'Windows phones' coming Oct. 6

Phones running Microsoft's new Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system will hit the market Oct. 6, the company said this morning -- setting a date for what it hopes will be the beginning of the revival of its mobile software and services business, along with the surrounding ecosystem of mobile phones.

The launch will mark the debut of the new "Windows Phone" brand, along with the new My Phone synchronization service and the Windows Marketplace for Mobile, Microsoft's attempt to rival Apple's App store for the iPhone. The company this morning released this list of partners who have committed to support Windows Mobile 6.5...