An inadvertent leak on Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 website suggests that AT&T will offer the Samsung Focus starting November 8th. Similar to the HTC Mondrian leak, this Microsoft-generated leak reveals an AT&T-branded handset in Windows Phone 7 attire. Interestingly enough, the handset in the advertisement bears a striking resemblance to the Samsung Cetus. The Cetus should be familiar to everyone as it has been certified by Bluetooth SIG, spotted in the wild, and approved by the FCC.
While the Focus does resemble the Cetus, it is possible that the Focus is a similar but slightly different handset. An earlier roadmap leak suggests that AT&T is launching a phone with name of Cetus as revealed in the WP7 advertising below.
That same source also stated that AT&T would be launching the Focus, the HTC Surround, and three other WP7 handsets when Windows Phone 7 handsets hit the retail shelves in November. If this tipster is correct, then Samsung has both the Cetus and Focus on tap to launch with AT&T which would be great news. Unfortunately, it is equally likely that the tipster is wrong and the Cetus is the internal codename for this Samsung phone and the Focus is its retail name.
Thankfully, all speculation should come to an end when Microsoft kicks off Windows Phone 7 on October 11th. Microsoft-sponsored events are being held around the world including one in NYC. In addition to launch dates, we are expecting information on a slew of handsets from the five hardware launch partners which include Samsung, HTC, Asus, Dell, and LG. Carriers should also be releasing their handset lineup in the upcoming days so hopefully we will have names (Focus?), images, and prices to share. We are going on-site in NYC reporting it live so come back bright and early on Monday for all the coverage. Anyone excited for Microsoft’s big launch?
[Via Engadget]