14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is trying to offer Windows Phone 7 users, as few as they may be at the moment, the whole package of useful services along with its mobile platform. However, Microsoft took Apple's example and is currently offering only services that are developed by the company, such as Zune, Bing and SkyDrive.
This leaves the user to decide whether they want more freedom when it comes to additional services and features, or they prefer everything to be provided by a single company within a closed environment.
Windows Phone 7 integrates several services developed by the company, which add more features and functions to the platform. First-time users will find the tips detailed below handy when it comes to using Microsoft's services.
SkyDrive is one of the Microsoft's services integrated with Windows Phone 7 and lets users make backups of their data. Pictures that are stored in Pictures & Camera menu will be automatically uploaded to SkyDrive, but the option can be disabled from Settings, Picture & Camera, Auto Upload (uncheck).
Uploading pictures to Facebook can be easily done from the dedicated application by enabling the “Upload to Facebook” option, which will appear each time the user is viewing a picture.
To turn off the Xbox Live feature simply go to Settings, Applications, Games and select Off.
Even though every Windows Phone 7 smartphone comes with a dedicated Zune player to access the music, you won't need to actually start the application to be able to listen to the music. Instead simply click on the volume button and a music player will immediately be shown on your display.
To use the fast forward command while in Zune music player, just press and hold the skip track icon at the bottom of the screen. Pressing it once will skip to the next track, but pressing and holding will fast forward the track.
Feel free to suggest your own Windows Phone 7 tips and tricks, especially if you're an advanced user.