Windows Phone 7 goes on sale

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

(Via Telegraph UK) Today sees debut of the brand new Windows Phone 7 operating system on five different handsets to choose from at launch. Among them are the Samsung Omnia 7, complete with a vibrant Super AMOLED screen, and the HTC HD7 which features a 4.3in display and a kickstand to rest the phone when watching videos. Also available at launch are LG's Optimus 7 and two other offerings from HTC, the 7 Mozart and the 7 Trophy.Microsoft has specified a set of minimum specifications to which all Windows Phone 7 handsets must adhere, including at least 8GB of memory and a five-megapixel camera.

Five of the major phone networks will carry the handsets, which will be available on a variety of tariffs. The Omnia 7 will be available on Three, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone, while the HD7 is only available on O2, and the HTC 7 Mozart is exclusive to Orange, while the HTC 7 Trophy is only available on Vodafone.

Windows Phone 7 is Microsoft's attempt to reinvent its smartphone operating system to better compete with the likes of Apple's iPhone and Google Android devices. It features a slick new interface and some critics believe it could pose a genuine threat the other operating systems.

Stephen Fry sung Windows Phone 7's praises at the launch event in London last week, insisting he wasn't being paid to heap praise on Apple's traditional rival.