With all of the buzz around Windows Phone 7, the question that comes to mind is: "Where will Windows Phone 7 be available?" In the US, Microsoft appears to have followed the path of Apple and gone strictly with AT&T at first, according to the WSJ. Although Microsoft is expected to bring their platform to other mobile networks in the first half of 2011.
Microsoft"s launch event in New York City, as well as satellite events are crucial to demonstrating the quality and sleekness of the new phone set, specifically comparing their line to Google"s Android platform and Apple"s iPhone. Making a statement and truly demonstrating that WP7 is an all-new form of a mobile OS that is not like the previous Windows Mobile series is critical. Many are fearful of Windows Phone 7 as they think it will be just like everything before it, and Microsoft is clearly demonstrating that they have a new platform and not just a rehash.
After the launch event, AT&T will start to carry the Windows Phone 7 platform through three different handsets on November 8. LG, Samsung, and HTC will all be providing phones to run the mobile OS, attempting to create a better variety of phones than Apple"s iOS has. T-Mobile has also listed a launch event for the same day where it will demonstrate T-Mobile powered devices running Windows Phone 7. It"s not yet clear whether T-Mobile is ready to launch devices on November 8. The software giant delayed the U.S. launch to allow AT&T and T-Mobile extra time to ready devices according to sources familiar with Microsoft"s plans.
Windows Phone 7, as Neowin reviewed, has an all new interface, taking elements from Zune. The devices running Microsoft"s new OS also have strict guidelines, which will place the phones on the higher end of smartphones. The company will also have an App Store, which is gaining developers quickly, but still has catching up to do to Apple"s App Store.
Windows Phone 7 handsets will be available on October 21 in Europe and November 8, 2010 from AT&T in the United States.