Microsoft is reportedly prepping its long-awaited Windows Phone 7 platform for a gala launch on October 11, 2010.
According to Pocket-Lint, the Redmond-based company is expected to kick off the distribution of its next-gen smartphone in NYC during a swanky ceremony that will be broadcasted around the globe.
However, actual handsets will only be available in late October, at least, according to anonymous and “senior” industry sources.
“Microsoft first announced at Mobile World Congress 2010 that it was creating a new mobile operating system to take on Apple and Google,” wrote Stuart Miles of PL.
“[But] since then, the company [hasn’t] announced a date for the launch of the OS, or the devices that are launching alongside it – although it has previously confirmed that Asus, Dell, HTC, LG, and Samsung are all launch partners.”
Meanwhile, Kelly Hodgkins of IntoMobile explained that the rumored October 11 launch date “fits in nicely” with Microsoft’s expected Windows Phone 7 release schedule.
“In August, Microsoft COO Kevin Turner confirmed that Windows Phone 7 will arrive in Europe starting in October and will make its US debut in November. [Remember], way back in June, a leaked screenshot from a Telstra roadmap also pegged this October date.
“[Of course], we also have spotted a seemingly endless stream of Windows Phone 7 handsets in the wild – [with] most sightings [displaying] finished-looking handsets that are in the last stages of production.”
