Microsoft’s Windows 7 Phones will be released on October 21, according to rumours circulating on technology blogs.
Neowin reported yesterday that “sources familiar with the software giant’s plans” said that Microsoft would be holding worldwide launch events for Windows Phone 7 handsets on October 21, following an ‘open house’ event in New York on October 11.
Neowin said that Windows 7 Phone handsets would be on the shelves on October 21 in Britain and across Europe but was unable to confirm a US release date.
Technology blog Engadget quoted Microsoft expert Paul Thurrott, who said that the handsets will launch in the US on November 8 but said the October 11 event was not connected with Windows Phone 7.
There are high hopes for Windows Phone 7, which has received positive early reactions from those who have tried it and has been praised for its integration with Microsoft’s Xbox Live platform.
The new handsets will also be able to download music and films through Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace.
Jonathan Leggett of mobile phone and broadband comparison website Top10.com, said: "If Windows Phone 7 is to have any chance of clawing back into contention with the likes of Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems, it just won’t suffice to simply be as good as them, it needs to be something better - and different.
"And that’s where the integration with Xbox Live comes in. There is still a major void in the portable device market where online gaming has yet to take off, and whether or not Microsoft is able to capitalise on this will largely decide its fate in the smartphone market.”
Microsoft confirmed that they are holding an event on October 11th but would not say whether it was related to Windows Phone 7, nor would they confirm the release date for the handsets. A spokesman said: “We have nothing to share at this time.”
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