Bangalore: Apple impressed the tech world with the launch of iPad but shocked experts when it announced that iPad cannot multi-task. What was earlier seen as a drawback in iPad seems to have inspired Microsoft to make changes in the upcoming Windows mobile 7 (WM7) operating system to restrict the multi-tasking features. According to Electronista, few sources claim that WM7 will have a Zune-like interface at many levels but would drop multitasking and instead pause apps, using an iPhone-like push notification system to handle new updates.

WP7 would use the Zune HD interface wholesale for media playback but would actually have a significant amount of Xbox Live compatibility. It would not only tap into the social network but would support XNA app programming that would let developers write games using the same code they use for Xbox 360 games, although touch input and resolution would mean having to write different versions. Again, Windows Mobile apps wouldn't be backwards compatible but would have a similar enough code base to port some titles over.

Hardware would be available in September and should have a fast-track development cycle, according to the source. Since Microsoft would provide the drivers, third parties could not only ship phones faster but would finally have fast, over-the-air updates.

While much of the information still isn't confirmed, it corroborates previous rumors and hints at an unusual regressive strategy when trying to compete against Android, Apple and other more modern platforms.