Touchnote app launch partner for Windows Phone 7

Touchnote, the start-up that lets you send physical postcards via web or mobile, has confirmed that they are one of the showcase apps selected as Windows Phone 7 launch partners – and one of only a handful of UK-based companies chosen.

But what does this mean for apps and the developers creating them?

Raam Thakrar, CEO of Touchnote, comments: “Working with Microsoft was a real collaboration – we talked through many of the different features with them to make sure that we delivered an app that really takes advantage of the new platform. It was really refreshing that the Windows Phone team spent a lot of time with us – helping us with our build, providing feedback and stamping out bugs. That’s not something that their competitors often do in our experience.”

Oded Ran, Head of Consumer Marketing, Windows Phone UK, Microsoft, said: "Touchnote lets you take a photo with your phone and then post it as a postcard anywhere in the world. I love it because it’s easier, quicker, cheaper and more personal than sending a regular postcard, especially when I’m travelling outside the UK. And their Windows Phone 7 app looks amazing.”

Already available for iPhone, Symbian and Android, Touchnote enables you to take a photo and send it as a physical postcard from anywhere in the world with a message of your choice. Postcard prices start from $1.49, with various payment options available, like mobile operator billing or Google Checkout, depending on your handset. Within the UK, postcards are normally delivered the next working day if ordered before noon.

Raam continues: “Most companies have teething problems at a big product launch, but I think Microsoft are as prepared as they can be. They have really done their homework – learning lessons from their competitors, as well as trying to understand what the end consumer perceives as being valuable. Clearly, the availability of high-quality, third-party apps is essential to securing and retaining customers. Focusing their thinking on the user experience has resulted in a very intuitive and highly visual OS, which couldn’t be more different from Android or iPhone.”

Touchnote will be available on all handsets running Windows Phone 7 and cards can be sent to any country in the world.