[HD2 General] Benjiro:
My 2 cents ...

No WM7 upgrade is ... Well we got a problem. I see some arguments, that keep forgetting things:

Upgraded Kernel!

Personally i don't like the WM7 interface, but i was hoping for a Sense shell over it, so we ended up with a MODERN kernel, that supported the ARMv7 extensions, DSP, GPU etc native.

WM6.5 is like running DOS+Windows 3.1 on a Intel i7... It works, and does it job, but it horribly limits the potential.

I for one, expected MS to support and extended the OS its capabilities. A new kernel on the HD2, with ARMv7 support instead off what "ARMv4" support? OpenGL2 full supported by the OS with mature drivers. How about native multi touch support...

In the end, the HD2 has great Hardware, but a lacking OS that limits it potential. And i for one, expected to see WM to upgrade, to improve, adding the new snapdragon capabilities. But what do we see ... iWM7 ( and no, the "i" before it is no typo ).

Promises:

I see some people telling how nobody needed to have buyed the HD2, as there was no WM7 promise. Yet, there was! The hardware was up to spec with the WM7 specs that MS wanted. There was HTC there own stickers and other details over time ( like the Russian HTC info, the Adobe info, etc ). Over time, there was a great deal off information from HTC, partners, etc, that the HD2 met all the specs for a upgrade.

And then ... we got hit because we have to many buttons, and its to open ( removable SD card, that MS does not want anymore ), and other stuff ... Looks like MS wants to go iPhone. And i did not buy a very expensive phone, to be limited to the actions from MS. Looks at how nice Apple is, removing applications from the store when it feels like it, no multitask , took them ages for cut & past etc ...

What do we find out? WM7, NO! multitask , will be added later. MS: Sorry, we don't have time for that :confused:

Upgrade:

Some will say, stick to WM6.5. Your phone works now perfect. But it now faces a new problem. Age! Most WM software has been upgraded over the years. My old Dell x50v, is able to run software like iGo8 ( navigation ), because it stayed software compatible.

It does not take a genius to know, that most developers will move to WM7, fast! So in a year time, forget about iGo9 or whatever on your WM6.5 device, as it will be designed for WM7. Forget about most software, as like we see already. Skype said bye bye WM6.5. Adobe said bye bye WM6.5. Who's next?

Android?

While i'm not a big supporters off Android, it looks to be the only "open" alternative left, in the world of closed off Mobile OS.

All we wanted, as HD2 owners, was a MODERN! kernel, with the proper support for the hardware. We did not buy something to first find out, that the OS will be a horrible limited iPhone like clone setup, where you need to ask dad Apple, to buy your software using only there approved software. MS looks to be moving to the same path. Limited everything.

So, no WM7 on the HD2... Well, sure, its a good thing. But, its a HORRIBLE thing, for any future software, or support!

The basic idea for WM6.5 was to stay active, as a starter OS, for low value phones. Guess what our 500€ phone has just become?

In 6 months time, our phone will still be high specs, the same specs as most phones that will get WM7, but thanks to the OS, will be considered obsolete...

We may be whining little children, but it feels horrible, the way we are treated in my opinion. Thank you for the money, but screw any future software, support, modern kernel etc...

And, do not think that we are the only one's who will get screwed. The way MS is limiting the hardware choice, down to the buttons amount, swappable SD card not allowed, and other strange choices, it will result in a clear stagnation for the WM device market. MS has not streamlines the hardware choice, it has limited to such point, that most phones will end up being just clones. iMS phones ... Thats what MS wants, but not us.

So, yea, One Android Rom for HD2 please ( i never expected to ever say those words ). At leased we get a modern kernel, that will be upgraded with future support for the hardware, and where developers will be able to keep going forward.