the HTC 7 Surround, available through Telus Mobility -HTC
Windows Phone 7 has made a huge splash in the mobile phone scene with the release of the first handsets in North America. The phones have sold out south of the border and they're also quite popular at home in Canada. Here are some applications you really just should have if you're a Windows Phone 7 user:
10. Twitter
If you're a twitter user, then this application is a must-have. This application runs in the foreground, so it's active once you start it up. Most of the main twitter features are available with this official application and it's pretty stable. Of course, if you're not an active twitter user, you can still use it to follow your favourite news sources. Price: Free.
Twitter on Windows Phone 7
9. Loopt
Another social application, Loopt comes to Windows Mobile and gives users some cool options for following friends. That includes viewing friends on a map, commenting on and viewing statuses and more. Price: Free.
Loopt on Windows Phone 7
8. Photobucket
A picture sharing program, the official Photobucket app lets you upload pictures to your account, view and browse photos and it also includes a handy photo search function. Price: Free.
Photobucket on Windows Phone 7
7. Shazam
Its the application which has seen extremely widespread usage among the iPhone crowd and its also quite popular with Android users. Basically, it finds the name and artist of a song by taking an audio sample from where ever you are. A nifty app if you like a song but don't know the name. Price: Free.
Shazam on Windows Phone 7
6. GoVoice
A Google Voice application. If you're lucky enough to have a Google Voice account, then you'd like this app. At the moment, only users in the Calgary area can get a Voice account, but we're hoping Google eventually expands into the rest of Canada. Price: $2.99.
Govoice on Windows Phone 7
5. Youtube
If there isn't a cooler way to view videos with your friends on your mobile device, well we don't know what it is. The YouTube application is perfect if you're bored, away from home and wanting to watch some of your YouTube favourites. Search and view videos with this app, but watch your data usage! Price: Free.
YouTube on Windows Phone 7
4. BBC News Mobile
BBC News is probably the best source of news currently available on the Windows Market. Sure, there are other applications available, but we think BBC is the best at the moment. Price: Free.
BBC News on Windows Phone 7
3. Adobe Reader
It's not the most used application we know of but for people who rely on Adobe PDF files, probably a must-have. The program offers similar capabilities to your desktop PC and Adobe is known for quality software. Price: Free.
Acrobat on Windows Phone 7
2. Weatherbug
Wondering whether you'd be better off trekking outside with gloves and a toque? One of the most handy applications on mobile phones is up-to-date weather available right from your handset. We here at CC find this the most used application, though not from WeatherBug. Price: Free.
Weatherbug on Windows Phone 7
1. Messenger
Probably the best thing you can think of for a cell phone, Messenger! What could be better than using your cell phone to make contact with friends and family for free instead of using your airtime? It's not the best-designed app nor is it for everybody, but just for the fact when you use it, you may be saving yourself some airtime and cash, Messenger grabbed our #1 spot.
Windows Live Messenger on Windows Phone 7
Where you can pick up a Windows Phone 7: Bell, Telus or Rogers.
So if you're interested in picking up a Windows Mobile 7 phone, these applications might help you get started. All major carriers in Canada are now offering the phone and if you're so inclined to drop a few hundred on one, here's where you can do it:
Telus Mobility is currently offering 2 different models -- the LG Optimus 7 and the HTC 7 Surround. Both start off at C$99 on a 3-year contract with data plans starting at $50/month.
Bell Mobility has one on offer, the LG Optimus Quantum at $99.95 on a 3-year contract and Rogers Wireless also has one for sale, the Samsung Focus at $199.95.
If you know of some other cool apps for the new Windows phones, be sure to add a comment below.