Every 6 months, Microsoft holds an internal-only conference called TechReady for our technical team in the field. It's an amazing convergence of people from all over the world coming together to learn about our technologies directly from the product teams as well as to give feedback about what customers are saying. In fact, it is not uncommon to see a product manager and a technology specialist getting into a heated debate about what's working, what's not, and where things should go in the future.
Although this is usually for-Microsoft-eyes-only, I managed to get you guys a sneak peek at one of the most highly anticipated sessions every year: the Windows Mobility Smackdown! This draws a huge crowd that literally lines up an hour before the session starts just to get a seat at all... and man do people go nuts for this one. The product team unveils some of the coolest Windows Mobile features, literally throws prizes into the crowd, and some lucky few walk away with a brand spankin' new Windows Mobile device.
To clarify one part: "dogfooding" is Microsoft-speak for using our own software and products personally before our customers do so we can deliver a better product by the time it is released to the market.
PS: The voice in the beginning is one of the Windows Mobile product managers, Loke. Also, feel free to check out Jason's blog or see Jason show off some other devices.
Also, special thanks to Talon "I drive a Mini" Morris for second-angle camera work.
