Microsoft has remained fairly tight lipped on Windows Phone 8 availability and features so far. The software maker unveiled the latest mobile operating system during a special Windows Phone Summit in late June, but refused to say when devices would hit the market aside from "this fall." ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley has some rumored dates from one source that suggest Windows Phone 8 may Release to Manufacturing (RTM) during September, with devices on shelves in November.

Foley says the dates are just a rumor from one particular source, so they could be incorrect, but if they're accurate then they indicate that Microsoft may not be planning a combined launch of Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 in October after all. Nokia CEO Stephen Elop is anticipating a "bold and aggressive marketing campaign for Windows 8" when it launches later this year, one that he hopes will boost Lumia and Windows Phone sales — but the company might have to wait until November to see the rewards. Nokia, Samsung, HTC, and Huawei will all introduce the first Windows Phone 8 compatible devices, featuring multi-core processors from Qualcomm.