Samsung and LG to Launch Windows 7 Smartphones in Over 30 Countries

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, two of the world's largest mobile phone makers, have announced plans to launch smartphones running on Windows 7 in over 30 countries. The move comes as Microsoft struggles to regain lost market share in the global mobile market. The two companies will launch a total of seven models running on Windows 7, including Samsung's 4-inch Omnia 7 and LG's 3.5-inch Optimus 7, with some variants featuring Qwerty keyboards.

Key Takeaways:

  • Samsung will launch its Omnia 7 in France on October 21 and in other countries including Europe, Singapore, Australia, and the United States in coming months.
  • LG will release the Optimus 7 in Europe and Asia on October 21, with a 3.5-inch screen and Qwerty keyboard variants available in 30 countries.
  • AT&T will release the Samsung Focus and LG Optimus 7Q on November 21.
  • Microsoft's market share in the global mobile operating system market will plunge to 4.7 percent this year from 8.7 percent last year, according to market researcher Gartner Inc.
  • Seven models running on Windows 7 will be made available via 60 mobile carriers in 30 countries before the December holidays.
  • HTC and Dell will also launch smartphones based on the Windows 7 system before the Christmas holiday season.

Statistics:

  • 4.7%: Microsoft's projected market share in the global mobile operating system market this year (down from 8.7% last year)
  • 8.7%: Microsoft's market share in the global mobile operating system market last year
  • 7: Number of models running on Windows 7 that will be made available before the December holidays
  • 30: Number of countries where the Optimus 7 will be released
  • 60: Number of mobile carriers that will offer Windows 7 smartphones
  • 4-inch: Screen size of the Samsung Omnia 7
  • 3.5-inch: Screen size of the LG Optimus 7

Sources:

  • "Samsung, LG to launch smartphones running on Windows 7" by Asia Pulse (Oct 11)
  • "Microsoft losing market share in mobile market" by Yonhap (Nov 10)
  • "Gartner: Android Becomes Top Mobile OS, Windows Looks grim" by Gartner Inc. (Original date not specified)