While writing my Windows Phone 7 Mango update feature list, I realized that Microsoft might be planning to play hard ball with the carriers. Apple was able to put a leash around the carriers thanks to the success of the iPhone and I believe they are letting carriers dominate since that helps them have an upper hand against Android and Windows Phone 7. Back in 2010, TechCrunch ran an article claiming Google is poised to try their hand as a carrier.
As of now, Microsoft doesn’t have a choice but bow down to carriers and we’ve seen how AT&T screwed Microsoft’s attempts of sending out timely updates. This brings me to Windows Phone 7 Mango and Skype:
- Skype’s cross-platform presence lets Windows Phone 7 users communicate with a lot of friends over WiFi and no need of the carriers.
- One of the other features in Mango is Facebook and Windows Live Messenger chat being integrated into the Messaging app.
This means audio, video and text communication over WiFi and no carriers involved! Apple, Google and Microsoft together can make lives difficult for carriers and probably break their control and rid users of their ultra-crappy ways.
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Hi, I’m Manan and here I write about gadgets and technology. Find me on Twitter or Mastodon and my stream on Twitch. Get updates over email. Or sign up for the Newsletter.
I remember a few years back (2005 i think) this proto-smartphone that was based all around Skype. I think it was only out in selected countries, if it indeed came out. But it worked on WiFi and edge data lines. When using edge datalines you could only send short voice messages in a Nextel Radio kind of way or connect via IM. And when in Wi-Fi you could then use live voice chat with Skype. Otherwise it actually didn’t came with a phone line. But if you wanted a phone-line you could then use a pre-paid line by buying a GSM chip card.
It is crazy that it is 2011 and these kind of VOIP smartphones have not yet openly materialized. But at least we can still make them work that way if we want it.