Microsoft Crushes Hopes Of A WP7 Upgrade For HD2

htc_hd2

There have been quite a few rumors of a Windows Phone 7 OS upgrade for the HD2, and, until now, there was hope for a possible upgrade to the Windows Phone 7.  In an interview with APC Magazine, Microsoft claims that the HTC HD2 does not meet their criteria for the new OS.  Natasha Kwan, General Manager for Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business in the Asia-Pacific region, pointed out that the HD2 will not qualify for an upgrade to WP7 as “it doesn’t have the three buttons”.   The three buttons Kwan refers to are the Home, Back and Search keys that are mandatory for all Windows Phone 7 devices.  The HD2, on the other hand, has Call, Home, Start, Back and End/Power controls.  Buttons might not be the only things keeping this Snapdragon monster from a WP7 upgrade.  Tony Wilkinson, Business Operations Director for Microsoft Australia said, “There are some hardware components that the HD2 doesn’t have”. Thanks for crushing our hopes and dreams, Microsoft!

Could this possibly affect T-Mobile HD2 sales? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

WMPoweruser

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  • Richard

    Well unless I’m missing something I’m confused.

    Considering when it comes out the HD2 will be arguably by far and away still the best handset on T-Mobile I find it hilarious that there are those that are upset by this announcement… besides the fact that you have NO idea what WM7 devices T-Mo will actually get or how ‘outdated’ they may be when we get them.

    To me, and I haven’t paid all that much attention because I still haven’t made up my mind if I even want it… but by what I’ve read and seen the OS now with the Sense overlay looks better to me then WM7 does by itself… and since the hardware itself is superior to anything being offered……… what is it about the phone that would now make those that considered it look at it and consider it ‘outdated?’

    The simple truth is that even if you purchase a brand-spankin’-new WM7 device in December this year… by March 2011 it’s going to be outdated in the hardware dept anyway.

    If you’re concerned about the OS……. geez, I guess I’m old enough to remember not even knowing what an OS is or was or even mattered on a phone.

    If it works… it works. If the apps are there you like now, it’s probably not going to matter what’s there 6 months from now because half of you will just end up buying a new phone then anyway. It’s what the phone companies depend on.

    • NewGuy

      Amen brother, amen….we need more intelligent people like you on here. David, any chance you can institute an IQ test before anyone can post??

    • DarkCloud

      I’m glad someone has sense because i think ppl are just lazy and stupid to under that if you have had a WIN mobile phone and you haven’t heard of cooked ROMs which i put my bottom dollar on it XDA will have a Cooked ROM available alone with cabs to change the function of one bottom action to be search. Besides look at the specs of the HD2 t-mobile version what phone out there or 6 months to come will have better specs than that. Look at the road map for 2010- 2011 of HTC’s release device not one of them have the specs of the t-mobile version. also just think about it what hardware will wm7 phones have what a 2ghz processor 1G RAM 1G ROM to be honest if a phone needs that to run some tiles i only see winmo7 being a epic FAIL :). Don’t let this article crush your hopes. Remember this if you have doubts of what this phone can do visit XDA-Developers.com. also think about this if a ZUN runs this new OS with lesser specs than the HD2 just added phone and email features there’s something wrong i hate apple with all my heart lol but if they can run and iphone of the same hardware as the iPod touch IDK what to say but don’t listen to these fools like “Natasha Kwan” we both know that things and news changes before anything is released, besides by the time the OS pops you’ll being buying another phone but as for hardware the HD2 thats the t-mbile verison of this phone if you dont know the specs check it out http://www.htc.com/us/products/t-mobile-hd2#tech-specs, but this phone superior in its field.thats all i got to say.

    • DotNetCoderAZ

      EXACTLY!!! Could not have put it better.

    • lensovet

      AMEN BROTHER! That’s why the iPhone was so successful, because the OS is NOTHING and hardware is EVERYTHING…CHECK OUT THOSE SPECS…*drool*…LOL.

      get a grip.

