In an innovative move, Microsoft has unveiled a demo online version of their Metro UI, which will allow Android and iOS users to get an idea as to how Windows Phone devices work. It is not an application per se, but it is basically an HTML and Java Script website which will serve as a kind of a mock version of the Windows Phone.
This user interface-like website will give a glimpse of eight main features- phone, contacts, messaging, e-mail, calendar, a pinned contact group, Local Scout and pictures. It will be like a demo tour, with pop-ups telling you about every feature and also explaining how this user interface software is better, or different, than Android or iOS. Some of the factors that do make this UI different from other operating systems are- facebook andtwitter integration, general applications integration, face tagging, inbox linking et al.
When you are done with one tour, you have an option of either going back to the Start screen or viewing available Windows Phone devices by different manufacturers like Samsun and HTC. There have been many who have heaped praise on Microsoft for the demo, and have rated it highly as well, but some also say that while it is very well made, it might not convince buyers enough to switch to another operating system, especially iOS users. A few others have also gone on to say that what they were shown in the demo was only exciting and whetted their appetite, but was lacking certain aspects without which a switch will be unlikely, but these individuals have also praised the effort that has resulted in such an amazing feel for those who have tried.
On the whole this demo makes for an interesting try, but only till a certain extent. Most users reported higher interest in the WP7 platform than before, but not enough to make them switch. In an industry where getting your platform seen is half the battle, Microsoft certainly seems to be ticking the right boxes, even if they’re only making people aware of the WP7 platform in a cursory manner.
