App Review: Windows Phone Android

by Michael Murphy
tagged apps, Custom Launchers, windows phone 7

Windows Phone 7 has recently hit the market, and while it’s launch has been met with mixed reviews, it’s certainly made a noticeable splash. I actually have a good friend who just picked up a Windows Phone 7 phone — and don’t get me started on how awkward that is to say. There’s no question where I’ve cast my vote…I adore the Android OS. That said, I respect options. (This of course explains why I’ve chosen Android, but that’s another article entirely.) So what does Windows Phone 7 has to offer? Its claim to fame is that its “start menu” puts everything right at your fingertips. So what if this concept were brought to Android?

Well, developer Android Technical has brought an entry into this arena that definitely wants to offer this up. Behold, a custom launcher called “Windows Phone Android.” Available in both a “lite” (free, ad-supported) and paid version, this app gives you the option to see your Android phone run a WP7-style start menu, complete with the “all apps” page and the option to “pin” apps to the start menu.

So, how well does it work? Sadly, my experience with it left a lot to be desired. It was very slow, sometimes taking upwards of two minutes to switch between the start menu and the “all apps” page. And one of WP7′s big claims in the accessibility department is that the tiles on their main start menu are “live,” constantly updating — that is not the case with this Android launcher, at least in its current version.

All that said, it’s not my goal to talk about an app just to point out its flaws…quite the opposite. I wanted to highlight it today because I really, really like what this app aspires to do. Even in its early version, it’s clear that the developers want to deliver a solid WP7 experience on the Android platform. And the fact that this is POSSIBLE is a testament to the versatility of my personal favorite mobile OS. So while this app may still need some work, I definitely appreciate the intention, and I hope to see the performance issues and live updating worked out in the next few versions to hit the market. Personally, I downloaded it just to be able to say to my WP7-using friends “Yeah, my Android phone can do that…”

If you have friends running a Windows Phone 7 phone, give this a download. It’s always nice to show off the versatility of the Android platform, and you’ll enjoy rubbing it in their faces. Hopefully future updates will improve the issues it currently has, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted on when newer, better versions are released. Be sure and let us know in the comments how it runs on YOUR device.

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Comments

http://twitter.com/John_Westra John Westra

The ability to “skin” our mobile devices with the UI of our choice is certainly a powerful concept. Unfortunately, creating a skin that looks and behaves just like the Windows Phone 7 UI is almost certainly a IP violation and thus, would never be able to be used in a legitimate business setting.
JPB

It would be a more impressive, “Yeah, my Android can do that…” if it actually COULD. But you already said that it doesn’t do live updates and in fact doesn’t do much of anything in a fast or responsive way. In fact, I tried this on my Incredible and it didn’t do anything other than put up a black screen with a small right arrow in a circle on the right. One huge disappointment.

Like you said, great idea but I’m afraid it’s slow speed and inoperability on several Android phones inadvertently highlights the difficulties of programming for Android.
jedgson

Does the customizable android desktop not put “everything right at your fingertips” in the same way that the WP7 start menu does?
Michael Murphy

John – I’m sure you’re right about IP violation preventing this from being used in a “legitimate business setting,” but on a personal device, it seems unlikely that any attempts to stop would be made, IMHO.

JPB – I believe there’s a note from the developer…that’s normal behavior at this point. Why they didn’t add a couple of defaults, I don’t know, but if you tap on that little arrow it will take you a list of all your apps and you “pin” items to the start menu from there. But it’s still slow.

jedgson – I think it does, but obviously WP7 users may not agree. With the custom homescreens/widgets/launchers, sure Android can put whatever you want at your fingertips.

Honestly, I wouldn’t run this as my primary launcher regardless of how well it worked…if I wanted a WP7 layout, I’d buy a WP7 phone. I just thought it was a neat concept, and a nice attempt at showcasing Android’s customizability.