      • John V

        Really, and it tool APPLE three generations of iPhones to get a native video camera. And even that app is a little disappointing.

    • Usman

      There’s a huge difference between buying a phone and it being “outdated” after a few months, and buying a phone that’s outdated before you unbox it. I know you love T-mobile and maybe MS, but you can’t escape that fact that this is a serious problem for the geek community.. and we’re the ones that propagate these new devices into the market.

      The only saving grace this phone has is SenseUI. That’ll sell some units on its own.

    • Scritz McGritz

      I was considering getting the HD2, but hearing this announcement is pushing me towards the Nexus One. Actually this announcement is the reason why I am going to get the nexus one. Really Htc and WM, Really, such a stupid mistake. I was never a fan of WM to begin with.

    • davidohio

      I agree. So much whining and complaining. “If it was android”, “if it had win7″, blah blah blah. It is what it is, a very sweet, fast device fully loaded and clearly the best thing out there, but for some people it just isn’t good enough! These are the type of people who will never be satisfied with any device that comes out or any device they get. They will always find something to whine and complain about. “Outdated”…lmfao! Seriously guys??, wake up.

  • CEO2Be

    Whatever! I am still getting this baby. I don’t care for the new look of W7 anyway.

  • Akulamenuri

    I think it is ridiculous that people are saying their going to buy the HD2 and wait for XDA to cook something up. XDA is a wonder to have but I hate the idea of buying a phone when out the box it needs to be fixed. Hacking should be done because you want to, not because you NEED to.

    • DJ LU

      I agree but I believe thats why T mObile is taking so long to release the HD2, they must be solving all the issues before releasing it. My opinion HD2 is the most impressive phone out rite now and I never understood why would HTC want W7 to push their Sense UI to the side anyways?

    • Tom

      Necessity is the mother of invention…

  • Jr

    I don’t understand why anyone would want a MS OS on their phone. I just ordered the N1 and a big selling point for me was that it does NOT have a Windows OS.
    As a faithful PC user for the last 20 years now, I would appreciate it if MS would keep their focus on their desktop/laptop OS. They don’t exactly have a stellar track record on that front. (I was “fortunate” enough to purchase my last laptop during that unfortunate window of time when Vista was the only OS offered. I’ve suffered through it and it works ok now, but definitely not ideal.)

    • Mockerfab4

      Exactly how I feel about Google. Google needs to focus on search engines and maps. Had a horrible experience with Android. I actually use Bing Maps now, because of the many new features they are developing. Once Bing goes on every iPhone and WM7 device, watch out Google…

    • DotNetCoderAZ

      Being a current (and avid) Android user, I can agree… However, the specs of the HD2 are just too impressive to pass up. With Sense and WinMo 6.5.3, I found my TP2 very useable (with a cooked ROM of course) and even if I can’t get an Android ROM to load on the HD2, I’ll be happy with WinMo 6.5.3.

      • Usman

        Honestly, aside from the screen size, comparing the other specs of this phone to the N1 is apples to oranges. Android doesn’t need the ROM or RAM that WM does… it’s bloated and therefore requires a lot more resources.

      • Scritz McGritz

        You are comparing apples with apples. The N1 and HD2 are two phones with a 1ghz processor, that happen to have different operating systems.

  • randall

    why is this suprizing to anybody, as soon as the winmo 7 specs were anounced it was clear the HD2 wasnt going to be upgraded.It doesnt meet MS specs.It will still be a kickass device regardless.

    I am still waiting for the motoroi myself.

  • WMisbest

    It’s not so much about the os. It is about the freaking apps! Like it was mentioned previously, Developers will begin to develop for 7 and 6.5 not so much and as we know 7 series apps will not be compatible with 6.5.x so this is the largest issue for me. Not a dead os but a lack of development. (not so worried but this is my issue presently).

  • mmafighter077

    That sucks but I’m looking more forward to Android being ported to it. That will heal the wound of this bad news. For shame Microsoft… for shame!

