I am a windows phone fan and user like everyone else here, but take the Microsoft goggles off. Larger screen, faster 64 bit processor,, more on board memory and finally a company really pushing NFC into reality. On top of that an actual preorder date for new phones and an actual date that everyone will get an OS upgrade. Microsoft has nothing at this point, especially in the USA - just corny Cortana vs Siri commercials showcasing a $100 phone with no front camera or rear flash with a whopping 512 memory. They look real pathetic at this point, let's hope they have something real soon or WP will be another Zune.
Ahem... I tend to look at things without glasses or "goggles".
You listed:
faster 64-bit processor
more on board memory
"finally" pushing NFC
actual ship date
Microsoft has nothing at this point.
I could counter with:
64-bit processor using 1GB RAM -- Really?
More on board memory. My 1520 has 2GB Ram with an option for a 128GB SD card.
NFC -- I've had that for more than 2 years, and I'm including my old Nokia 808 Pureview that also has NFC that I still use.
Actual Ship Date -- They have Microsoft there. Very frustrating.
And Finally, Microsoft having nothing. Baseless. Think about these technologies for a second:
42MP Sensor for the purpose of lossless zoom and almost zero digital noise with high ISO.
Rich recording microphones for high dB recordings.
Dolby 5.1 recording
Uncompressed 96kHz recording capability
4K recording (coming very soon)
Super sensitive touch (to use without gimmicky gloves)
High contrast to view in sunlight
Optical Image Stabilization (the iPhone is *just* getting this)
Those are just a few. The iPhone is just getting a couple of those hardware features in late 2014. Something Microsoft/Nokia has had already for years. Checking the cost of an unlocked iPhone vs a new unlocked Nokia that has all these features AND more. >$900USD vs !$500USD. Ridiculous!
I don't think WP looks "pathetic" at all, at least from a hardware perspective.