrangement makes no damned sense for them. It's their network and they are selling the phones, THEY set the rules. Even Apple, who has had more carrier influence than any OEM in the phone space EVER, could not get At&t to relent on free tethering. Or maybe you think Apple likes seeing their customers have to pay an additional monthly fee for the PRIVILEGE of tethering. When their tethering update finally came out, it was under the carrier's rules. Or maybe you think that Apple benefits from having facetime be a wifi only feature.

From that article, it seems to be something detailed in the agreement between MS and the carriers. If that's the case, wouldn't a contractual obligation be pretty black and white?

 

[Patriots7]

I hope MS isn't disheartened if this thing doesn't sell like hotcakes out of the gate. It's such a spectacular OS, but they need to do like Google and be SUPER aggressive about the updates. Android has come a LONG way just this year, and we may have gingerbread before the year is out. Last year, we were on 1.6, now we are super close to 2.3.

MS needs to move up their schedule. Why wait until next year to give us cut/paste, Flash, and tethering? The faster they iterate, the more evangelical the phone owners get, the more buzz it builds for the platform. And it would be great if they make a big deal out of the updates like Apple does. Build anticipation and release these awesome updates every 3 months. It's not like Redmond doesn't have the manpower.

Well, Android had to go a long way over this year. Microsoft started essentially from scratch and managed to put together a beautiful and well thought out OS in less than 2 years. Google bought Android in 2005 and even now, I can't really call Android anything but spartan from a UI approach.
I have faith in Microsoft keeping a tight and speedy update schedule. They really only need 3 things to shut up the majority of critics, and 2 should be arriving within 2-3 months.

 

[mYm|17|]

Speaking of apps, Gizmodo reviewed some.

Windows Phone 7 essential apps, reviewed

I totally forgot about the Zune Marketplace integration in Shazam. That's really great (if you have a Zune Pass).

these apps look so purdy on the phone

 

[Anton Sugar]

Is there a way to rate a song playing from Zune on the phone? You can do the like/dislike from the Zune software but I haven't found it on the phone...

 

[brotkasten]

Is there a way to rate a song playing from Zune on the phone? You can do the like/dislike from the Zune software but I haven't found it on the phone...

Tap on the album art.

 

[Blackhead]

Do bookmarklets work in the WP7 web browser?

these apps look so purdy on the phone

.

 

[besiktas1]

Good news buymobiles orders. They say they are receiving stock on Monday and will ship them out that day meaning, HOPEFULLY we will get our phones on Tuesday.

Some questions to prepare;
Do I need to put the phone on charge for X amount of hours when it first comes?
Any Omnia 7 cases available?
also would still like to know about tethering Does tmobile have a way to find out if I am tethering or does it just take it away from my data allowance?

 

[dLMN8R]

Number two is obviously irrelevant because both carriers and manufacturers have found reason to withhold updates in android.

That is because carriers and manufacturers have to actually do work implementing the updates in their own customized forms/shells/etc. every time. Carriers and manufacturers need to do all the work getting the OS to work right on every single device, with all the different specs, form factors, screen resolutions, etc. that go with Android customization.

Absolutely none of that is an issue with Windows Phone 7.
Microsoft set a bare-minimum spec that all the phones meet.
Microsoft creates the entire OS.
Microsoft creates the entire update.
Microsoft tests all the updates on all the phones.

All that's left is for the carrier to run some tests and say "yep, it works, release it".


Diametric opposite of Android.

 

[Anton Sugar]

Tap on the album art.

You rule, thanks.

 

[VanMardigan]

Hey so I may as well give some Samsung Focus impressions from my afternoon spent setting it up for my sister:

Good:
-The screen is to die for
-The OS is silky smooth, looks great, and flows beautifully from core app to core app
-The app selection is strong for a newborn platform, besides missing some obvious heavy hitters.
-The keyboard is about as good as I remember the iPhone one being.
-Pictures looked amazing
-The People hub is the real deal
-Ditto the Zune hub



Bad
-People hub SCREAMS for Twitter integration
-Pruning contacts is a pain, and considering that they force the Live contacts into your People hub, it should've been easier to mass delete them
-Needs a dedicated YouTube app. It was amusing to download the YouTube app from the market only to realize it was a link to the mobile site. Awkward.
-Phone build quality seemed suspect, but we won't know for sure until users have had it for a while.
-The pictures hub was a little unintuitive compared to the other hubs. No obvious way to sort the pics, rename the default folders they were in, or set up the main pic on the home screen. Speaking of, is the pictures hub icon a live tile? Didn't seem like it, though I always thought it was from the previews.

