Ever since the untimely demise of the Kin line of phones,
Microsoft’s mobile efforts have not been treated with much
reverence. In fact, Windows Phone 7 is often viewed by fans of
iOS and Android handsets as little more than a distraction.
This view is not without point: Windows Phone 7 (WP7) is still a
sliver compared to those larger, more popular, and better
established platforms. While that is the case, Microsoft simply
cannot give up on WP7. Why not? Because it is very doubtful that
the mobile market would allow the company another crack at bat
if WP7 fades to black. Windows Phone 7 is already far enough
behind other mobile platforms that if Microsoft had to start
again, it would never catch up.  Windows Phone 7 is having a
hard enough time as it is clawing out a foothold without being
even later to the market. That in mind, WP7 is a must-win
situation for Microsoft, as the platform will provide a primary
method of conveyance for various product lines into the mobile
world.  Windows Phone 7, assuming tha