Not that long ago, we were accusing Microsoft of being a monopoly. Almost every PC was running on Windows, Office was the suite of choice and Internet Explorer killed Netscape as the most popular browser. In short, Microsoft was everywhere.

Google took a different path, but the results are similar. Most us have a GMail address, many of us have used Google Docs, and Chrome is fast becoming the most popular browser. Google is now omni-present in our lives and despite my fears of one entity having access to almost all my information, I'd accept an Android phone in a minute!

Android sales

I am told in the last three months, Android sales have superseded those of iPhones, BlackBerrys and Nokias, capturing a robust 17 per cent of the smartphone market; that's a lot of phones. Android phones are the hottest, most exciting smartphones on the market. That is, until this week.

Enter the long-anticipated Windows Phone 7, WP7 or just plain 7. This is not an updated Windows Mobile phone, this is a brand-new innovation with a completely new user interface.

The 7 is a departure from the simplified Windows interface in favour of a hub approach. Using tiles instead of icons, the 7 groups relevant apps and data into intuitive hubs. The hubs facilitate integrated social-networking, cloud services, thanks to Microsoft Live and gaming!

Microsoft partnered with several developers (including LG, Samsung, HTC and Dell) to release nine phones starting later this month. All 7 phones boast a 1 Ghz processor; on a phone this is mind boggling when you consider that many netbook computers have the same processing power. Touch screens, 8 GB drives minimum, WiFi, 5 MP camera, 3 short-cut buttons and virtual keyboards, along with integrated Xbox and Zune support.

Microsoft comes to the smartphone party late, so they have to bring a present to make us put down our hot Android toy; and they do. As remarkable as Android phones are, many users complain that bugs persist due to the less rigorous relationship between the software and hardware. Hmm. Let me try to simplify that; phone manufactures can install different versions of the Android OS leading to touch-screen errors, poor performing apps and even malware entering the Android ecosystem.

Microsoft super-tight controls should limit such problems on the 7. And, the 7 may be short on third-party apps now, but so is the BlackBerry. As the saying goes, "if you build it, they will come".

So, here we are. I've got a few hundred US dollars and I have to choose - hot new BlackBerry Torch, ultra sexy iPhone 4, way cool Droid X or the savvy 7. Hmmm. Choice 1, monopoly 0.

Tech glitch: Alicia asks, how can I hide pictures on my BlackBerry?

Tech Fix: 'Privatise' your pictures by selecting Properties and choosing the Hidden option. Post your tech question and see complete instructions on how to hide and restore images at:

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