Retailers getting ready for Windows Phone 7 launch

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 6 Jul 2010 at 07:45

Retailers are gearing up for the launch of Windows Phone 7 from as early as this September, according to leaked documents.

A retail signage plan for US phone network AT&T shows Windows Phone 7 promotions appearing in stores later this month. The emergence of promotional material in July indicates that the first Windows 7 Phone devices could be unleashed by September, according to Engadget, which was sent the leaked floorplan.

An early launch of Windows Phone 7 - which wasn't expected until this Christmas - would provide a massive boost for Microsoft, which has seen its mobile strategy fall into disarray.

Microsoft last week cancelled development of its own Kin handsets, less than three months after it announced the devices. The company said the internal development team would be transferred to work on Windows Phone 7.

The new operating system can't come soon enough for Microsoft, which has seen its mobile OS market share eroded by its rivals. Windows Mobile devices accounted for only 7% of smartphone sales in Q1 of this year, according to Gartner, leaving Microsoft trailing behind Symbian (44%), RIM (19%), Apple (15%) and Android (10%).

Microsoft last month announced a massive reorganisation of its mobile division, which led to the retirement of company veteran Robbie Bach. The new mobile communications vice president, Andrew Lees, is reporting directly to CEO Steve Ballmer, who is reportedly keen to get a grip on the mobile business.