Rumors are plentiful as Mobile World Congress (Barcelona February 15th) looms closer. The Zune HD has long been speculated to be the device on which Microsoft would build its own smartphone. Now, PPC Geeks is putting its reputation on the line and is making bold claims about insider knowledge surrounding Windows Phone 7.

PPC Geeks wrote the other day that on the 15th, the UI of Windows Phone 7 will be revealed. Here is a condensed version of what the gossip is all about:

- Codename “METRO,” User Interface based upon Zune HD, revamp of the “Start” screen.
- No Flash for now.
- Application installation must be done through service based delivery like the iPhone.
- No Multitasking, Applications will “Pause” when in the background.
- Marketplace will have “try before you buy” and an API.
- No NETCF backwards compatibility.
- Release by September 2010
- Zune and Xbox Integration
- Windows Mobile Device Center eliminated. Zune software to take over syncing via PC.
- OEM Interfaces excluded (e.g. HTC Sense UI, SPB Mobile Shell, etc.)
- Social networking Support.

If some of these points are true, then Microsoft is clearly heading in the direction of Apple’s iPhone, adding a few Google Android features along the way. Microsoft also has its own tablet in the works, and it, along with the Zune Phone, are about to battle with Apple’s iPad and iPhone.

Source: PPC Geeks