Microsoft sent us a Windows Phone 7 device for development purposes. Chad opted for the Samsung Focus phone. We have not tinkered with it too much so here are just some unboxing pictures and preliminary thoughts.

First Impressions

While I have only tinkered with the Focus for a few moments, I must say that it is unbelievable light for a phone of its size. Second, the display is amazingly crisp. It's a large 4-inch AMOLED variant, similar to the Nexus One. Unfortunately the Nexus One display did not fare well in sunlight so I'm curious to see how the Focus screen performs outdoors. Best part of the screen is the amazing contrast. It reminds me of my sold-long-ago Samsung plasma HDTV — the blacks were very black, making it ideal for movies. Similarly, the screen on the Focus is such that you can't even tell where the screen ends and the black bezel begins. It's brilliant. Battery life seems impressive so far, at least compared to my iPhone 4.

So far the hardware is not too shabby. Unfortunately in the past few months I have read countless articles talking about issues with WP7 in terms of both consumer-facing and developer-facing snafus. I haven't personally experience any real issues yet but I'll hold my thoughts until later. I actually think the tile-based home screen and general interface is pretty slick. Though I would like the ability to make certain tiles double-wide, like email.

Further reading:

• I'm regretting going WP7
• Engadget's Samsung Focus Review
• Leaving Windows Phone to Return to Android

Details straight from the box

Device Specifications

• Quad-Band EDGE (850/900/1800/1900MHz);Tri-band UMTS (850/1900/2100MHz)
• Display: 4 inches WVGA 480x800 Super AMOLED
• 4.91L x 2.53W x 0.39D inches
• Weighs approximately 4.2 ounces
• 8GB internal storage memory
• External microSD Memory Card slot
• Talk Time: Up to 6.5 hours
• Standby Time: Up to 300 hours

Device Features

• Windows Phone 7
• Super AMOLED display
• 1GHz processor
• Wi-Fi with AT&T Hot Spots
• aGPS with AT&T Navigator
• 5MP camera with LED Flash
• Windows Phone Marketplace
• Xbox LIVE
• Microsoft Office Mobile
• AT&T U-verse Mobile
• Samsung Now Hub
• 720p video record/playback
• Integrated social networking services
• Stereo Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity
• 3.5mm headset jack
• Accelerometer for landscape application viewing
• Full browser with pinch and zoom

Thoughts on WP7 or the Samsung Focus? I'm pretty happy with my iPhone 4 for the time being.

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