14 DAY TRIAL // Although Microsoft has yet to officially release Windows Phone 8 operating system on the market, several handset makers and carriers already confirmed their plans to offer handsets powered by the upcoming platform.
According to the latest hearsay, Microsoft and Nokia plan to announce the first Windows Phone 8 devices on September 5 during a launch event, which is set to take place in New York City.
Even though we don’t have any confirmation yet, we expect Nokia to go official with at least two smartphones, codenamed “Phi” and “Arrow,” which will probably hit shelves in October.
Both Windows Phone 8 smartphones will be launched in the United States through AT&T, though the Nokia Arrow will be available at T-Mobile USA as well, but after a certain exclusivity period ends.
In the same piece of news, US-based MetroPCS recently unveiled plans to release at least one Windows Phone 8 device in the following months.
The carrier’s COO Tom Keys, told FierceWireless that MetroPCS is currently working with a handset manufacturer to bring the Windows Phone 8 platform to its customers.
“Windows Phone 8 we think has a place in the portfolio. We’re actually working with a manufacturer right now on bringing Windows Phone 8 to marketplace. We think we want to offer it. Similar to what Apple did–you have the iMac at the house, you have the iBook for the office, you have the iPad for the couch and you have your iPhone. If you own the home screen, now with multiple devices, they have a very good opportunity for calendars and sharing content, and this looks like it’s Microsoft’s opportunity to go there.
Secondly, I think Nokia is going to be the bellwether there for how well it does since they’ve made a large bet on Windows Phone 8. So at the end of the day, we think it’s interesting and competition among operating systems is good for the ecosystem. “
Unfortunately, there’s no word on whether or not MetroPCS will go with Nokia on Windows Phone 8 or it will try and bring one of Samsung’s upcoming high-end Windows Phone 8 devices. Stay tuned for more info on the matter.