Windows Phone 7 has a number of features not currently matched on any other platform. These make it a target for customers interested in gaming and entertainment, areas where Android is somewhat lacking and iPhone is just getting started.
Netflix on Phone 7 gives you much more than simple queue management. As we found out early on, Netflix instant play is fully supported. While iPhone has Instant Play as well, Netflix is still looking to hire people to develop the feature on Android.
AT&T U-verse is another area where Windows Phone 7 shines. U-verse customers can manage their DVR recordings from their mobile device in addition to downloading shows via Wi-Fi to watch on the phone. Even those who are not U-verse customers can get the service for $9.99/month, which is comparable to both Netflix and Hulu Plus. While streaming video would be nicer, U-verse still provides another outlet for entertainment.
iPhone supports U-verse, but only for AT&T U-verse customers. It’s still unknown whether these changes in the Windows Phone 7 app will migrate there. At this time, I’m unaware of any such app for Android. Not even to control your DVR, although there me be a mobile (WAP) page that supports it.
One of the more interesting and unique features of Windows Phone 7 is the integration with Xbox Live. As you play titles like Tetris, Monopoly, The Sims, and Need for Speed Undercover on your phone, you can share your achievements via Xbox Live. While mobile gaming has skyrocketed and iPhone is battling it out with Nintendo (even though Nintendo refuses to admit it), Windows Phone 7 could kick things up a notch by making multi-player easier on mobile and integrated with the existing Xbox network.
AT&T is offering Windows Phone 7 customers an entertainment pack, which includes some free goodies to get people hooked on the subscription services:
- The 3-D puzzle game ilomilo
- 30-day free trial of AT&T U-verse
- 30-day free trial of Zune Pass, Microsoft’s music subscription service, with 10 free downloads
Windows Phone 7 is not playing any games here. It seems like they’ve covered all the bases and anticipated where the mobile scene was moving. Xbox live support will be big and probably exclusive to Windows phones. We already see iPhone and Android trying to duplicate Xbox Live on the mobile side. While Netflix is at least working on streaming on Android, I suspect AT&T has other reasons why they’ve ignore the platform entirely.