Overall, this is a surprisingly strong first step for the platform, and as long as they iterate at a feverish pace (and aren't restricted by the carriers) it should be on par at every level with Android/iPhone by this time next year. My sister isn't really a power user, so I didn't really delve into the Office hub, the Calendar hub, or the Xbox hub.

 

[dLMN8R]

-People hub SCREAMS for Twitter integration
-Pruning contacts is a pain, and considering that they force the Live contacts into your People hub, it should've been easier to mass delete them
-Needs a dedicated YouTube app. It was amusing to download the YouTube app from the market only to realize it was a link to the mobile site. Awkward.
-Phone build quality seemed suspect, but we won't know for sure until users have had it for a while.
-The pictures hub was a little unintuitive compared to the other hubs. No obvious way to sort the pics, rename the default folders they were in, or set up the main pic on the home screen. Speaking of, is the pictures hub icon a live tile? Didn't seem like it, though I always thought it was from the previews.

-I disagree with Twitter. Twitter has such a higher volume of posts it would be kind of annoying. Though it should be an option. Microsoft has claimed it's on Twitter's policies though, not their own...according to Microsoft that's also why Twitter support was dropped from the new Live Messenger

-The YouTube app is more than a link to a mobile site - remember, WP7 doesn't have HTML support. The YouTube app is also a plug-in behind the scenes to enable rendering of videos, I think.

-The pictures hub does need some work. It was a bit confusing at first to me too. I don't think it has a live tile either.

 

[brotkasten]

Hey so I may as well give some Samsung Focus impressions from my afternoon spent setting it up for my sister:

Good:
-The screen is to die for
-The OS is silky smooth, looks great, and flows beautifully from core app to core app
-The app selection is strong for a newborn platform, besides missing some obvious heavy hitters.
-The keyboard is about as good as I remember the iPhone one being.
-Pictures looked amazing
-The People hub is the real deal
-Ditto the Zune hub



Bad
-People hub SCREAMS for Twitter integration
-Pruning contacts is a pain, and considering that they force the Live contacts into your People hub, it should've been easier to mass delete them
-Needs a dedicated YouTube app. It was amusing to download the YouTube app from the market only to realize it was a link to the mobile site. Awkward.
-Phone build quality seemed suspect, but we won't know for sure until users have had it for a while.
-The pictures hub was a little unintuitive compared to the other hubs. No obvious way to sort the pics, rename the default folders they were in, or set up the main pic on the home screen. Speaking of, is the pictures hub icon a live tile? Didn't seem like it, though I always thought it was from the previews.

Overall, this is a surprisingly strong first step for the platform, and as long as they iterate at a feverish pace (and aren't restricted by the carriers) it should be on par at every level with Android/iPhone by this time next year. My sister isn't really a power user, so I didn't really delve into the Office hub, the Calendar hub, or the Xbox hub.

Get the YouTube app by Lazyworm. It should be better than the mobile site. But don't delete the Microsoft app. You still need it.
http://www.bing.com/visualsearch?g=...+phone+7+apps&FORM=Z7FD#categories=7&p=5&r=52

(I don't know if this link works)

 

[besiktas1]

I wish I had at least half a clue on how to code an app, I'd love a native neogaf app.

 

[brotkasten]

Check out Amazon Wireless if you want a cheap WP7.

They have the HTC Surround and LG Quantum for $0.01.
HTC Surround, LG Quantum: $0.01 till Monday on Amazon Wireless

 

[besiktas1]

Number 2!
http://wp7gamers.blogspot.com/2010/11/top-10-xbla-ig-games-i-want-on-wp7_12.html

We are almost ready for number 1. The suspense. Can you guess what I will pick as #1? Anyway before all that, heres number 2!

Number 2: Shadow Complex


Basically, what is it?
It's a modern 2d metrovania game powered by unreal engine 3. It is awesome.

Why do I want it?
It's everything you could want from these types of games. Try to get through as massive map as you gain powers which allow you to reach areas you couldn't before. I could go on all day about why I want it. It is long and the closest thing we will get to Metroid on a Microsoft console/handheld, so if they make it do yourself a favour and buy it.

How could it be bad?
The whole touchscreen thus control issue I harped on about too many times so with rose tinted glasses I will say, nothing they can do will make this game bad. Quote me on that IF they ever ported it over and see how right I was.


Watch the trailer and see why I want it.

 

[Vanillalite]

If you have an AT&T phone...

GO TO THE AT&T SECTION OF THE APP STORE NAO!!!

ilomilo is in the AT&T section, and it's F R E E!

MUST DOWNLOAD!!!

 

[Anton Sugar]

So has anyone found a good RSS/Google Reader app? I see Wonder Reader, but I am thinking something better might be coming out. Was Wonder Reader available for any other platforms? Anyone use it?

