Report: Windows Phone 7 to be launched on October 11

by Steven Mostyn - Oct 1 2010, 11:59

Citing people familiar with Microsoft’s launch plans, the Wall Street Journal has today revealed that the Redmond-based software giant will officially unveil a range of new smartphone devices powered by the Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system on October 11.

The much-rumoured product launch will apparently use New York as its focal point, along with various other “satellite events” across the country. Also, it is believed that American telecommunications provider AT&T will begin selling Windows Phone 7 handsets around four weeks later.

“AT&T plans to sell the devices the week of Nov. 8,” writes Roger Cheng. “Initially, the carrier will offer three handsets—one each made by Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics Inc., and HTC Corp.”

The official rollout of Windows Phone 7 is of pivotal importance for Microsoft as it strives to turn the heads of mobile consumers lured towards Apple’s hugely popular iPhone and the growing wealth of smartphones powered by Google’s Android operating system.

According to research specialist Gartner, Microsoft has seen its share of the smartphone plummet by almost 50 percent in the last 12 months alone—dropping from 9.3 percent to just five 5.0 percent.

In related news, Microsoft has released the final build of its desktop applications suite Windows Live Essentials 2011, which is now available for download.

“Together with Windows 7 and the new Internet Explorer 9 beta, Windows Live Essentials completes your Windows experience and connects your PC to the services you use every day,” enthused Chris Jones, vice president of Windows Live Engineering in a company blog post.

Compatible with the Windows 7 and Windows Vista operating systems, the official Windows Live Essentials 2011 package consists of Live Messenger, Photo Gallery, email, Writer, Family Safety, Silverlight, Live Mesh, and Movie Maker.

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