A new Samsung handset that runs Windows Phone 7, the GT-i8700, has been leaked.
Gizmodo was sent photos of the GT-i8700 that clearly show it will run Windows Phone 7, offer around 8GB of storage, and pack a camera with an LED flash. It's a touchscreen device with sharp edges and a shiny finish on its front. Last month, Pocketnow posted pictures of a Windows Phone 7 device that could well be the same phone.
We may see the GT-i8700 soon after 11 October, which is rumoured to be the launch date for Microsoft's latest mobile operating system.
Samsung evidently isn't putting all of its smart-phone eggs in the Android basket, following its success with the Galaxy S. Besides working on Windows Phone 7 devices, it also recently revealed plans to launch a new Bada phone later in the year.
Microsoft has a great deal riding on Windows Phone 7, and will hope that manufacturers like Samsung and HTC release handsets that perform well both in terms of operation and sales.
The operating system looks promising. Last month, we saw the announcement of new games for the OS, as well as Xbox Live compatibility. Recently, a leaked screenshot also indicated that phones running the OS would have access to unlimited downloaded tunes for £9 a month, via a Zune Pass.
Windows Phone 7 faces stiff competition from rival operating systems, however. Research firm IDC apparently doesn't think Windows Phone 7 will make a major impact on the market. According to IDC, the market share of Microsoft's mobile operating systems will continue to be less than that of Apple's iOS, Android, BlackBerry OS and Symbian by 2014.
What do you think? Could Microsoft's mobile fortunes be improved by the release of a Windows Phone 7 handset with real wow factor? Could the GT-i8700 be the phone to do it? Let us know in the comments section below.
Image credit: Gizmodo
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Comments 9
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Anonymous 10 September, 2010 14:01
2014 - 50% !
Anonymous 10 September, 2010 14:54
4 years from now? Sheesh. IDC is full of it. What was their prediction only 1 year ago for Android? Bet that prediction didn't hold water. Let's see where things go when the current 2 year contracts for new iPhone's and Android's come due. There could be a shakeup coming.
Anonymous 10 September, 2010 14:59
2011 - 30%
2013 - 50%
2014 - 70%
Anonymous 10 September, 2010 19:42
IDC thinks Microsoft will go from 6% to 9% in 4 years...heh? really? I keep seeing this magical quote from IDC in every article but what's MISSING !!! is reasons X, Y, and Z... otherwise IDC is just trying to sway the market with a bogus claim, and a number from a hat.
iampav 11 September, 2010 15:42
Microsoft seem to have a pretty good handle on the specs for Windows 7 phones, which should mean some pretty good devices with a solid, consistent experience. The shots leaked so far make WinMo7 phones seem really fun devices and obviously that spec sheet should mean the phones are well equipped.
With Nokia struggling and about to tout two key devices on an intermediate incarnation of Symbian, I think there's room in the market to manoeuvre between at least RIM and Android, if not gunning for that top spot.
Anonymous 13 September, 2010 09:13
I think MS could do really well on this, and i hope they do, I think apple have been getting away with it for too long and would be good for someone old skool to whip in to shape and leave every one else on the way side. however, MS have repeatedly failed on phone operating systems so far, 6.5 they promised new and we got same old issues. phone 7 does sound promising and is launched in time for my new phone contract, I really hope this cuts the mustard, if its as successful as win7 then we should all be in for a treat.
Anonymous 15 September, 2010 15:46
Competition breeds innovation. I've been looking forward to this mobile OS since it was rumored to be the 6.5 release. I'm glad they have taken their time to make sure that the user experience will be quality. Though it may have a slow start, I think it will be a heavy competitor to Apple and Google in the long run. What will dictate the success of WP7 is the developer community, and the apps they can produce. From what I've been seeing, there will be no shortage of great apps coming to this device.
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