14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Phone 7, the latest mobile operating system from Redmond-based software giant Microsoft, is getting closer to that fourth quarter release on devices, and new confidential documentation on it made it into the wild. Several weeks ago, we spotted a leaked Windows Phone 7 Architecture Guide, which was complemented recently by an Application Development Guide and a Windows Phone 7 Customization Guide.
The documentation emerged into the wild on HTCPedia forums. The guides provide technical information on the new operating system, including info on application development (The OEM and MO Application Guide for WP7 provides guidance on developing applications for a Windows Phone), Windows Phone 7 architecture (The Architecture Guide provides fundamental technical information about WP7. It serves as a roadmap to the components and core fundamentals of the WP7 architecture), and WP7 customizations (The Customization Guide for WP7 provides information about customizing the user interface and other system functionality).
According to a recent post on WMPoweruser, the guides do not offer new details on the Windows Phone 7 operating system, but they do bring to table some specs that were already known. Among them, we can count the fact that OEMs can make visual modifications to the OS, including start up wallpaper, ringtones, or the addition of Live tiles on Home screen and Lock screen wallpapers, or that the device will have to be activated via Internet to download the license agreement and to sign in with / sign up for a Microsoft live ID.
Other details that might be of interest to end users include the fact that the upcoming mobile operating system will include GeoTag and AutoFocus for Video, that it will use Direct 3D, or that Direct 3D Drivers will come from mobile phone makers. Support for Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR will also be included in Windows Phone 7, and handsets running under the platform might boast Volume buttons on the side (in addition to the three buttons required on the front). Check on this thread on HTCPedia forums to learn more on this.