    • Scritz McGritz

      OMFG that would be the best Android on the HD2… That would be like the ultimate phone. OMFG stop getting me excited man… It’s never going to happen though on T-mobile.

  • dial7

    If everyone in the country is going to buy this phone then I definitely dont want it now. Furthermore, whoever thinks wps 7 looks outdated must be smokin apples or androids.

  • http://illworld.com Megabonix

    Reason #685 to get an Android phone…

    • efjay

      Yep, enjoy using Xbox and Zune on your android phone.

      • Mockerfab4

        Or Outlook sync…

      • Ritchie

        Not an XBOX, or a zube fan, itunes, wii and PS3

      • davidohio

        Xbox and zune are cool….if you are 12 years old.

    • Oce

      Or native support for apps to ad card. My biggest quam with android.

      • Usman

        Google has already said they’re working on this. By the time anyone really NEEDS Apps2SD, it will be out. For now, there’s no way you can fill up the storage unless you download shit just for the hell of it and never use it.

  • geonex88

    To think that a company as connected to Microsoft as HTC couldn’t get a waiver from Microsoft to make the transition to WM7 on the HD2, would be idiotic.

    If the HD2 never formally supports WM7, it will be due to the engineering cost of pushing an update out.

    I’ll still probably buy an HD2, though it will be interesting to see what the new iPhone has in store, other than video chat and an ebook reader. My G1 is a mediocre device that has been all but forgotten in a little over a year.

  • wojax2

    by the way-did everyone forget the lg prototype that was shown with winmo 7? didnt it have like-5 buttons?! just sayin..

    • just some dʋde

      WM7 will go away just like that zune thing did.

  • Nobody cares

    This doesn’t affect my decision one bit. I’ll be there day one to buy this bad boy.

  • http://cosmicbreeze.tumblr.com Dave

    Idk. I still want either this phone or the Motoroi, or maybe even the MyTouch Slide. Or any great spec Android for that matter. A good phone is a good phone regardless of the spanking new/current OS.

  • lp894

    Seriously….as long as XDA is still around…this phone will most definitely be ported to Windows Phone 7…and I’ll use it. Not only that….but WM 6.5 isn’t SOON to be outdated. The fact that this phone is getting reviews like this means that the upgraded processor, in addition to the capacitive touch screen make a difference in WM usability. The only thing that makes me question it is the lack of physical keyboard…but hey…imma try it anyway. And yea….everyone in the world might have this phone especially since it’ll be the first WM phone with a capacitive touch screen

    • Ben Scarbalis

      With a screen size bigger than the iphone, at least typing on the screen “should” be easier. I still prefer my blackberry keyboard however, aka a physical keyboard.

  • Ben Scarbalis

    Remember people, every piece of hardware, and equipment is outdated the moment you buy it. I think of the phone like this,
    This will be the best Windows 6.5 phone to date whereas, the first Windows 7 phone to come out will be flawed with errors since it will be the first of its kind. Agree of Disagree???
    I see it in my laptop, just 6 months old, and now their is a better version with a better processor, battery, etc for 50 dollars less.
    Im still happy with my blacberry 8520, and now that the 9000 bold is out i know that i cant keep up with technology. Just deal with what you have.

  • jamssx

    http://www.winmo.nl/windows-phone-7-series-draait-op-de-htc-hd2/

    You’ll have to translate it but WP7 on the HD2 already has been spotted. Even if not official it works….

    • efjay

      This is a fake.

    • Oce

      Photoshoped!

  • SactoKings

    Hopefully this puts a little less hurt in the price….doubt it though. Regardless, I already have my case and screen protector ready for this….I’m buying it Day #1.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/jbballer Josh

    At first I was a bit discouraged. I’m due for an upgrade for a phone anyway though. I’m patient enough that I don’t have to get a WP7 phone as soon as one comes out. I can wait until next June when there will be even better WP7 phones than there will be at WP7′s release.

    • SactoKings

      Good point Josh.

