Microsoft holding special U.S. Windows Phone event on November 7

By Tom Warren, on 27th Oct 11 8:03 pm with 56 Comments

Microsoft is planning to hold a special Windows Phone event on November 7.

The event will be held in New York City on November 7 and appears to be related to Samsung’s Windows Phone devices. Microsoft sent invites to press and media outlets on Thursday inviting them to a “backstage” event on November 7. The invite (see below) features Samsung’s Focus Flash and Focus S devices alongside a HTC TITAN. Andy Lees and Joe Belfiore from Microsoft’s Windows Phone team will be on hand alongside a number of other Windows Phone team members. Microsoft is also hosting a number of partners too. Microsoft appears to be planning a “big” announcement as the word is highlighted on the invite with the text, “that’s not the only big thing Windows Phone has planned.”

Microsoft looks set to launch its U.S. AT&T Windows Phone 7.5 devices on November 7. The company is also hosting a “unique experience” shortly after the event at a VIP event in Herald Square. Samsung’s next-generation focus includes a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, 1.4GHz processor, 4G network support and a 1.3MP front facing camera. The rear of the device is equipped with an 8MP camera. The device appears to resemble Samsung’s Galaxy S II Android model. Samsung’s second Windows Phone 7.5 “Mango” device is aimed at the lower price point market. The Focus Flash will include a 3.7-inch Super AMOLED screen running a 1.5GHz processor. The device will also include a 5MP rear camera and front facing camera.

Windows Phone backstage event

  • Anonymous

    I might go over there for lunch. 

    • OMG55

      Please go and give them some information on how to make a commercial to promote WP7. Be sure they know the message is coming from supporter at Winrumors & wpcentral…….List to your support or else you will lose.

    • Anonymous

      I’m hoping I see either Andy or Joe at the event after the VIP/Press event as to give them an ear full about how they are effing up BIG TIME!.

  • Murani Lewis

    Those are also all the AT&T Fall Windows Phones so i’m hoping the phones go on sale that day.

  • http://twitter.com/jbarinas Juan Barinas

    Maybe they’ll announce dates, pricing and…. give away some Windows Phones. :)

    • Anonymous

      They are giving away a number of phones, but unfortunately I was too later registering for the event.

  • Mrdeezus

    I hope they announce a new WP7 device for Sprint.

    • s b k

      Me too. It would be nice to spread out the Mango love. If a new device comes to Sprint I am planning on upgrading early, dam the costs. I want WP7!

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_L47EGRUIJEAZEBEXX6NY6B3ENY Republican 2012

      Yes i hope they will be having new wp 7.5 phones coming for sprint too. I also wished they had wp samsung focus s at sprint instead of ATT

    • Anonymous

      Given that they’re showing three AT&T devices in the picture, I think this is an AT&T event only.

    • 1kings127

      I am in complete agreement.  I was an early adopter of android, but now am torn between android and wp7.  I hope it won’t be a 4g capable phone, due to the change in 4g network technology coming and the extra expense monthly when I live in an area without 4g from Sprint (most decent androids on Sprint are 4g).  I will wait for the next time my 2 year contract expires to get 4g, by then it will be widespread and stable. 

      Does anyone know of a Wifi Tether App for WP7 like the free opensource one for android.  I go on trips and sometimes need Internet on the go (not enough use to make it worth paying for carrier’s form of wifi tether, but important all the same) to do work or homework in the car 

  • http://twitter.com/bySeon Seon

    I WILL BE THERE! I am also attending the Meet Windows Phone event later that day :D

    • OMG55

      Okay then, Please tell Lees and Belfiore to step-it-up before android and Apple steal ideas. And pleaseeeee tell them to tell Nokia to release the Lumina 800 with FFC, 4-4.3″ screen, 32GB storage in the USA. No more square bricks.

    • Cooms95

      Yes!!!!!!!!!

    • DisappointedByNokia

      And keep the phone the same size as 800 w/ a edge-to-edge screen. NFC would be nice also.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KTAHVKS2RNDWTQPHQEJALLRNEQ Adam Paris

      Haha. Thats all i have to say.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KTAHVKS2RNDWTQPHQEJALLRNEQ Adam Paris

      Haha. Thats all i have to say.

  • http://www.gamerelatedblog.com/ StriderNo9

    Yeah I was hoping the phone would drop before that but I will settle on the 15th if that works. Still odd that Samsung is now intentionally not releasing the storage for the device. I really hope they push a 32 option. 

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_L47EGRUIJEAZEBEXX6NY6B3ENY Republican 2012

      The Samsung focus S will have an options for a 16gb or 32gb storage. Best of the phone it will have a MicroSD Card slot which make it for more storage to add :) I cant wait to get the Samsung Focus S

    • http://www.gamerelatedblog.com/ StriderNo9

      And where are you getting that info from?

    • http://www.searingarrow.com AlienSix

      Phonearena.com I believe

    • Anonymous

      At this point I’d just be happy to see a 16GB option.  The 8GB in the Focus was such a horrible decision and caused such a headache with MS, AT&T, Samsung, and most importantly, consumers when people tried upgrading the storage with micro SDs.  

      Thankfully I was lucky enough to find a 16GB micro SD card that has worked for nearly a year in my Focus, but my girlfriend settled on the standard 8GB because she didn’t want to deal with the unreliability of the added storage after losing all her pictures and data with a bad card during the first month.  I’ve noticed the micro SD slows the phone down a bit too since it’s nowhere near as fast as the built-in NAND.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UXH5HNCTFSTANWW4BLY777W72Q Chuck

    Hopefully Samsung won’t disappoint us like Nokia did!

