[Pxtl]

If you're going to discuss flat UI and compare the major platforms, omitting WP8 is absurd. WP7 jumped straight into the deep end of modern flat design, and WP8 continued the trend - some of the new iOS screens look like palette-swaps of Windows Phone.

[ch0wn]

How is omitting WP8 in an article like this "absurd"? The author shares what he learned from designing for the most popular platforms. WP8 isn't among them. I prefer having a well researched article where the author obviously deeply analyzed the nuances instead of some random collection of differences someone found comparing screenshots.

[ppradhan]

The author at one point says "Thank god the Windows phone failed". It's one guy's opinion and he probably has limited experience with the WP platform - or just doesn't like it. I wouldn't have chosen to consider the rising market share as a sign of WP 'failing', but that's how the author apparently sees it.

Internet blog posts, specially the kinds written by people in tech that gets shared around on HN tend to have opinionated, often inflexible view on things - as if their understanding and by extension the reality is immutable. This is not entirely bad because it does spur on good discussion. Just don't take everything you read to be encyclopaedic facts and don't be surprised with 'absurdities' of these sort.

And I do agree with you abt WP OS. It has a fine design language, is very pleasant to use and was ahead of its time in embracing flat design accentuated with tasteful transition effects. I can see some iconography and other stuff on iOS 7 screen-grabs that appear to have been inspired by WP8.

A long time iOS user, I recently got lured in by WP8's smooth, no frills stylings and Nokia Lumia's edible designs. WP8 started late, yes. But it's in no way asleep or doomed. Happy so far with it.

[goblinfoblin]

Maybe the author hasn't seen or interacted with a Windows Phone (or hasn't done so long enough to be familiar with it).

I know the only time I've ever seen one is on the commercials on TV.