“iPhone!” some students shout. “Android!” others exclaim. “Windows Phone!” I yell. The rowdiness of the students transforms into chirping of crickets. The following article expresses my opinion on the most unfortunate phone on the market.
For the past few years, society has regarded Windows Phone as “the bad guy” in the mobile device industry, and it’s easy to see why. The lack of apps and the confusing operating system, continuously whack the phone’s PR. However, if you choose to experience the phone itself, I assure you that you will instantly forget all of the negativity surrounding it.
The first complaint: the lack of apps
As of last year, the iPhone’s App Store and Android’s Google Play Store, both housing over one million apps, easily dwarfed the Windows Phone Store’s 130,000 apps. Yes, apps such as Snapchat and iFunny don’t exist, but that should not change your opinion. Popular apps that do exist for the phone, such as Instagram and Vine, appear beautiful, clear, and, notably, neatly organized. If one of your favorite apps does not exist on Windows Phone, plenty of client apps are available for download! If you are an extreme “tech whiz,” attempt to develop a client app yourself on the easy-to-use Windows Phone App Studio. Andrew Thresher ’17 believes, “The phone just arrived in the market late. There aren’t enough apps, but that can easily be fixed.”
The second complaint: the confusing OS
Ever since its debut in 2012, Windows 8 has been criticized by the public for its odd, discombobulated user interface. “Windows 8 is not as intuitive as other phones such as the iPhone,” Ethan LaCour ’17 remarks. iOS and Android may have simpler interfaces, and Windows Phone may appear cluttered. However, the clutter of “Live Tiles” pays off. The tiles constantly update your information involving email, text, weather, etc. iPhone and Android may show notifications, but Windows Phone best presents information at your convenience.
I could speak on and on about the operating system, but visit your phone carrier store (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) or the Addison Microsoft Store and experience it yourself! I hope this article broadened your view of the Windows Phone.