    • http://twitter.com/oolong2 oolong2

      Nokia didn’t dissapoint at all. 

      IMO they exceeded expectations.   They started an amazing design trend which will continue through 2012.  Things like a front facing camera and larger display will be worked out when they introduce the US phones next year.   I think the US market cares more about those things than Europe.

      Keep in mind they are planning on releasing new phones every few months in 2012 not just the two they just showed and if they continue the design trend started with the Lumia then they will have an massive success on their hands.

      This season will be all about HTC and Samsung, but make no mistake about it…. 2012 will be all about Nokia.

    • OMG55

      The device design is the best out there. the only short comings are: Screen size, Storage capacity, and no FFC. Other wise, its seemless metal body is great.

    • Nuaccount

      It’s plastic…just saying.

    • ReturningToNokia

      Oh, Chuck!  Nokia didn’t disappoint.  Besides, if you are not in Europe, what do you care about what Nokia is doing for their European devices?

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UXH5HNCTFSTANWW4BLY777W72Q Chuck

      Because they didn’t show any devices for the US!  I want the Ace!  Plus the uber Camera was suppose to be the best but I’ve seen some comparision from iCNEToid and the Nokia didn’t do that well (regardless of angles and other conditions) and in browser tests didn’t fare too well.  I was just really hoping that Nokia would blow everybody away! I guess I had really high expectations from Nokia.  Awesome design but didn’t have the features I was hoping for. 

      One thing that nobody really pointed out that i’ve noticed on comparison reviews, the display looked so much better and clearer on Nokia vs the iPhone 4s.

  • Scott

    Some Tango tidbits, maybe? :P

  • Anonymous

    Verizon Sprint and TMobile WP7 announcements would be nice… 

    • Kplay12

      TMobile already announced that the HTC radar will be out on November 2nd

  • http://twitter.com/dustbeta Dustin Schultz

    This doesn’t make sense because the HTC Radar is going on sale November 2nd on T-Mobile.  So this can’t be to announce the launch of new devices in the USA.  Anyways, I just want a Focus S release date on AT&T.  But I am guessing it will not be available this year.  OEM’s and carriers are soooooo sloooowwwwwww.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_D6WUPKQ2XQANZT4VXR3NWK32YY Sam

      No way, they’re going to be available in November. 

  • Anonymous

    Please AT&T offer the Focus S with a free xbox 360.  I’m tired of lugging mine between my bedroom and basement.

  • Anonymous

    Skype Skype Skype Skype!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_L47EGRUIJEAZEBEXX6NY6B3ENY Republican 2012

    The Samsung focus S will have an options for a 16gb or 32gb storage. Best of the phone it will have a MicroSD Card slot which make it for more storage to add :) I cant wait to get the Samsung Focus S

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Matthews/100000189923615 James Matthews

    I’d be happy with an annoucement that the Focus S will also be coming to T-Mobile.  Come, we have 1 new phone and AT&T not only gets 3 but all 3 are better then the Radar.  GIVE US SOMETHING!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!

    • oiler_head

      At least T-Mobile and AT&T have new phones.  Take a look at the cold should Verizon is giving it WP7 users.  I guess its cozy up the ‘droid’s butt.

    • Acftootsie12

      Well that doesn’t surprise me considering the backlash they got about them steering people away from WP7 to Android systems. So then they probably shy away from them.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_D6WUPKQ2XQANZT4VXR3NWK32YY Sam

    How about they announce the Nokia Ace ;)

  • Anonymous

    If anyone keep record, Nov. 7 is supposed to be a big day for Windows Phone, regardless of this event, right?

  • Anonymous

    +1 Verizon announcement please…  Think of the kittens, damn it.

  • Anonymous

    Why do I fear this will only be an Att thing. Sprint seems to not care about WP7 and that’s a shame.

    • Acftootsie12

      No they were all concerned about getting the iPhone 4S. That’s probably why.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QB54FWZXWYYLG2MAFW4LMC45E4 BIG L..

    Good to see that they are capitalizing on that NY Times article.. Whatever they announce.. Folks will LISTEN!! 

  • Bigmase2005

    Yes! Some WP7 U.S announcements! Can’t wait!

  • Ray Stevens

    Tom, has Microsoft started inviting you to MS events? This site is pretty popular. Did you get invited to this event?

  • http://www.twitter.com/wixostrix WixosTrix

    Windows Phone hearts New York, awwww

  • Anonymous

    typically “big” in windows phone speak means… we are putting into action something we announced ages ago… Not saying they couldn’t pull off a surprise announcement but I wouldn’t count on it.

    Not to mention Windows Phone is leaky as could be… they can’t keep secrets

  • Ahmedshuhaib

    Tango is also on November 7th,so I think it is also a App Day.

  • Anonymous

    If the Focus S really has 32 GB memory as an option I will be shocked. Excited but shocked.

    • Acftootsie12

      Yeah they need to step their game up in capacity now that iPhone is up to 64 GB. It might not seem like a big deal but it is to us audiophiles that have a lot of content.

  • http://twitter.com/pdangcil Paul Dangcil

    i want that Titan, but that AT&T logo can go!!!

  • http://twitter.com/hoyoungw Hoyoung Won

    THATS MY BIRTHDAY!!!

  • Anonymous

    Verizon has another two years of my life if they release a new device with a halfway decent rear camera and a FFC. Hell, I’ll ignore the lack of FFC if the device is a Lumia 800.

  • Bebewanna

    How about before they are sooooooo happy about announcing new phones they get the features we all needed in the first place added to the phones…………

    between their office live to 365 screwing everyone and releasing the WP7 in the first place as a 2nd rate phone, maybe for once it might be good for them to take a deep breath and make good on what they already have done…..