This is a huge surprise. Just when pretty much the whole world had already written off Microsoft as having failed at the mobile game, they come out with the Windows Phone 7 Series (let’s call it WP7S). Forget the cumbersome name and instead check out the freshest UI and mobile experience in years. The video above is a lengthy 22 minutes but if you’ve got the time, it’s a great way to learn about the main features of this new OS and actually see a device in action. I’d also suggest you check out Gizmodo’s thorough analysis here.

Microsoft’s new mobile OS is a complete departure from the past. Thank God! The interfaced is called “Metro” and borrows heavily from the Zune HD and XBox experience. Although it won’t be available until the holiday season, the WP7S team will have the cooperation of all the major carriers (with AT&T being the “premier” one… huh?). Also, 9 manufacturers are on board so far, including Dell, Samsung, and LG. And to ensure that each device lives up to Microsoft’s standards, each manufacturer will have to adhere to a “tough, but fair” set of hardware requirements — sounds like the only leeway they’ll get is whether or not to include a keyboard. Read more →