Microsoft, AT&T set Windows Phone 7 date

Mark your calendars, smartphone fans, as the debut of the first Windows Phone 7 devices is nigh. Microsoft just sent out formal invitations for an October 11 press conference in New York to be co-hosted by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega. The event will begin at 6:30 a.m. PT, and will be followed by an open house, at which Microsoft will showcase its current portfolio of products.
It's no surprise that AT&T will take center stage with Microsoft, as the carrier was named a preferred partner from the very beginning and ads for the HTC Mondrian have already leaked onto the Web. However, according to the meeting agenda, T-Mobile representatives will also be on hand to show off that company's Windows Phone 7 handsets and services. Remember, LG, HTC, and Samsung have all received FCC approval for their smartphones.
The question remains of when the handsets will actually be available for purchase.