If Galen Gruman's negative take on Windows Phone 7 failed to convince you, the generally more optimistic response to a tech demo released by Microsoft to showcase the OS may be more to your liking.

Microsoft announced its release – which works on prototype handsets from Asus, LG and Samsung – on the Windows Phone 7 blog, with corporate VP of Windows Phone engineering Terry Myerson stating the demo should help the company gather feedback in the coming weeks so the OS is the best it can be come launch.

Thousands of prototype devices have been made available, mainly to developers and publishers. 

"Before release of this milestone, the software has undergone extensive testing – in daily use by more than 1,000 people at Microsoft who have been using WP7 as their only phone for the past several months, and the more than 10,000 devices in our test labs," says Myerson in the entry.

"We've been testing usability, battery life, network connectivity, and many other metrics for a long time. As a result of that work, I hope you will find the experience to be of surprisingly high quality."

Winning with Windows

Those who have been lucky enough to tap up one of the handsets have generally reported a favourable impression.

Engadget claims the UI is responsive and speedy, with "the most accurate and nuanced touch response this side of iOS4".

While Boy Genius Report suggests the home screen is underwhelming, analyst Michael Gartenberg is convinced Microsoft's decision to make the OS so visually different to the competition will pay dividends.

He concludes, "Windows Phone 7 has the potential to keep Microsoft in the race for relevance in the mobile platform space and drive other services and initiatives forward as well."

[source: mocoNews]