The upcoming Windows Phone 8 operating system is big news right now with many people waiting for release news on the new platform, aka Apollo. Back in April we told how Windows 8 Apollo was now in internal testing, reinforcing rumors of a launch for the new OS later this year. However, news today suggests that Windows 8 could actually release as early as June 20, earlier than many had anticipated.
As well as news of Windows Phone 8 we’ve also been starting to hear details lately about some of the upcoming devices that may run on the new OS, such as from Nokia and Acer. However according to industry sources most branded smartphone manufacturers will wait to see how Windows Phone 8 is received before pressing ahead, after Windows Phone 7.5 proved to be less popular than expected.
These latest details come from a DigiTimes report, which also quotes the June 20 release date. However for now we’d warn against treating this as confirmation of a release for Windows Phone 8, as DigiTimes have a somewhat mixed record of accuracy on upcoming product developments. DigiTimes also states that for now, Microsoft will place its focus on Windows 8 and the tablets that will run it as it’s hoped that success here will spur people on to use the Windows Phone 8 smartphone platform.
The same ‘industry sources’ also said that the first manufacturers likely to release Windows Phone 8 smartphones will be Acer, Asustek, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Nokia and Samsung Electronics. We’re not quite sure how to greet the news of a possible June 20 release for Windows Phone 8. On the face of it we think it’s unlikely as we would have thought we’d have had more leaks on it by now. However, anything is possible so at the moment it’s a case of wait-and-see.
We shall, of course, bring you further news about Windows Phone 8 and its launch as soon as we hear more. We’d like your comments about Windows Phone 8. Do you think a swathe of devices running the next update to the OS can make the platform more popular or maybe you think Windows Phone devices will never truly catch on?