 

[VanMardigan]

Check out Amazon Wireless if you want a cheap WP7.

They have the HTC Surround and LG Quantum for $0.01.
HTC Surround, LG Quantum: $0.01 till Monday on Amazon Wireless

Why no Focus?!?

 

[brotkasten]

Since the Venue Pro isn't coming out (it's out, but not really) I started to look for other phones and I think I'll get the Optimus 7. It doesn't cost much, it's heavy, it comes with 16GB, the battery life seems to be good and there is this promo from LG where you get some free apps. It felt really good. My only gripe is that the really cheap looking home button actually sticks out (I'm sure the silver (or white) paint of that button will wear off in no time), it's not a 4" device and the USB port is on the side and it's even covered (no dock for me, fuuu).

I hate shit like that. At least I get better pixel density. Oh, and the HTC phones were really, really meh.

Why no Focus?!?

Because it's the only good phone on AT&T?

 

[Vanillalite]

My Short Youtube video of ilomilo!

Sorry the quality sucks. I just threw it together using my laptop cam and windows movie maker. The glare with the LCD screen kind of sucks but you get to see me load up the game and stuff.

 

[Robobandit]

Damn.. loading speed is pretty impressive on the focus..

grr.. I didn't want to drop my no-contract t-mobile plan for at&t.. but I might have to..

Really makes me wish other companies had followed samsung's lead with using actual NAND in their devices for storage..

 

[BLaZiN PRopHeT]

Don't know if anyone was watching but they were using the new windows phone 7 on bones tonight.

 

[Vanillalite]

Don't know if anyone was watching but they were using the new windows phone 7 on bones tonight.

Watching the falcon's raven's game on NFL Network. Don't get NFL Network so watching a stream online instead! I've seen a ton of commercials though. They were running them during Conan's first night on Monday.

 

[Earl Cazone]

I need:

- Free geocaching app like android's c:geo
- decent free turn by turn navigation, like google maps navigation
- Irc and meebo client

and some other, less important applications to finally decide to switch over. i am tired of android and i dont really intend to buy an iphone, since the "walls of apps" interface seems so antiquitated.
ill just wait a few months, and i guess by then the problems are fixed.
when do you guys think will they announce the second generation of minimun specs? probably in a years cycle like the iphone, but who knows?

 

[brotkasten]

I need:

- Free geocaching app like android's c:geo
- decent free turn by turn navigation, like google maps navigation
- Irc and meebo client

and some other, less important applications to finally decide to switch over. i am tired of android and i dont really intend to buy an iphone, since the "walls of apps" interface seems so antiquitated.
ill just wait a few months, and i guess by then the problems are fixed.
when do you guys think will they announce the second generation of minimun specs? probably in a years cycle like the iphone, but who knows?

I think (or hope) that Google is working on Maps for WP7. They just released the search app few days ago.

I can't see how IM or IRC will work if the apps can't run in the background.

I don't know when they'll announce the second generation, but the next phones will have the chassis 2 spec with the HVGA screen.

 

[Korey]

So...is there a good Twitter app yet, that can do push notifications?

 

[besiktas1]

I need:

- Free geocaching app like android's c:geo
- decent free turn by turn navigation, like google maps navigation
- Irc and meebo client

and some other, less important applications to finally decide to switch over. i am tired of android and i dont really intend to buy an iphone, since the "walls of apps" interface seems so antiquitated.
ill just wait a few months, and i guess by then the problems are fixed.
when do you guys think will they announce the second generation of minimun specs? probably in a years cycle like the iphone, but who knows?

Geocaching is already available on marketplace
http://www.geocaching.com/wp7/

edit: oops never saw the "free" bit
there is "GPS app" which does free geocatching

 

[outsidah]

I think (or hope) that Google is working on Maps for WP7. They just released the search app few days ago.

I can't see how IM or IRC will work if the apps can't run in the background.

I don't know when they'll announce the second generation, but the next phones will have the chassis 2 spec with the HVGA screen.

As much as I would like to see Google navigation outside of Android, I have my doubts they will take that outside of Android. It is a truly awesome feature.

 

[Ollie Pooch]

Belfiore is just repeating what was already reported.

1) Yes, of course carriers need to approve updates. Yes, carries can reject updates. This happens with the iPhone right now. It's not transparent or shown to customers because Apple has only one device, and they wouldn't announce it to the world if their update was rejected for some reason for that one device.

Carriers reject iPhone updates? How?

 

[dLMN8R]

Carriers reject iPhone updates? How?

They don't, but they can. That's the key point.

