Achieving simplicity in design is more difficult than just throwing a ton of buttons, gradients and drop shadows at the problem. I'm an iOS user, and a huge fan

Achieving simplicity in design is more difficult than just throwing a ton of buttons, gradients and drop shadows at the problem. I'm an iOS user, and a huge fan of that model, but Microsoft is doing a good job of crafting an experience that differentiates itself from the iOS (and Android) paradigm of interaction. Don't mistake a lack of "flashiness" for a lack of taste. Windows Phone is a pretty classy product with a decent chance of success as long as Microsoft doesn't shoot themselves in the foot.