Microsoft has showcased its new smartphone platform, Windows Phone 7, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The new platform sports a touch-driven interface, being the input method of choice for all 7 series devices. The interface is reportedly quite similar to that of Microsoft’s Zune HD portable media device. The platform will also integrate with the cloud, drawing contact details from the likes of Facebook and Windows Live and synchronising with the device.

Windows Phone 7 also runs a multi-touch friendly version of Internet Explorer for Web browsing purposes. Interestingly, the browser doesn’t support Flash, much like the iPhone OS.

Apps will be a key focus for the Windows Phone 7 platform, although apps introduced for Windows Mobile 6.5 are not compatible with Phone 7. It's not entirely clear as to what level of 'multitasking' Windows Phone 7 will support, although it's understood that it will allow several apps to run simultaneously and also update while an app is not in use.

Another of the major features touted for the new platform is Xbox Live integration, which will allow users with Xbox Live accounts to access their accounts and even add to their gamerscore with mobile games.

Microsoft is apparently placing strict requirements on manufacturers hoping to release phones for the platform. For instance, touch is mandatory, as is GPS, an accelerometer, and a minimum of a 5 megapixel camera. TechDay also understands that manufacturers must also conform to a predetermined shape and size when designing handsets for Windows Phone 7.

A tentative “holiday season” timeframe has been floated for the release of the first Windows Phone 7 handsets.