  • dsim91

    Let me ask this has anyone seen the tmo version ? We all know it has more ram and rom memory . But does anybody have an answer why it is taller than the older versions already released ?

    • efjay

      Couple of t-mo employees has posted they have held one and so far no one has mentioned anything different about the external hardware.

  • http://twitter.com/mingilicious Mingilicious

    It seems I will be holding onto my G1 for just a little longer.

  • TopOfNewYork

    We knew this for awhile. HD isnt getting an upgrade b/c Microsoft decided it wants to be apple more than anything else. They are trying to create a Zune phone to rival the iphone. They firmly believe its possible. We’ll know more about it soon but ‘unless it has the buttons’ fits right with this scheme. Odds of WM7 bombing are still very high based on this information.

    • efjay

      I’d like to borrow your crystal ball, please.

  • illone

    The reason HD2 not getting WP7 matters is because once WP7 is released, WM6.5 will likely not receive many more 3party apps; also WP7 apps will undoubtedbly look nice.

    So getting a confirmed no to HD2 getting WP7 means much more than buying an outdated device; you are buying a device with a deadend to future apps. In addition, WP7 will have zune and xbox integration. Meaning tons of games will be unavailable to HD2 owners. And easy zune pass access (something I personally value) is also less than stellar.

    • DotNetCoderAZ

      “The reason HD2 not getting WP7 matters is because once WP7 is released, WM6.5 will likely not receive many more 3party apps; also WP7 apps will undoubtedbly look nice.”

      I seriously doubt it… with literally MILLIONS of 6.5.x phones still out there, there will be tons of apps still available and still under active development. Look at it this way… XP, which is nearly 9 years old now, still has a very active development ecosystem. WinMo 6.5.x has the same (not nearly as large, but still very active).

      WM7 development is likely to be slow at first with momentum growing over the first and second years.

      • illone

        95% or greater of programs written for windows 7 or vista are backward compatible to XP. So to say XP still has an active development ecosystem is meaningless. You write a program for windows 7 and presto, it works in XP.

        The same is not true for WP7 and WM6. We will learn more at MIX, but they have said as much that programs written for the two are in no way compatible. New API’s, new design philoshies: i.e. WP7 will not support multi processing which probably means programs will be forced to support some type of serialization for mid process loading/unloading, programs will not have direct access to the system, so programs will be heavily dependent on the new WP7 API. In the end, it will be more than a token of plugging in a new API to get a WP7 program to work in WM6 and vice versa.

        As for the WM6 current install base inspiring developers to continue support, it could go either way. If you’re a big company with an APP, then you’re more likely to have the resources to support two platforms (code branches). But if you’re an individual or small team, then time is going to be the constraing factor. Thus you have to make a decision on where you’re going to spend that time, on the older platform with a bigger but dieing install base, or the new platform with no install base, thus exponetially growing install base.

        Also, microsoft is going to be doing quality insurace on programs before they reach the MarketPlace. The crietria will not only be the things I mentioned above like like serialiation support and CPU performance tuning, but I assume will include things like professional looking UI’s and the like. Which means WM6 owners will not have access to these better looking/higher quality apps.

        If you’re buying a HD2, you should really consider what app support will be like.

      • illone

        *multi-processing should be multi-threading

      • illone

        *multi-processing should read multi-threading

  • Wilma Flintstone

    I’m still buying this, but I’ll be using SPB Carousel Mobile Shell 3.5 ROM instead of WinMo 6.5. It just looks much better in my opinion even though I have no problem with WinMo 6.5. Now I just need the price. This is getting like the Nexus One which didn’t turn out too good with Tmobile existing customers.

    • Wilma Flintstone

      SPB Carousel Mobile Shell 3.5 looks waaayyyy better to me than WP7 anyway so I’m perfectly fine with it.

  • manushka

    All it means to me is that the phone just might be cheaper to get and that it might not sell out on release day. still getting this puppy

    • Mockerfab4

      That’s exactly what I’m hoping for too! Was afraid with all this hype surrounding this phone, it may sell out. But if people are going to stay away, then I’ll hopefully have a shot at getting it.

