- Get your #baseball cap on! MLB Extra Innings is on free preview until May 5th. ^eo
Rogers to bring Windows Phone 7 into Focus
October 11th, 2010 a 9:48am
Happy Thanksgiving! Not to tear you away from your turkey, but we’re excited to tell you Samsung has announced its much-anticipated Windows Phone 7 smartphone, the Samsung Focus, will come to the Rogers network.
Rogers was first to bring Canadians the BlackBerry, first to bring the iPhone, and the first to launch an Android smartphone. We know our customers want to experience video entertainment, information and communications on the latest devices. With Windows Phone 7, we continue to build on our smartphone leadership and provide unparalleled choice. Click here for more information on what Windows Phone 7 can do.
As for the Samsung Focus, it’s a beaut. The super lightweight smartphone comes equipped with Samsung’s 4-inch Super AMOLED display, which offers unparalleled picture quality (even in the harshest lighting conditions) and smudge and scratch resistant technology. It is powered by a 1GHz processor, contains 8GB of internal memory, expandable by 32GB micro SD. It comes with a 5MP camera with flash, capable of capture high resolution video and images. The Focus also offers a completely re-designed user interface as well as applications such as Music Hub, People Hub, Office Hub and the ability to play games with Xbox LIVE.
Pricing and availability details aren’t available yet, but we’ll update you here when we have them.
UPDATE (October 13, 2010, 2:35 PM): Rogers.com now has a microsite with more information on Windows Phone 7. Find it at www.rogers.com/windowsphone.
UPDATE (November 8, 2010 9:53 AM): Rogers is excited to announce the exclusive online launch of the new Samsung Focus Windows Phone 7 smartphone. Starting today, the Focus is available in limited quantities exclusively on Rogers.com for $199.99 on three year voice and data plans, backed by Rogers Handset Protection Guarantee Program. Full in-store launch to follow later this month.
Rob Manne is a regular contributor to RedBoard.
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Hmm. So, never? I hope this doesn’t end up like the Captivate which I canceled my preorder for because I don’t have time to wait.
We have to remember though it’s not Rogers that releases the phone it’s the actual maker of the phone. Captivate is Samsung and so these ones to come out would be the same if the maker delays the release. Usually they do it to build hype
Good for rogers for bringing this phone to their line up. Just please make sure that it doesn’t follow in the footsteps of the “Captivate fiasco”.
I thought Windows Phone 7 wasn’t going to support external memory cards? It’s awesome that it apparently does, but it comes as a surprise to me. But no tethering is a dealbreaker for me, unfortunately. Pity, because it looks to be a pretty awesome user experience.
Actually Ryan, it’s supports special expandable memory cards that are sold only by the wireless providers. There has been a lot of chatter on the web about this and it turns out that if you remove your expandable memory card, you are liable to lose all your data. Also, WP7 does not have tethering or multi-tasking yet which is a bit of a bummer.
The OS does look pretty slick and I have to give MS kudos for going big with their launch. If I get drawn in, I would go for an HD7 but it looks like the unlocked versions are going for $850US (based on a german site that will be selling them).
Yup, there was a few articles recently explaining how removable storage works with Windows Phone 7. You can put the microSD card in when you first get the phone, before it’s first initialization, and then it becomes a part of the file system. Not ideal, but better than the iPhone option.
http://windowsphonesecrets.com/2010/10/12/windows-phone-7-and-removable-storage/
actually WP7 supports it but it will be depend on carriers whether to allow tethering or not
Actually, no it doesn’t. Tethering is one of the features that was left out for the initial launch:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20017576-56.html
Tethering is coming, just not available on launch day. I reckon it’ll come Q1 2011
Yup, I’m sure it will be coming eventually. Unfortunately, “eventually” isn’t soon enough for me, making WP7 a no-go this time around. Maybe next upgrade.
It is looking like the first upgrade will be rather soon, since it is needed to support the sprint network, and their phone will be on pre-order come december 8th…so at the most the update will be around 2 months I’d say.
Thanks for the annoucement Rob. I haver a question for you. Are the people managing the marketing and communications for Windows Mobile 7 handsets the same as the people doing so for Android handsets. I haven’t been very impressed with recent communications for the Captivate, but I might be willing to move on and look into the Win phone.
Thanks for your time, and this is a nice break from the guttony so thanks again for the post.
Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed your Thanksgiving weekend, MikeP.
