Microsoft confirms Windows Phone 7 launch for 11 October

Looks to ship updated mobile operating system in time for Christmas

Windows Phone 7 is not expected to support copy and paste on release

Microsoft has confirmed that it will release its much-anticipated Windows Phone 7 operating system at launch events in London and New York on 11 October.

The London event is scheduled to start at 2:30pm BST. The agenda is yet to be confirmed but handsets from various manufacturers are likely to be part of the presentation.

Samsung is the latest vendor to confirm that it will produce Windows Phone 7 handsets. HTC, Dell and Asus are all also expected to release devices.

Reports suggest that handsets with the latest Microsoft mobile operating system could be available in Europe as early as 21 October, as the software giant looks to regain a foothold in the smartphone market.

Windows Phone 7 is Redmond’s attempt at redesigning its mobile platform after Windows Mobile failed to compete with Apple's iOS4 and Google's Android operating systems. Microsoft will be hoping that the new user interface and social networking components of Windows Phone 7 will go down favourably with users.

However, a complete revamp has posed its own problems as the operating system is not expected to support copy and paste and wireless tethering on release.

With eagerly awaited Android 2.2 Froyo handsets in the form of the HTC Desire HD and Z devices due to hit the market at the same time, the latest Windows OS faces tough competition and is not guaranteed to be an instant success.