You honestly think that AT&T, Orange, and every other iPhone carrier out there lets Apple throw whatever they want willy-nilly on their network without any up-front approval? Of course not.

Each and every one of those networks absolutely needs to approve Apple's updates before Apple releases them.


Of course, no one sees that process. Because Apple creates the entire update end-to-end, and distributes that update, it's extremely easy for carriers to test those updates. Therefore, they're probably never rejected, because there's little they need to do.

But for all we know, carriers have rejected an update here or there, which caused a delay. iOS versions have been delayed in the past - it's quite possible those delays were due to carrier rejection.


Microsoft is just being more transparent about the whole thing, and since there are multiple devices, it's a little bit more complicated for them too. Overall, though, it probably won't affect anything about Windows Phone 7 update releases for the masses.

 

[numble]

They don't, but they can. That's the key point.

You honestly think that AT&T, Orange, and every other iPhone carrier out there lets Apple throw whatever they want willy-nilly on their network without any up-front approval? Of course not.

Each and every one of those networks absolutely needs to approve Apple's updates before Apple releases them.


Of course, no one sees that process. Because Apple creates the entire update end-to-end, and distributes that update, it's extremely easy for carriers to test those updates. Therefore, they're probably never rejected, because there's little they need to do.

But for all we know, carriers have rejected an update here or there, which caused a delay. iOS versions have been delayed in the past - it's quite possible those delays were due to carrier rejection.


Microsoft is just being more transparent about the whole thing, and since there are multiple devices, it's a little bit more complicated for them too. Overall, though, it probably won't affect anything about Windows Phone 7 update releases for the masses.

In many countries, like China and Hong Kong, and now some European countries, people mostly buy their iPhones unlocked from the Apple Store. How are the carriers blocking those firmware updates?

 

[JCX]

Went to try out the t-mobile windows phone 7, but the store unit wasn't on

 

[dLMN8R]

Not sure how unlocked phones will work on Windows Phone 7, but in Apple's case, they don't release updates until all carriers approve them. Which means that if someone on an unlocked phone can download it, it's already been approved.

This is also why Apple releases so many iOS betas too - and why beta releases are mostly limited, and discouraged by Apple to distribute around. They haven't yet been approved by carriers, so if it screws something up, Apple is screwed.

 

[antiquegamer]

Well, the 16gb microSD card I ordered from Amazon show up today and I said fu MS and At&t and stick the card into the phone and hit reset. I was surprised at how easy it was to quickly restore all the customization I made. The phone also retains numbers (from LIVE I suppose?) and I didn't have to reenter all the phone numbers.

So far so good, I restore all the musics and apps and still have a wopping 16gb left! Though I did get rid of all the At&t apps. (WTH wtih charging for navigation on top of data fee).

Anyone in the US used the U-Verse? If I subscribe is there a way for me to stream that to my TV ?

I laugh at the post about carrier control the update...seriously AT&T is a good partner? The store have small section on Windows Phone with staff that know little about phones availability and yeah...2 Focus phones on launch day per stores.

 

[Tathanen]

Don't know if anyone was watching but they were using the new windows phone 7 on bones tonight.

Yeah that was so gratuitous I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Good lord.

 

[numble]

Not sure how unlocked phones will work on Windows Phone 7, but in Apple's case, they don't release updates until all carriers approve them. Which means that if someone on an unlocked phone can download it, it's already been approved.

This is also why Apple releases so many iOS betas too - and why beta releases are mostly limited, and discouraged by Apple to distribute around. They haven't yet been approved by carriers, so if it screws something up, Apple is screwed.

But you can use iPhones on carriers that don't sell them... For instance, only one carrier initially sold the iPhone in Hong Kong, but you could buy an unlocked one from Apple and use it on like 5 or so carriers. You could also bring it into China and use it before it was released there, and use it on networks that Apple does not have deals with. I can also take an unlocked phone to countries where Apple has no presence (fewer and fewer now, but Cuba and some places like Iraq and Afghanistan come to mind) and use it on their GSM carriers.

 

[Vanillalite]

But you can use iPhones on carriers that don't sell them... For instance, only one carrier initially sold the iPhone in Hong Kong, but you could buy an unlocked one from Apple and use it on like 5 or so carriers. You could also bring it into China and use it before it was released there, and use it on networks that Apple does not have deals with. I can also take an unlocked phone to countries where Apple has no presence (fewer and fewer now, but Cuba and some places like Iraq and Afghanistan come to mind) and use it on their GSM carriers.

What's the point? Nobody said you couldn't, but Lmn8r was just saying if people with unlocked phones are updating it's because the update is already approved and out since apple tries to keep the betas limited.