Sound the new mobile operating system klaxon. Microsoft has finally finished Windows Phone 8, and has shipped it to manufacturers to start playing with, ZDNet reports.
This is known as the release to manufacturing (RTM) stage. So what happens now? Well, it's a simple case of those device makers testing it out on their shiny new handsets and making sure everything's hunky-dory before getting it into the hands of us, the great phone-using public.
If you want proof Windows Phone 8 is in the bag, check out this image of team members autographing a sign -- a classic 'we did it guys' event.
There's no official word from Microsoft yet. When ZDNet contacted the Redmond-based company for comment, it replied it had "nothing to share at this time".
Microsoft is set to launch Windows Phone 8 on 29 October, with handsets expected to be available shortly after. It originally planned to launch in early October, along with Windows 8, but things slipped. So now -- fingers crossed -- everything looks to be on course.
Windows Phone 8 will face stiff competition from the iPhone 5, which goes on sale in less than a week, and iOS 6. And of course Android Jelly Bean, which will be a few months old by the time Windows Phone 8 launches.
Microsoft will vie with BlackBerry-maker RIM for third place on the mobile podium. RIM will launch BB10 early next year, so we could have quite a fight on our hands this winter.
Are you excited about Windows Phone 8? What would it have to do to tempt you from iOS or Android? Let me know in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 15
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Mark Anderson 15 September, 2012 09:47
So, does this mean despite the tedious andti-MS sledging that's carried out be the Apple's sock puppets in the tech blogger/journalist industry that at 920 will be available for October?
Excellent. No reason for me to buy the six month old tech that is the iPhone 5 (b-b-b-but it's really thin and light LOL!) although I'm still tempted by the SGS III.
anonymous 15 September, 2012 12:28
Looking forward to this. I've got a contract until the end of 2013, but my Samsung Galaxy S (yeah, I should have waited a couple of months really), is so unreliable that I'll probably buy a SIM free Galaxy Nexus in the new year, which gives WP 8 a year to mature.
I love Android and Google, but for me the mobile OS isn't that important, it comes down to which is most reliable, secure, and offers the best camera and battery life as well as the best screen size. Right now that's Android for me (Nexus, SGS3, or HTC One). But there's nothing tying me to Android, other than Gmail and my fondness for other Google services (all of which I can access via the Nexus 7 tablet I'll get soon anyway), so maybe in a year I'll have a nice headache as to which platform to use.
I'm very, very glad that I didn't fall into the iTunes craze and have to be stuck with Apple products. I'm in the minority, but I don't think Apple stuff looks good, the specs don't blow me away, and I don't think the OS is any better/easier to use than Android. I also think that the iPhone 4 retina display is very disappointing next to the SGS Super AMOLED screen.
anonymous 15 September, 2012 13:23
I want a phone that is easy to use, butterly smooth, secure that is not malware infested, outstanding camera, well organized interface for navigation with less swithching of several panels, good battery, etc. All of them I'm hoping to see in Nokia 920 as my ideal phone and finally dispatching my crappy Android phone. Glad I didn't buy galaxy s3.
anonymous 15 September, 2012 13:40
SO... the question is: Do i get the Nexus now? Wait a little longer for the Black GSIII? OR wait even longer for the 920??... Thoughts anyone?
damien2501 15 September, 2012 15:17
Why is the 920 not getting more exposure. If a phone with the same features running iOS or android was brought out everyone would be going crazy for it. This playing down windows phones looks a bit fishy to me. The OS is clean and actually the most stable. This is going to be my next phone for sure.
anonymous 15 September, 2012 18:26
Auh yes the Micro-mimic does it again, of course five years late and an utter piece of crap but it wouldn't be Microsoft unless it was so, would it?
anonymous 15 September, 2012 18:33
That thing is fricin hideous!
Every single phone maker is simply imitating what they think the iPhone is. Once you use any of these and then an iPhone your an Apple customer for life. The stupid will always argue otherwise of course, why well since your asking it's because they're stupid. Get it now?
damien2501 15 September, 2012 20:53
Never trust a comment that is anonymous. The same person could post a hundred times pretending to be different people
anonymous 16 September, 2012 00:11
Can't wait for the 920. I've had all the iPhone models and there stale. Windows 8 looks great and the 920 looks amazing and feature packed.
georg55 16 September, 2012 08:05
Not even going to bother,my lumina 800 is going to be traded in for 920 in April when I am eligible for an Upgrade, no decision needed ,best phone by far in 2012
Mark Anderson 16 September, 2012 09:38
@anonymous
Given that this is "an utter piece of crap and five years late" with a better screen, PPI, camera, touch sensitivity, standard adapter, NFC enabled and can be wirelessly charged, then what does that make the iPhone?
Oh dear. Back to school for you!
anonymous 16 September, 2012 18:43
I am a galaxy s3 user but i would really love to have this aswell it looks like a great phone and the screen is sensitive to keys for example.
anonymous 16 September, 2012 18:46
Never trust damien2501
anonymous 1 October, 2012 15:59
WP8 is not going to gain. MS needs to open up for developers and let them develop for free. I won't like ot pay a dime for my free software for others and with WP I would never be able to publish.
the1beard 13 February, 2013 17:07
I never tought I'd say this …
Incredible Nokia have done it with the help of Microsoft.
This is a fantastic handset robust solid replacable battery and excellent screen.
The wp8 OS is great not fussy like android just business like almost Simbian like ..
it doesn't crash Simple clever and fast.
I think this is an Apple beating product I love mine.