Let the next great app gold rush begin?

Windows Phone 7 went RTM today, which could be great news. Is this the start of the next great app gold rush, or is it too little too late for Microsoft in the phone arena? I’m going with gold rush. Think about it—a brand new platform with practically zero apps. No Twitter app, no Facebook app, few games, no password keepers, browsers—nada. Apps need to be built, we know people will pay for them, and you don’t need to learn a new language when you develop for Phone 7.

Part of what worries me is the cache of an iPhone or Droid (FTR, I really dig my Moto Droid). The Zune HD is a far superior device than the iPod touch (HD video output, HD radio tuner, OTA music delivery, music sharing, etc), but you need to be a bit of a gadget-head to appreciate its advanced features. To quote a very famous YouTube video, most people are “I don’t care.” There are some gnarly features announced for the Phone 7 (like Hotmail via Exchange Active Sync, phone management and advanced recovery options not found on other phones without additional apps), so there is a lot to look forward to. Will the Phone 7 be as smashing a success as Windows 7? Q.E.D. I plan to be in the thick of it. Stay tuned.