When Michael met Ballmer

Posted on October 29, 2012 by admin

by Michael Barr, CTO

Hey guys, I’ve just left the launch event for Windows Phone 8 in San Francisco. That was a blast!

The experience really started a few days ago when Microsoft asked if I would attend a special pre-launch briefing with their CEO Steve Ballmer. It was an early start but boy was it worth it. First of all I was presented with a brand new HTC Windows Phone 8 which I fell in love with within minutes. I have an iPhone, Android and Windows Phone 7, but this is a little special compared to them all.

Before long Steve came to greet the small audience at this event, and after a chat I presented him with the customary gift – a bright red branded TheAppBuilder hoodie! After this he chatted us through the key features of Windows Phone 8.

Private audience with Ballmer, my new phone, cool reception

Next up was the main gig, the official unveiling of Windows Phone 8 to the world. I’ve been to a few of these gigs with different hardware and software giants, but this was cool. Not only was the range of new features impressive, but Jessica Alba joined the party on stage to talk about the new kids corner security feature – all a bit surreal!

Ballmer takes to the stage, TheAppBuilder pod, Jessica Alba

Microsoft are making a real statement with Windows 8 and the new phone operating system is no different. There are new features galore and some great app updates including the Facebook update which will pull photos straight to your phone lock screen. Always-on Skype with no battery drain and Pandora music free for a year are great additions to the app store. I didn’t get a chance to show Steve the Ballmer app we created about him and is now available on the Windows 8 store, but as I travel to Redmond tonight for the Microsoft Build Conference our paths might cross again this week!

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