To your question, it’s the same team. There was a manufacturing delay on that one, but we’ve been getting lots of feedback about launch communications on several RedBoard posts that we’ve been reading.
Out of curiosity, what device do you have now? And what are you looking for in a new smartphone, whether Windows Phone 7 or Android?
I have an old 8800 blackberry, a backup phone that is trying to keep up after my WinMo phone died.
It exciting times to see all new new devices and platforms that are coming out. I hope to get as much information on these phones as possible so I can figure out where to spend my wireless dollars for the foreseeable future.
And a quick comment on the communications side, most of us would like daily updates, since we probably all subscribe to the RSS feeds for this and other blogs. Even if it was, oh, no email from XXX today, sorry. Or throwing out a teaser feature each day, I bet it will keep the wolves at bay for you guys.
Rob – I know this was addressed to Mike, but just some feedback from myself, as I’ve been following the launches of the iPhone 4, Torch, and Captivate very closely.
With the iPhone 4, I understand that there just wasn’t (and still doesn’t seem to be) enough stock, and that’s not your fault, really… But the lack of ability to order online or over the phone made it VERY frustrating for people. I was going to upgrade my iPhone 3G to an iPhone 4, but I wasn’t willing to play the phone lottery to see if I managed to get one on whatever random day I went into the Rogers store.
Then the Captivate launch – you guys announced the phone, and got us all excited, and then this mystery “manufacturing delay” showed up, and we weren’t told about it until almost 2 months after the announcement of the phone. I know you guys have no control over manufacturing issues, but I have a feeling you knew about the delay WELL before we were told, and I think it would have soothed a lot of folks if we had been given more information, earlier.
I’m excited about Windows Phone 7, it looks pretty amazing, but I’m getting kinda tired of waiting indefinitely for release date information on the phones that I want.
Im soo excited i was worried telus was the only company at launch
I think you’ll find that SD is not removable and that it is Windows Phone 7 (not the Focus specifically) that offers the UI features you mention.
Umm… How can you expand with microSD if it’s not removable?
See here – for clarification on why WP7 memory is expandable, but not ‘removable’
http://windowsphonesecrets.com/2010/10/12/windows-phone-7-and-removabl e-storage/
Just read the review of Windows Phone 7 OS on gsmarena.com and this OS has a ways to go..no multitasking, no copy and paste, no bluetooth file transfer and the list goes on..its sad. They even said in the review that Android 2.x and iOS are better so it looks like im stickin with Android for a few years. Android FTW.
your loss! Android is like a rehash of iOS, which is nothing like WP7!
lol its more like WP7 is a rehash of the iphone OS before v 4
even the iphone can multi-task somewhat now
WP7 = fail
what took the Iphone 4 revisions (years) to figure out WP7 will have it done within a year…first OS upgrade is already almost completed. So don’t count on WP7 being a fail…but if you have an Iphone 4…I’m sure that you’ll have fun with it till Iphone 5 comes out next year. baaaaa
Can’t wait for wp7 to arrive at Rogers, been waiting for almost a year for it to be released. Any idea if we will be getting the same release date as the states? Also, is the delay in the captivate related to the focus?
Hi. We don’t have that information yet will share it as soon as we can. As for the captivate, that delay is due to a manufacturing issue.
Rob asked MikeP a question above and I’m interested in your pov as well. What about this phone makes you eager for release?
:)
Hi Mary, In case you’re after general comments, I’ll give you mine.
What I like about WP7 is how well integrated it is. The fact I enter my live account, gmail account and facebook details once, and I have everything at my figertips, including photos, calendar, contacts, emails. The phone would literally be setup in seconds. It brings in all my contacts from all of my accounts, and because its tied directly to those accounts, changes made to them are automatically updated in their source, and vice versa.
I also love the UI, from the tiles on the start screen that provide me with enough information to sometimes not have to go in to the app. Also, the Metro UI design inside apps is great and gives the feel of a very well thoughout device.
The simple and clean UI that doesn’t pretend to be anything than digital is refreshing – I’m sich of seeing apps that try to pretend they are the real thing – like the iBooks bookshelf.
Oh, and did I mention Xbox Live & Zune integration? Also the fact it can sync wirelessly is 10 times better than the iPhone, which as I’m sure you know requires a direct cable connection (although I’m sure this will change).
