Microsoft has a Story to Tell at Mobile World Congress

There’s been a buck-load of rumors floating around about the future of Windows Phone and what Microsoft will or won’t be announcing at the upcoming Mobile World Congress next month. I’ve read everything from Windows Mobile 6.5.3, to Windows Mobile 7, to Pink, to Zune Phone, and beyond. I think it’s clear to say that the vast majority are guessing about the announcements.

Today, I caught a post over on I Started Something about Windows Phone briefings for financial analysts and investors community. This year Microsoft has booked 2 events. The first one is February 15^th – the day of their press conference at Mobile World Congress. The second one is for February 22 – 7 days later. Both calls are financial analyst briefings and both are hosted by Andy Lees, who is the Senior Vice President of the Mobile Communication Business at Microsoft.

Does this mean that there is so much to share that they can’t fit it all in one call? Or perhaps the second call is just a re-hash of the first? As Long Zheng points out in his post, last year when Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 6.5, they only had 1 call scheduled. I’m guessing that whatever Microsoft has to say at Mobile World Congress, it looks like it’s worth repeating. And that’s a good thing. At least I hope so.

We’ll know a lot more in a couple weeks.

Apple’s Sizzle Turns to Fizzle as iPad Launches

The majority of the tech world gathered around monitors yesterday to watch Apple announce their latest creation. From the hype that was brewing around the internet, many expected a game changing product. Something that would create an entire new market and lead the company down a path that has never been traveled by any company before it.

The truth is that Apple released a slate computer. Very similar to what Microsoft and HP showed off at CES during the keynote. Also very much like the tablets sold by companies like Fujitsu, LG, HP, Lenovo, etc.. When I look at the specs and details, I’m having a hard time seeing what makes the iPad so much better than what we already have. In fact, it seems like it’s somewhat limited when you compare it to the ink functionality of todays existing tablets.  The iPad has no ink support – not a good thing for enterprise customers. I’ll agree that they have lived up the typical Apple style elements, as it’s a pretty nice looking unit. But looks aren’t going to make it a success all by itself. It will come with 16GB or 32GB memory capacity, 9.7 inch multi-touch screen, 10 hours battery life, and support for WiFi and 3G (using a new micro SIM). There’s also a small dock with a keyboard attached – that’s the coolest part of this product for me.

Image from of GDGT’s live coverage of the launch.

What are you thinking about this new product from Apple? And the most important question, are you going to stand in line for one?