WP7 countdown

Canada’s 3 major carriers will introduce Windows Phone 7 (“WP7”) on November 8, the same date as AT&T south of the border.

We understand tht Microsoft plans to work even more closely with TELUS than with Bell or Rogers. TELUS powers its Optik TV service with Microsoft’s Mediaroom set-top box and the two companies have launched innovations together, such as the announcement in August about using XBox 360 as the Optik TV PVR.

TELUS plans to launch WP7 with 2 devices, the HTC 7 Surround and the LG Optimus 7. Bell will have the LG Optimus Quantum; Rogers is launching with the Samsung Focus.

Microsoft has imposed minimum hardware specs on each of its manufacturers, so differentiation will come from the add-ons: better cameras, sound, slide-out keyboards, etc. See Engadget for a preliminary review of the OS on a Samsung platform.

Windows Phone 7 will add a new choice for Christmas shoppers.

Will WP7 be able to restore lustre to Microsoft in the mobile space?

Is success in the mobile device space a significant factor in winning the hearts and minds of consumers for their home entertainment, their tablets and computing?

Check out the Globe and Mail’s coverage of the WP7 launch.

WP7 will include an update capability to keep the operating system fresh. One of the key capabilities that is missing from the current version is ‘cut and paste’ editting. Microsoft promises to have that available in early 2011 and all phones will be able to get that update among others.

I like the first two ads that have appeared, but I was always partial to Donovan and it is great to see new life being given to his song from 1966: Season of the Witch.