Microsoft’s Lack of Copy/Paste on Windows Phone 7 Series

Microsoft created a hot debate on the Windows Phone 7 Series cut/paste feature by not including it in their new mobile operating system. One of the main reasons it is a problem in the first place is because it didn't line up with what the company had previously said about their new phone series. Microsoft says leaving clipboard operations was a design based on choice based on user research showing that people don't actually use copy and paste very often, and that instead 7 Series features include a systemwide data detection service which recognizes things like phone numbers and addresses so you can decide whether you want it to fill-in or not. Third-party apps can supposedly hook into this service as well but it really doesn't make up for the lack of the cut/paste feature. When Microsoft was questioned about Office and OneNote, they had said that their research shows that people mostly want to view and comment on documents, not edit them. No updates plan on releasing the copy/paste feature down the line either as mentioned by Microsoft. Here's what Microsoft's Todd Brix had to say about the whole situation:

So what do you think of this whole fiasco? It is kinda surprising for Microsoft to remove a feature that was already included in its previous mobile operating systems and also for them to not include it when competing with other companies who do include the feature (Apple.) Do you think it will hurt Microsoft? Be sure to check out our Windows Phone 7 compilation of information guide we posted this past week with all the information on Microsoft's new operating system. Share your thoughts and comments below.