Windows Phone 7 said to get Friday, Nov. 8 ship date
updated 08:15 pm EDT, Sun September 26, 2010
Windows Phone 7 to reach US November 8
An internal source today said Microsoft's US Windows Phone 7 launch is penned in for November 8. The "very reliable" contact explained to Paul Thurrott that they won't be ready for the October 11 open house but will get an Apple-style Friday launch in the US. Initial phones should involve the HTC Mondrian/HD7, the LG Optimus 7 and the Samsung Cetus.
Microsoft hasn't confirmed or denied the release schedule, but internal memos have had Europe getting phones first, in October.
A Friday debut is uncharacteristic for Microsoft and suggests it's hoping to use Apple's approach to the iPhone, which depends on a weekend unveiling to guarantee longer lineups and more sustained traffic. Last year, Windows Mobile 6.5 launched on a Tuesday and had virtually no significant increase in sales. The new OS is Microsoft's most significant since it began supporting smartphones in 2003 and is getting a $500 million fall marketing campaign to drive as much early momentum as possible.
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DOS Phone 7
WP7 is Ballmer's last hope to bring Microsoft into the 21st century. It fails and he's out. I give him 1 more year...