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Interface: The main disadvantage of operating a Windows 7 phone is the software part that looks and feels the same as its contemporaries. The pre-installed apps do make a difference but that’s when we dig the phone.
The interface of the Windows 7 phones is highly appreciable since the large tiled icons provide an enjoyable experience of playing around with the home screen. Constantly updating with pictures, music tracks or unread emails you have the choice of customizing by moving the tiles or deleting unwanted icons, depending on requirements. Swipe the home screen and there an endless list of downloaded apps waving at the door. Overall, the highlight of the Windows 7 interface is its simplicity and responsiveness where one doesn’t get boggled down of how, when and where to use the applications.
Unfortunately, despite of all the above mentioned positives, Windows 7 fails due to lack of multitasking. One has to use the Start key to return to the home screen or use the Back key to exit the current app and return to the last app used. Since, the OS was supposed to be a notch over its predecessors and counterparts, it sadly lacks in such an important department.
Media: HTC HD7 uses the Zune interface to interact with the media and that’s the only way to deal with it, whether it on the phone or synching it with external devices. However, no complaints at all, since the software works like a dream being one of the best inclusions by Microsoft in recent times. Other supporting audio affects like SRS Surround Music and Dolby Mobile worked fine as well, but save the Dolby for video to enjoy the adventure of a booming theatrical experience.
Watching videos on the HTC HD7 imply a relaxing time, with popcorn bag in hand. The 4.3” touch screen works to its advantage offering a fairly spacious platform for videos. Furthermore, one has a kickstand to watch those hands free in landscape mode (only). While the experience is great, it would have been much better to locate the Stereo Speakers in the front rather than on the sides. Zune Marketplace is open for downloading and renting videos.
Camera & Video: The HTC HD7 comes with a 5MP camera with a bright dual LED flash. Camera function can be easily accessed from the home screen and the phone enables you to change a lot of options such as focus mode, ISO levels, flash, etc; a welcome change indeed. However, same cannot be said about the video, since its not even at all times despite favourable conditions.
HTC Hub & Xbox Live: The Xbox Live integration is one of the major attractions for any Windows 7 phone, true for HTC HD7 as well. There are lot of fun things to do with the Xbox Live such as play exciting games, set up an account, chat up with friends and challenge them to a game.
HTC Hub gives you a sense of Déjà vu of HTC Sense UI, but that’s momentary. Each animation takes seconds to get over with a fleeting happiness of fun but then disable the options when you find the same fun taking time much of your time.
Advantage
- Windows 7 phone
- Large and responsive screen
- Screen is ideal for playing games, movies. The kickstand works perfect during such occasions
- Dolby Mobile and SRS sound enhancement provided the right effect
- Dual-LED flash supported the absence of Xenon
- Cloud services
- Multiple connectivity options
- HTC Hub for exclusive HTC apps
Disadvantage
- No card slot
- No lens protection
- No Bluetooth file transfers
- No video calls
- No multitasking
- Limited availability of third party apps
- No flash or silverlight support
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