Mobile and Connected Device Strategies

Pretty soon the wait for the next generation of Microsoft’s PC and mobile operating systems will be over. The software giant recently announced dates for launch events for both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

According to ZDNet, Microsoft will hold an all-day event for Windows 8 in New York City on Oct. 25—a day ahead of the release of the OS—and launch Windows Phone 8 in San Francisco on Oct. 29.

In New York, Microsoft’s Surface tablet is expected to be the star of the show. The company has already given glimpses of its tablet, but pricing and a release date are expected to be announced at the launch event.

Several days later in San Francisco, the first batch of WP8 devices will be on display. Microsoft has already announced a batch of devices to initially carry the new platform.

Yankee Group Senior Analyst Boris Metodiev comments

“As we mentioned in our report about the launch of Nokia’s Lumia 920 and 820 phones on Sept. 5, one of the disappointing aspects of it was that there were no availability dates announced, and the phones were not allowed to be tested and experienced. It soon became obvious that the Windows Phone 8 OS was not quite ready yet.

Exactly a month later, Microsoft announces dates for its official launch together with two other eagerly anticipated products. On Oct. 29, we expect Microsoft to display the full array of Windows Phone 8 features and capabilities, and it would be a good opportunity to showcase the full range of WP8 devices. Nokia’s Lumia 920 and 820, HTC 8X and 8S, and Samsung Ativ S were unveiled in the past month or so, with Huawei and ZTE also announcing the release of WP8 devices by the end of the year. Nokia and HTC have already made clear that their respective phones will hit the market in November, which, together with Windows Phone 8 announcement, will be about on time for the holiday season.

The mobile market will only benefit from the establishment of a third ecosystem. Windows Phone is in a very good position to be the one, having vendors and operators committing to it and Microsoft muscling it up.”