Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner revealed during the annual Financial Analyst Meeting that Windows Phone 7 will reach the US only in November. The first WP7 devices will go to Europe first, in October, and will reach the US in November. While contrary to the company’s typical US-focused approach, It is not shocking, since most of Microsoft’s launch partners have traditionally launched many smartphones in Europe first.
Microsoft had previously only said it would have phones ready sometime before the holidays. Its late timing may still prove a challenge, as WP7 phone makers will only start selling devices with the OS in the middle of the holiday shopping season. Similar timing is believed to have led to the Zune’s struggle, as multiple November launches gave Apple’s iPods a head start in sales each year.
Turner in his speech described the OS as “getting back in the game” by offering a true touchscreen UI and modern features aimed as much at regular home users as business.