I have watched some ‘behind the scenes’ videos on the making of the OS, and it seems they have left no stone unturned in trying to make this something really well planned – which isn’t actually much like Microsoft. For example, I heard a sound engineer say the sound made when a letter on the keyboard is typed is actually different each time you press it. Slightly different so it doesn’t trigger the brain to hate the sound through repitition, but not different enough to sound like a completely different noise. Its stuff like that which give me confidence it’ll be a great platform.
The proposed update mechanism means we can expect frequent updates enhancing functionality, such as missing features like cut & paste, unified inboxes, etc.
I also think the facebook integration would tie in nicely with the ‘Social View’ branding Rogers has been using lately.
As an existing Rogers customer I would love to be able to stay with you and and get a WP7 phone.
Sorry to rant on like a fan boy…
Integration with Office and Sharepoint are key wins for this phone for me. The hubs are also a great way of brining multiple services into one view.
However, if i can’t tether with my 6GB data plan, i’ve waited over a year for nothing. :( My current iphone is dying on me (3G), and i can’t find 4 anywhere. I cant wait much longer with my current phone. My preference will be Windows Phone 7 wih tethering, but will have to fall back on finding an iPhone 4 if i cant tether. Any confirmation on this feature? i’ve heard its up to the carrier; the article is incorrect.
Steve – Windows Phone 7 will not support tethering on launch. It’s not a carrier-specific thing, as previously thought, it just didn’t make it into the final build.
Maybe we can get this before the Captivate launches………………………….
Very Nice ! I hope we can expect more Phones with WP7 before the Launch.
first? – interesting indeed
Can you just announce the release date for the captivate instead of announcing phones that will potentially be released within the next decade …
Hi Tony. Thanks for your feedback, we will have information available as soon as possible.
Many of our customers have told us that they want to know when new devices are coming, even when we don’t have a date to announce. We’re doing our best to get you what you need when we can.
I think Rogers fails to understand there customers and it is evident on this news board where there have been more negative comments than positive ones (and there are probably more negative comments that don’t get past your moderation process).
Although the user interface looks appealing with the 3D treatment, there is no way on earth I would risk a 1st gen OS from Microsoft.
I’m happy that Microsoft is chasing the competition, as it makes the whole OS development more of a bonus for consumers at the end of the day.
Lets hope Microsoft can hang with iOS, Android, BlackBerry, PalmOS and MeeGo.
First gen OS? Umm, this is HARDLY Microsoft’s first generation. Yes, it was completely re-written from scratch, but that doesn’t mean it’s first gen. Microsoft has been in the mobile OS market for at least 10 years now, if not longer.
Agreed on all points, particularly with risking it with the 1st gen launch.
It’s only a 1st gen UI+app model; it’s a very mature OS underneath.
no HTC device? really? :(
Telus is on the “official” list and they’re gonna launch 2 devices on nov 9!!
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/microsoft-announces-ten-windows-phone-7-handsets-for-30-countrie/
first of all; im happy that atleast something is coming our way in terms of win7, but my god CAN U PLEASE GET MORE HTC PHONES! like australia has hd2, rest of the world has desire hd, and america has evo. i want the big 4.3 display phones, but my only solution now is to grab the australian htc hd2, and wait for win7 boot.
Thanks Anthony. We’ll share your feedback with our internal team.
Can rogers please get the HTC HD7 for wp7?
Si on regarde les spécifications c’est un Galaxy S avec un flash, sans caméra frontale et 8Go de ROM, mais si il a aussi un GPU et 512+ de RAM il fera un candidat idéal pour un dual boot avec Android et enfin Rogers aura un bon téléphone Android…lol
And incidentally – Telus is aiming for “Late October” for their Windows Phone 7 launch… So if you want to beat them to the punch and ACTUALLY be first, you’re going to need to do a better job of releasing this than you did with the Torch and the Captivate.
Oh, and incidentally? Being the first to launch something isn’t really a big deal, if your follow-up product launches are terrible. Yeah, super, you were the first to launch an Android phone in Canada… And then the other 2 big providers (Telus, in particular), beat the pants off you by actually releasing GOOD Android phones.
Is this a sign that Rogers is married to Samsung and done with HTC? I sincerely hope not given the incredible line of phones coming out of HTC this year.
Hi Dave Dee. We have a great relationship and continue to work closely with HTC.
Smartphone leadership? what kind of joke this is bell just got the desire-z and the samsung vibrent telus has the desire and the milestone and we have what.. a samsung captivate that hasnt shipped yet, a crappy x10 a crappy acer liquid and the crappy blackberry torch.
Well said Devon!!