SAN FRANCISCO – Coming on the heels of
its launch of Windows 8 and the Surface tablet, Microsoft has scheduled
an event in San Francisco to kick off its new software for mobile
phones.
On Friday, Microsoft started selling the Windows 8 operating system
for desktops, laptops and tablet computers. Machines with Windows 8
started going on sale as well.
'I can't wait to show you how we've really reinvented the smartphone.'
- Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
That operating system borrowed its look from Windows Phone, meaning
Microsoft now has a unified look across PCs and phones -- at least if
people take to Windows 8. The company has also made it easy for
developers to create software that runs on both systems with minor
modifications.
Monday's event, at an arena in San Francisco, is devoted to Windows Phone 8.
The first phones from Nokia, Samsung and HTC are expected to hit
store shelves next month, though many details on prices, carriers and
exact dates aren't available yet. Microsoft may announce some of that
Monday. CEO Steve Ballmer hinted at Monday's event when he spoke at a
Windows 8 kick-off event Thursday.
"I can't wait to show you how we've really reinvented the smartphone around you," Ballmer said.
Windows Phone 8 will face heavy competition from the iPhone and devices
running Google's Android software. People who already have Windows
phones won't be able to upgrade to the new version