Microsoft to Launch Windows Phone 8 October 29 in London

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Microsoft has invited members of the press to an event on October 29 in London, where the company is expected to launch Windows Phone 8. Smartphone vendors are reportedly planning to begin taking pre-orders for Windows Phone 8 handsets on October 21.

Natasha Lomas from TechCrunch reported, “Invites have just gone out for a Microsoft press event to introduce its new Windows Phone 8 mobile operating system. An end of October unveiling for the next generation of WP had been expected but today the date has been confirmed as October 29 — or at least that’s when a London press event will be held.”

According to Tom Warren from The Verge, “Microsoft’s first Windows Phone 8 devices will be available for pre-order in the US on October 21st. Sources familiar with AT&T and Microsoft’s plans have revealed to The Verge that the carrier will start taking pre-orders for its range of Windows Phone 8 handsets on October 21st — including the HTC 8X and Nokia’s Lumia 920.”

Writing for eWeek, Don Reisinger pointed out, “According to Microsoft, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 share the same core. Because of that, developers will have a much easier time porting their applications between the operating systems. That should mean many more applications users enjoy on one platform will make their way to the other.” Microsoft is scheduled to release Windows 8 on October 26, just three days before the date scheduled for Windows Phone 8.

And NetworkWorld’s Tim Greene noted, “Microsoft has set some ambitious goals for Windows 8 — 400 million devices in customer hands by next July and more than 100,000 applications stocked in the Windows Store by the end of January, according to a top Microsoft sales exec.” If Microsoft does achieve those goals, it could also mean a dramatic increase in the number of apps available for Windows Phone 8.