The Select Text thing Apple did, they patented it. Only reason why Google could not copy this is patent infringement. Obviously HTC and Motorola is asking for it, but then again Motorola isn't even waiting for Apple to sue them, they're already suing the fruit boys.
HTC Sense select text is like a ripoff of Apple's. Except it also adds Search and Translate features, and use the the thumbtacks used on Google Maps as markers, which is more finger friendly that what Apple is using.
My problem with the Windows Phone 7 is that all ten phones don't differentiate much against each other other than branding, 4.3" vs. 3.8", slider vs. without slider, 8gb internal memory vs. 16, 5mp vs. 8mp. Its all tiny stuff. All of them are pretty priced high, the cheapest of whom seems to be in the E7 territory and the most expensive into high end iPad territory. All seems carrier locked, the only unlocked models are those headed for Singapore, which is the Optimus 7 and the HD7, but then again, I never include LG smartphones in my discussion radar because they all look crappy.
The four Symbian^3 phones in contrast, exhibit much more market segmentation and differentiation. You got a feel of low end, mid end, photo-high end, business-high end. Another point with all four phones is there is no regional division. This is not like Europe gets this, US gets this, Asia gets this,. All ten WP7 is never available in one single area or carrier to give you a choice. In contrast, all four Symbian^3 phones will have equal global reach.
Except for specific for China models, it's Nokia's strength they have the same phones for everyone and everybody around the world. Bloggers complain Nokia should have taken HTC and Samsung's approach by creating US specific models, but then again, does Apple or Blackberry actually create specific US models? Their phones are meant for everyone in this world. its the same IPhone 4 or Blackberry Curve you buy in Toronto or Dubai.
When Samsung decided to create as single smartphone, one that is available in every region, every carrier, no regional or carrier exclusion, just carrier and regional variation, they were rewarded with great success with it. That was the Galaxy S. Pretty much every other Samsung phone went the other way, allowing themselves to be regional and carrier exclusives, and pretty much died. Worst recent example is the Galaxy Beam.
WP7 just duplicating some of the problems in Android and Windows Mobile by having regional and carrier exclusives. Again.