AT&T and T-Mobile To Unveil Windows Phone 7 Models Next Week

Microsoft has announced an event in New York City next Monday at which the first devices running Microsoft Windows Phone 7 will be announced.

Steve Ballmer will be the master of ceremonies, and he will be joined on stage by AT&T Wireless CEO Ralph de la Vega.

AT&T has said it will be the "premier carrier" for smartphone's running Microsoft's new operating system, and will reportedly be the exclusive provider for at least a while. However, a part of the event scheduled for next week will be a demonstration of "T-Mobile powered Windows Phone 7 devices", so a second carrier's customers apparently won't have to wait too long.

According to an unofficial report, AT&T isn't going to actually launch its first Windows Phone 7 devices until November 8.

Microsoft will also hold an event on the same day in London for the unveiling of the smartphones running its operating system that European carriers will soon be offering..

More about Windows Phone 7
Despite its name, this new smartphone operating system has little in common with its predecessors. It will have a completely different user interface and won't run applications written for the earlier versions nor will any current models be upgradeable.

Its focus has moved to consumers, and its UI emphasizes social networking, pictures, games, etc. It has also been redesigned to be controlled with a fingertip.

Just about the only significant similarity between old and new is that both include Microsoft Office Mobile and support for synchronizing with Microsoft Exchange.