Video: a fresh look at Windows Phone 7

Windows Phone 7 previewMicrosoft held a little gathering in New York City last night, where they showed off the progress being made in Windows Phone 7.

The big upshot of this is that Into Mobile were there to capture a video of some demo-time with the new OS. It’s the first video I’ve seen of the OS running on real (albeit pre-production) hardware, and it gives you a good idea of the feel that Microsoft were going for with their new UI. I’ve been a fan of the UI since I first saw it, and I really like the fluid feel and the gorgeous transitions (which are, to me, the highlight of the video).

The video first shows off the customisable homescreen, then the contacts app and the way it links in to social networks. It then goes on to demonstrate how the calendar links to maps, which links to nearby restaurants, which links to reviews, which links to booking info. Not revolutionary these days (see: Google Maps), but it is all very well integrated. And it looks darn fine doing it.

But enough from me, here’s the video!