Microsoft has finally revealed the details and date of their Windows Phone 7 launch, which will go on sale in the U.S. starting November 11. Microsoft touts Windows Phone 7 as a "completely fresh start." Reviews from analysts are optimistic.
"On a scale of one to 10, this announcement is an 11," said IDC analyst Ramon Llamas.
"What I like about it is there's still some 'amaze and delight' features," said Will Stofega, an analyst at IDC.
Following the announcement of Windows Phone 7, Microsoft confirmed that "copy & paste" functionality will be supported in early 2011.
Windows Phone 7 integrates products and services from the company into the phone through Office, Zune and Xbox Live.
The Start screen on Windows Phone 7 puts what's most important to phone users front-and-center, making it obvious and accessible.
Facebook photos, music and contacts are pulled into the phone and distributed appropriately across Hubs. It also brings together many of Microsoft's popular offerings from other platforms, including Xbox, Zune, Office and Bing.
More features of Windows Phone 7 include unified social media posting, ability to find a lost Windows Phone, Bing Search, Outlook Mobile, Calendar and Internet Explorer Live.
Business users can view, edit, share and sync Office documents on the go.
New Windows Phone 7, which come in a variety of hardware designs, will be available from Samsung, HTC, LG and Dell. The models coming to the U.S. are the Dell Venue Pro, HTC HD7, HTC 7 Surround, HTC 7 Pro, LG Quantum, and Samsung Focus.
Microsoft is so committed to the new phone that it has arranged for every full-time employee worldwide to be able to switch to the new phone as soon as it launches in their market. And while executives say they are thrilled with the final product, they also acknowledge there is a lot more to be done. When the phone is released, they plan to enjoy the moment - but not for long. "There's so much more of Microsoft we've got to bring out in the phone," says Myerson. "We've got a lot of work to do."