  • Contents

    I’ve been waiting for this phone for a year and just about fell over when I read this.

    With this news I just ordered a Nexus One. While this 6.5 release will be nice I don’t want to be stuck with it. XDA doesn’t have a Android rom yet that I can see.

    I’m going to miss the great screen size and HD radio but here’s my plan: I just spent $566 on the Nexus one. My contract will remain open, and when a WIN 7 device does come out I sell the Nexus One and purchase the new phone subsidized.

    Currently using an iPhone on the EDGE network, and canot take it any longer. Must get 3g!

  • Abhishek

    Another DUMB move from Microsoft.

    Why do they discourage people from buying one of there own product? That too for a product that is not even ready. WM7 is way too far from even being ready.

    MS executives shud just shut there stupid mouth for the sake of retaining market share.

    • efjay

      Better this was said now than after people had bought the device under the false impression it would get an upgrade.

      • Lance

        Amen, I was practically committed to buying this phone, blindly hoping for an upgrade, official or not (xda release). Microsoft was nice enough to keep me from buying a soon-deadend.

  • Flgirll

    I figured it wasn’t going to be upgradeable since at the MWC they announced that any phone with Windows Phone 7 would have to use the same interface, hence no HTC Sense overlay. I knew after that announcement that there was no way that this phone would see an upgrade for it. But that’s okay for me, I still really like the phone and it looks like it will be one of the best phones that Tmo have to offer. I’ve been long overdue for an upgrade (I STILL have my old MDA) so the HD2 is the phone for me. I’m just waiting for the official release date. :-)

  • TheDude

    Go XDA!

  • Deep

    Sign the petition to show support for HD2 and WinMo7!

    http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/hd2windowsphone7#

  • NEXUS ONE USER

    I’m going to buy it then sell it when a comparable wm7 phone comes out. It’s not that hard folks.

  • Dave

    Disappointed in this announcement? Yes.

    Frustrated? No. Mad? No.

    I dont fully understand this move from a marketing stand-point: Announce a sexy new OS, get people buzzing about WinPho7 only to have your next release be on the old software with no upgrade path.

    Had this phone dropped last christmas I would have totally understood – its the nature of the tech world – buy a device and have it seem “old” in a matter of days, but to KNOW your device is going to be old before you unbox it does take some luster away.

    That all being said – I am about 99% positive this will be a day 1 purchase -later on, if I do want to go WinPho7 I will simply use my other upgrade and give the HD2 to a family member who isnt as phone crazy as I.

    To summarize – Im disappointed, but not surprised or angry. The HD2 is a beast and should be the top phone on the market until the new WinPho7′s come out about 8 months later (roughly).

    • Todd

      Exactly.

    • Todd

      Nice post.

  • Wilferico

    Just writing a title like “Microsoft Crushes Hopes Of A WP7 Upgrade For HD2″ for this article shows a high level of bias.

    As far as I know, Microsoft never mentioned the HTC HD2 would have an upgrade to WP7. All these expectations have been fueled by rumors, so get a live and stop making assumptions and rumors into false statements.

    • davidohio

      LMFAO!! Wilferico got OWNED!!!!

    • Wilferico

      Wow, I bet that if I would have written such an insulting message, I would be moderated and kicked out of this place. Before calling yourself an “Editor”, you should learn manners and how to treat your readers.

      I don’t need to learn how to write or spell… you instead, need to learn how to be respectful with your readers. What you just did, is just abusing your “editor” position and hiding behind it. Grow up, buddy!

  • jmts80

    Well that killed it 4 me. Guess I am going with the Nexus 1 and hope i dont have all those 3G problems :/

  • Lindsay Vonn

    I wasn’t getting this phone anyway, but this is enough to make me tell any friends or family considering it to just get an iphone or android phone.

  • david

    microsoft sucks!!!!

