Speculation about the imminent release of the Windows Phone 7 has been rampant. The release of new commercials from Microsoft has only added to the rumor mill.
The original date most were guessing at was October 11, which is when Microsoft will be holding their annual event in New York City. That event, however, is not where the Windows 7 Phone will be released, says WindowsPhoneSecrets blogger Paul Thurrott. Citing inside sources, he says it will be on November 8.
That triggered a firestorm of re-blogging by others, including Electronista, parroting Thurrott’s claims. Otherwise, however, no corroboration has been given. Of course, Microsoft hasn’t begun advertising the phone yet, so it’s possible that Thurrott is correct. MS usually has their advertising up front and hitting hard right before anything major happens. The fact that those commercials haven’t aired yet could be a sign that the date is still a little way off.
Which brings us to the commercials themselves. They were leaked in somewhat raw form earlier this week to YouTube and spread quickly by Sunday morning. They are a step away from the usual Microsoft marketing fare, focusing on the human element rather than the gadget itself. On the other hand, putting the idea that something from Microsoft is going to create something revolutionary is a little, umm.. hard to swallow.
Here’s one of those commercials:
