Windows Phone. What’s in the name?

I have been talking to people a lot about Windows Phone and what they think about what Windows Phone is is shocking me at times.

Many people confuse that the name of the OS ‘Windows Phone’ with phone that runs Windows (desktop version), thinking it’s buggy and full of viruses. For that matter one should call all WP7 smarthphones as Windows Phone phone. Most people don’t realise this at least here in the US and still think it is the old Windows Mobile OS. Some believe it’s a Windows 7 on a phone! They’re biased even before trying it, and usually only considering either iPhone or Android as the choice. And then whoever I speak to I have to talk and educate them about the OS. However, those who try and buy WP are very happy and say it’s very stable compare to Android.

Windows Phone 7 (WP) is a very promising, intuitive, and addictive OS to use. However  I want to point out the naming strategy of this Metro-styled OS.  I am wondering if Microsoft named this OS differently, like Tiles (similar to Windows for desktops) or Metro, the general public would think it’s something new and give it a chance. Kind of like the way Microsoft did with XBOX. They didn’t name it Windows Games or something. They gave a new name and new brand perception. Maybe it was worth doing the same with WP?

From the first days of Windows Phone, I attended special events in Microsoft offices where they were telling the world about WP. It was rewritten from ground up, with nothing taken from Windows Mobile. I really liked the OS from the beginning, and happy that Nokia chose it as their main OS instead of Android. With Nokia, I believe the OS will achieve a lot, with its premium hardware, exceptional camera abilities, and support. Of course, like many other Nokia fans, I’d be more happy if they stayed with MeeGo, but WP is a good 2nd choice.

While I don’t have any problems with the naming of Windows Phone and actually like it, do you think Microsoft should have given WP a different name that’s more appealing to the masses? Could the name of Windows Phone be the cause of slow sales so far? How would you name it differently?

Category: News, Windows Phone