  • bmx2500

    Echoing some of what has been said, I think HTC sense with 6.5 would still be a compelling feature on the HD2 despite not having WP7. The idea is to have a easy to use UI for using the basic and often used functions while yet still retaining the ability to access older apps as needed. I was thinking the whole point of WP7 was to mesh a intuitive UI that would allow older apps to used seamlessly. However, I hear that WP7 will not be backwards compatible with legacy apps.
    So basicly, MS is starting from scratch with a very small library of apps. So you would have to wait till MS comes out with WP7.1.2.3.4.5 for them to “get it right”? expletitive that! If I wanted to go with a open source OS that was current with intuitve interfaces then I would go with Android and not wait for MS to “cath up”.
    I think I’ll be more than happy with the HD2 as is thank you very much.

  • http://Tmonews.com Lee
  • Mockerfab4

    Interesting read from Engadget. I’d reserve wait until the MIX Conference on March 15-17, when I think we’ll hopefully get a clear answer on whether this phone will be upgradeable or not:

    http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/01/microsoft-sending-mixed-signals-on-windows-phone-7-series-upgrad/

  • delarol000

    home button (start)…start button (windows search)… Back button
    (back) …there problem solved now give us w7 on hd2

  • Z

    FAIL.

    oh well, it has been fun fantasizing, HD2.

  • Tom

    I will say this much for the rumor – I believe it. The main reason I do is that Verizon and AT&T did not jump on this phone right out of the gate. There’s a reason, and it wasn’t because TMO offered more money or incentives for it.

    At this point it looks like this will be the Premier Windows 6.5-6.? device. It’s still a beauty. It will sell. And yes, I’m sure the XDA fellas will have this device begging for mercy by the time 7 comes out.

    • efjay

      What makes you so sure at&t and Verizon had info on WP7S that T-Mo wouldnt have had? Are you suggesting either T-Mo was deceived by HTC or that T-Mo knew and decided to offer it anyway? Doesnt make sense for a carrier to enter into an exclusivity contract that they knew would be good for only a few months.

  • J-Hop2o6

    tmo should also release a WP7 version of the HD2 called HD2.5, lol.. what do u guys think?

  • http://www.blackgate.net/blog/ Brandon Blackmoor

    Putting Windows on this device instead of Android was a mistake to begin with. That’s like coming out with a new Ferrari and putting a lawnmower engine in it.

  • davidohio

    Lmao …there is really a petition for this??? Hell no! Lol. Yeah, good luck with that. I don’t think the Hd2 will ever see win7 because by the end of the year, when win7 becomes available, and considering it does not get delayed until 2011, HTC will have a couple devices like the HD2 or better that will run win7, so all this debate about win7 on the HD2 and win7 is completly a waste of time and energy. Think about it.

  • gargoyle999

    Tomorrow is the first day for training that was listed on that T-Mo screen shot. Hopefully some more info shows up by tomorrow afternoon. Price and official release date have to be coming out SOON!

  • Ariel

    Typical Microsoft, “oh it doesn’t the three buttons” Can they be any more pathetic? Goes to show you the lack of imagination they have at that company.

  • Sanjay

    HD2 in March, WM7 in December. Big time difference. I just got my TP2 late last year and now the HD2 is already out. I bet there will be a bigger badder phone out that I will want anyway by December. This makes no difference. I would much rather get WM7 on a phone pre-installed than upgrade to it. Its all about the hardware anyway. The key to the HD2 will be pricing. If they price it high then it becomes a concern. The TP2 full price was quite high for a phone that is already obsolete (kind of) in 7 months because of the HD2.

  • Nobody Cares

    STFU already about WM7 on this phone. Either you are getting this phone or not, end of story….if you aren’t getting it, then why keep crying and bitching about it. Give it a rest already.

  • rolo

    Had we not already known & been teased by wp7 no one would mind picking up an HD2. “BUT” we do know and I think many people will wait until 4th quarter hoping for an early release of wp7 sets. I think this will definitely hurt HD2 sales. Softee should held on 2 their face for now their nose is in trouble.

  • ahh

    Doesnt matter still coppin

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