NEW YORK - Oct. 12, 2010 - The third annual Microsoft Open House kicked off yesterday with Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer’s presentation of Windows Phone 7 as the centerpiece of the company’s holiday lineup of consumer products. Immediately following, Microsoft and industry partners hosted members of the press in a Manhattan loft space to experience the products for themselves.
Among the Microsoft products showcased at the daylong event were Bing, Kinect for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, Office 2010, Mediaroom, Windows Live, Zune — and the recently released Internet Explorer 9. But the highlight was clearly Windows Phone 7, the much-anticipated update to Microsoft’s mobile operating system.
Windows Phone 7 is designed to help you get to everything you love in an easier and faster way, by organizing the stuff you love most into six Hubs: People, Pictures, Games, Music & Video, Marketplace (for applications) and Office. These Hubs offer consumers a seamless way to experience some of their favorite Microsoft consumer products — all in one place, right from the Start screen on their phone. In addition, the customizable Start screen with Live Tiles provides real-time updates so you can keep tabs on the latest weather forecast, your favorite band, a friend’s Facebook page and more, all with just one glimpse.
The slideshow below highlights some of the products showcased at this year’s holiday showcase.
Microsoft Open House Highlights
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Focusing on New Phones
Journalists had their first chance to get a closer look at the new Windows Phone 7 handsets.
New Handsets on Display
Members of the media had an opportunity to get their hands on the new Windows Phone 7 devices.
LG Quantum
A stylized look at the LG Quantum, a new device that includes a QWERTY keyboard and the Play To feature, which lets users stream movies, music and other digital content to other DLNA devices.
Ballmer Interviewed
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer discussed the new Windows Phone 7 devices with a broadcast journalist.
AT&T U-Verse
Attendees tried out Microsoft Mediaroom and experienced AT&T U-Verse on Windows Phone 7 and Xbox 360.
Kinect Adventures
Attendees got in the game, playing “Kinect Adventures” on Kinect for Xbox 360.
Office for Mac 2011
Features on Office for Mac 2011 were highlighted for members of the press.
Dell Venue Pro
Media got a close look at Dell's Windows Phone 7 offering, the Dell Venue Pro, which features a profile slider QWERTY keyboard, as well as a 5-megapixel, auto-focus camera.
Joe Belfiore
Microsoft's Joe Belfiore shared details about the new Windows Phone 7.
Launch Presentation
Media attendees took in the Windows Phone 7 announcement.
Kinect Sports
Open House attendees got an opportunity to experience games, like “Kinect Sports,” on Kinect for Xbox 360.
Steve Ballmer
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled new details about Windows Phone 7.