Microsoft announces Windows Phone 7 worldwide GSM launch

From the US perspective, we see that AT&T and T-Mobile are the big winners when it comes to Windows Phone 7 while Sprint and Verizon are left out of the initial launch party. However, Microsoft stated in the press release that Sprint and Verizon will be getting phones in early 2011 so it seems like it came down to a difference in technology and urgency to launch products. I wouldn't doubt if Microsoft still has a bad taste in their mouth from Verizon's lack of support with the failed Kin project. The worldwide launch looks to consist of nine new device models coming from 13 carriers in something like 15+ countries.

Devices in the US will be sold in carriers stores, as well as at Microsoft Store locations and Amazon. Here is the launch lineup that we will see in the USA in time for the holidays:

T-Mobile:

• HTC HD7
• Dell Venue Pro

AT&T:

• HTC Surround
• Samsung Focus
• LG Quantum

T-Mobile ends up with the largest phone in the HTC HD7 and since they are the carrier I have I am excited about getting this high end device. T-Mobile USA also looks to be the only carrier launching with a Dell model Windows Phone 7 device. It looks like both of T-Mobile's devices are targeted towards the high end while AT&T looks to have a full range of product offerings.

The HD7 will also be available from other carriers around the world and it looks like the USA is missing out on the Samsung Omnia 7, HTC Mozart, LG Optimus 7, and HTC Trophy.