Yesterday technology geeks went wild as the Windows Phone 7 hit the shops. Now we're not the most technology minded bunch, but in the interests of equality we thought we'd take a gander.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a fight on our hands.

Microsoft doesn't really have a great history with mobile phones. Its last operating system (OS) was a scaled down version of its desktop OS and has been pretty much universally slated as slow, clunky and downright ugly. However, after four years of iphones holding the belt up high, the software heavweight has decided to get in the ring with the reigning champion; introducing its latest contender - Windows Phone 7. But can it pack a punch and live up to the hype?

In short, yes. Its clear something has changed at Microsoft recently. Windows 7 for desktops is actually quite good, and their new phone software shares its success.

The thing that's struck us here at Stranger is the bold new design - simple, totally 2D and unique in a world of glass effect Apple clones. It stands apart in the digital media line up right now and we'd expect to see its stark aesthetic seeping into contemporary digital design pretty soon.

What's more, the phone experience is good too. Smooth and responsive, if not groundbreaking. There are some core features missing at launch, including multitasking and copy and paste (which is apparently coming soon) - in fact it is very much like a first generation of iphone. Problem is when it comes to mobile phones, Apple has four years on Microsoft.

The old behemoth is catching up fast though, and they know better than anyone that apps are the make or break of any modern smartphone. App developers have been incentivised with cash rewards for developing for the new platform - so there are plenty available at launch (no Angry Birds yet mind!).

The sneaky left hook though, comes from the fact the whole system is tied into Xbox live - meaning you will be able to play games on the phone which either feed into your Xbox live profile or directly affect the games on your home console.

All that said, there's still a way to go. In iPhone 4 vs Windows Phone 7 round one goes to Apple. But its a match worth keeping your eye on that's for sure; there's definitely more to come.

Zander Grinfeld