The other day we told you that Windows Phone 7 would support tethering, this was announced by Microsoft’s Director for Windows Phone 7, Brandon Watson in an interview on the TWiT podcast.
We were told that it would be up to individual carriers to offer the feature, but it turns out that Windows Phone 7 does not actually support tethering.
A Microsoft spokesperson had the following to say about it “Windows Phone 7 does not support tethering.”, so I guess that statement clears up any possible confusion over tethering on Windows Phone 7.
It does leave us wondering why the Director of Windows Phone 7 would say that tethering is supported in the first place.
The Initial Announcement and Its Implications
When Brandon Watson initially announced that Windows Phone 7 would support tethering, it created a buzz among potential users and tech enthusiasts. Tethering, which allows a smartphone to share its internet connection with other devices, is a highly sought-after feature. It can be particularly useful for people who need internet access on the go, such as business travelers or remote workers. The announcement suggested that Windows Phone 7 would be competitive with other mobile operating systems like Android and iOS, which already offered tethering capabilities.
However, the excitement was short-lived. The subsequent clarification from Microsoft that Windows Phone 7 does not support tethering left many users disappointed. This inconsistency in communication has raised questions about the internal coordination at Microsoft and the accuracy of the information being disseminated by its executives.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion surrounding the tethering feature could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that the feature was initially planned but later scrapped due to technical challenges or strategic decisions. Another possibility is that there was a miscommunication between different departments within Microsoft. Whatever the reason, the mixed messages have certainly impacted the credibility of the information coming from Microsoft.
Moreover, the lack of tethering support puts Windows Phone 7 at a disadvantage compared to its competitors. In an era where mobile internet usage is skyrocketing, the ability to use a smartphone as a mobile hotspot is almost a necessity for many users. This missing feature could be a deal-breaker for potential buyers who rely on tethering for their daily activities.
Impact on Users and Carriers
The absence of tethering support also affects mobile carriers. Carriers often offer tethering as an additional service, sometimes at an extra cost. Without this feature, carriers may find it challenging to market Windows Phone 7 devices to a broader audience. Users who were looking forward to using their Windows Phone 7 devices for tethering will now have to look for alternative solutions, either by switching to a different mobile OS or using external devices like portable Wi-Fi hotspots.
Despite this setback, Windows Phone 7 still offers a range of features that could appeal to users. The OS is known for its user-friendly interface, integration with Microsoft services like Office and Xbox Live, and a growing app ecosystem. However, the lack of tethering support is a significant omission that could influence purchasing decisions.
via Slash Gear
Want to see what we thought of Microsoft’s latest mobile OS? Have a look at our Samsung Omnia 7 Review.
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