In pics: 9 Microsoft Windows smartphones0 comments

After a series of failed attempts to take on the popularity of Apple iPhone and Google Android, Microsoft has finally unveiled nine new phones that run on its brand new Windows Phone 7 operating system.

Last year, the company had launched Kin phones targeted at teens. However, it scrapped these models because of lack of demand.

The current line-up, seen as a make-or-break product launch for Microsoft, made by HTC, Dell, Samsung and LG is high on looks and packs a host of multimedia features. The Windows Phone software features a new design and organizes activities into tiles that update all key information right on the Start screen.

The software also includes Microsoft’s Zune music subscription service and mobile versions of the Office applications. Here is a closer look at the Microsoft Windows Phone 7-powered smartphones.
HTC 7 Mozart

HTC 7 Mozart
The Windows 7-powered HTC 7 Mozart features a 3.7-inch display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution. Sporting aluminum finish, the phone packs a 8 megapixel auto-focus camera with Xenon flash. The camera offers 720p HD video recording.

The phone runs on 1GHz processor and will come with 8GB internal storage. Other key features include 3.5mm jack for audio, surround sound, Bluetooth 2.1, A-GPS and Wi-Fi (802.11n),

The phone will let users customize with live tiles which dynamically update all key information right on the Start screen.

Samsung Focus

Featuring a large 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display, Samsung Focus is the next Windows Phone 7 smartphone. At 9.9mm thickness, Microsoft claims Samsung Focus is the thinnest smartphone available.

Running on 1GHz processor, the phone will come with 8GB internal memory and 256MB RAM. The phone has a microSD card slot for upto 32GB memory expansion.

Samsung Focus has a 5 megapixel camera with flash. The phone offers 720p video recording. The phone also features Xbox LIVE and Zune.

LG Quantum‘

Featuring a horizontal QWERTY keyboard, LG Quantum sports a 3.5-inch display. Running on 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, the phone comes with 16GB on-board memory.

It has a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and can shoot video in 720p.

The phone also features DLNA technology through a preloaded application called Play To. This allows users to wirelessly stream videos, music, and pictures from the phone to a DLNA-enabled TV, stereo, Windows 7 PC and devices.

LG Optimus 7

The next Windows Phone 7 from the Korean electronic maker is LG Optimus 7. Optimus 7 sports a 3.8-inch capacitive touchscreen with 800×480 pixel resolution and is just 11.5mm thick.

The phone features a 5 megapixel camera with 720p HD video recording and playback. It is powered by 1GHz processor and comes with 16GB internal memory.

Like Quantum, the smartphone also supports Play To application that will allow users to wirelessly stream videos, music, and pictures from the phone to a DLNA-enabled TV, stereo, Windows 7 PC and devices.

HTC 7 Pro

Sporting a 3.6-inch display, HTC 7 Pro offers 480 x 800 WVGA resolution. The touchscreen phone has a Slideout keyboard and weighs 185 grams.

Running on 1GHz processor, HTC 7 Pro comes with 8GB internal storage. The phone has a 5 megapixel colour camera with auto focus and flash. The camera offers 720p HD video recording. Connectivity options include 3G, GPRS, EDGE, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1 and WiFi.

The phone also packs 3.5 mm stereo audio jack and Standard micro-USB 2.0.

HTC 7 Trophy

Next Windows Phone 7 is HTC 7 Trophy. Featuring a 3.8-inch touchscreen display with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution, the phone weighs 140 grams.

The phone packs a 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and flash. It will allow users to record 720p HD video. As for memory, the smartphone will come with 8GB internal storage, 512MB ROM and 576MB RAM. Connectivity options include 3G, GPRS, EDGE, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1 and WiFi.

HTC HD7

Sporting a large 4.3-inch display with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution, HTC HD7 will come with a kickstand.

Running on 1GHz processor, the phone will come with 8GB internal storage for Europe and 16GB for Asia.

HTC HD7 packs a 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and dual LED flash. It will offers 720p HD video recording. The phone will come with 3.5 mm stereo audio jack and standard micro-USB 2.0.
HTC 7 Surround

HTC 7 Surround

HTC 7 Surround is the fifth Windows 7 phone from HTC’s stable. With 3.8-inch touchscreen display, the phone has a 480 x 800 WVGA resolution.

Like HTC 7 Trophy and HTC 7 Pro, this one too packs a 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and flash. Connectivity options include 3G, GPRS, EDGE, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1 and WiFi.

The phone has a slideout surround speakers and kickstand.

Dell Venue Pro

PC maker Dell too has joined the Windows Phone 7 launch party with its smartphone Dell Venue Pro.

Featuring a 4.1-inch AMOLED display, the phone has a full slider QWERTY keyboard. Dell has used Gorilla Glass surface which makes the phone scratch resistant.

The phone runs on 1GHz Qualcomm’s Snapdragon QSD8250 microprocessor and has 1GB ROM and 512MB DDR SDRAM. It has a 5 megapixel autofocus camera. For connectivity the phone has Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS.