If you have seen the post on Gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/5634058/leaked-shots-of-windows-phone-7+running-samsung-gt+i8700) you know that the GT-i8700 is a phone that will broadcast pictures and video to any DLNA-compatible TV. If Microsoft creates an application that makes Windows Phone 7 devices into Media Center Extenders then every enthusiast with a WP7 phone will have a Slingbox-like device in their pocket. And if that phone can send its content to a television it will be very compelling. Apple is touting AirPlay but that is just a dock connector with a wireless connection to your device. You still need to carry the AppleTV and all the cables with you if you travel. With DLNA, all you need is your phone. (Admittedly, there are a lot of IFs in this paragraph but it does make a fun hypothesis.)

you can already do this with the Samsung Galaxy S i9000 and its US variation and enjoy it on the Android, a much better operating system.

It's highly unlikely that Microsoft will create any application for WP7 that has to do directly with Media Center.

Chris - Moderator

It's highly unlikely that Microsoft will create any application for WP7 that has to do directly with Media Center.

Why? If it's an issue of carrier bandwidth they could restrict it to WiFi. I don't see dynamic IP being much of an issue with all the emphasis on the cloud for WP7 (WMC could make itself known to the cloud server and the phone connects to the cloud). The CPU should be able to handle it. It can't be a technical issue. This means it has to be a legal or strategy issue. I am very curious to know more detail about that. It seems like such a compelling feature that sells WP7, Windows 7, and WMC that it seems unwise not to offer it.

It is just a guess on my part, there is no source to back this up.  I just don't believe Microsoft will be making apps for WP7 that have anything to do with getting content to/from Windows Media Center.  I think this will be left in the hands of third parties.

Where did you read that the GT-i8700 will have DLNA capabilities?  LG announced DLNA on the Optimus 7, but I haven't heard of any other manufactuers doing this yet (not that they aren't, I just haven't heard about it).  I don't think this will be built into the OS by MS, unfortunately.  I don't know the reasons why the are so opposed to device integration, but since we didn't see it in the ZuneHD, I wouldn't expect it in WP7.  Also, keep in mind that Media Center (aside from extenders) is not a DLNA DMR, so you will not be able to push content to it from a DLNA DMC.

al74

you can already do this with the Samsung Galaxy S i9000 and its US variation and enjoy it on the Android, a much better operating system.

Not sure about better OS (it is debatable) but I concur that all Galaxy S phones contain DLNA app called AllShare which can play, share or control DLNA media. I believe all Motorola Droid phones have the similar app (with different name).

These apps only work when you use Wi-Fi (makes sense because DLNA is LAN only feature) so carriers have no concern about the data usage.

Yes, it is a shame that WP7 doesn't come with DLNA built-in.