While Windows Phone 7 has been available for over a year now in the US, Europe and other parts of the world, the massive smartphone market that is China has yet to experience the revamp of Microsoft"s mobile operating system. Now it appears that the country will have to wait a little longer to get their taste of Windows Phone 7.
According to a news story on PCWorld.com, Microsoft has announced that Windows Phone 7 won"t be launching in China by the end of 2011 as previously announced. Instead the OS will be making its debut in that country sometime in the first half of 2012. In a statement Microsoft said it was working with its Chinese partners to find out where Windows Phone-based devices will be released in the country and through what retail channels. Microsoft said that ultimately the delay to "ensure local citizens have a great experience with Windows Phones."
Nokia is one of the most well known smartphone vendors in China and Microsoft might be trying to make sure that the launch of Windows Phone 7 in that country also includes Nokia"s Lumia series of smartphones which launch in Europe in November. Other companies such as Lenovo, ZTE and Huawei Technologies are confirmed as working on Windows Phone products for the Chinese market.