Windows Phones set to launch on October 6

Microsoft has taken the wraps off its Windows Phone schedule today with the confirmation of Windows Mobile 6.5 devices for October 6, 2009.

Microsoft re branded Windows Mobile to Windows Phone earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress. The idea is to re-focus marketing on the products so that consumers are not confused at what they are purchasing and that they are aware they have a Windows powered phone. The Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system promises a more easy-to-use user interface, better browsing capabilities and access to cloud services, including Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Microsoft My Phone.

Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, Business Experiences Team, in the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft said in a blog posting: "on Oct. 6th, you'll see new Windows phones designed for a variety of tastes, needs and price points - with or without keyboards, with or without touch screens, as well as your choice of GPS, accelerometer and high resolution camera."

Microsoft's partners worldwide are planning to release new Windows Phones running the Windows Mobile 6.5 OS:

• In North America: Mobile operators AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, TELUS and Verizon Wireless, and phone manufacturers HP, HTC Corp., LG Electronics, Samsung and Toshiba Corp.
• In Europe: Mobile operators Orange, Deutsche Telekom AG and Vodafone Group Plc, and phone manufacturers Acer, HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba
• In Latin America: Mobile operator TIM Brazil, and phone manufacturers HTC, LG Electronics and Samsung
• In Asia Pacific: Mobile operators NTT DOCOMO Inc., SOFTBANK Mobile Corp., SK Telecom, Telstra and WILLCOM Inc., and phone manufacturers Acer Inc., HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba

Microsoft Entertainment and Devices President Robbie Bach is hosting a consumer open house in NYC on October 6 according to CNet so it's fairly likely this will be the launch point for Windows Mobile 6.5. According to sources who are familiar with Microsoft's plans, expect to see Windows Mobile 7 at Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference later this year.