• CNN et al, Monday, October 11, 2010 12:56 PM

Microsoft on Monday revealed new details about the forthcoming launch of its highly anticipated mobile operating system. Without a hint of hyperbole, some analysts say the relative success or failure of Windows Phone 7 could make or break the software giant.

At launch, Windows Phone 7 smartphones will be available in the United States on AT&T's network -- and T-Mobile shortly thereafter -- and be compatible with Samsung, LG and HTC phones. The Windows Phone 7 lineup will eventually include nine phone models available in 30 countries, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said at a press event on Monday.

Meanwhile, "Instead of the typical smartphone user interface -- a series of small icons to launch applications -- Windows Phone 7 uses large, dynamic tiles that Microsoft hopes will be both intuitive to use and easy to navigate," reports CNNMoney.com. "But one feature was noticeably missing at launch: copy/paste" -- a feature Microsoft doesn't plan to add until early next year.

And while it's too early to deem Windows 7 a winner or loser, there is no doubt that a lot is riding on the launch.

"WP7 is Microsoft's first significant update to its mobile operating system in 18 months and its release comes on the heels of the disastrous launch of a 'Kin' line of phones, which were pulled from stores after just two months," notes Agence France Presse.

As such, "Microsoft has a lot at stake with the new phone software," writes The New York Times's Bits Blog. "Over the past several years the smartphone market has grown exponentially. The Apple iPhone, Google Android and RIM's Blackberry have taken the lead in customer sales."

Not taking any chances, "Microsoft plans for regaining that lost ground include a massive marketing campaign, estimated at $400 million by Deutsche Bank analyst Jonathan Goldberg, and an initial launch of nine devices in November," eWeek reports.

According to eWeek, meanwhile, Windows Phone 7 will appear on Verizon in early 2011.

"Overall, there wasn't much that surprised us at the launch event, but it's nice to finally see Microsoft moving forward after first announcing Windows Phone 7 in February," concludes MobileBeat " The platform certainly looks polished, but it remains to be seen if consumers will opt for it instead of the more mature iPhone and Android devices."

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