The next generation Windows Mobile operating system ‘Windows Phone 7’ has been officially announced in Microsoft & AT&T Press Conference today. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled Windows Phone 7 global portfolio with 9 new handsets from leading mobile operators in Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Australia.

Windows Phone 7 is new platform of Windows Mobile, built from scratch by Microsoft and delivers a new user experience by integrating the things users really want to do, creating a balance between getting work done and having fun.

Windows mobile platform introduced in 2000 and in later years, it became the most dominant platform in smartphone market. But things changed dramatically when Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android were introduced. After releasing Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft decided to let traditional smartphone approach and  started working on a brand new operating system for mobile phones that is HD enabled, Multi-touch support and integration with XBOX Live, Zune, Flicker, Face book and Bing Services.

Windows Phone 7 will make its debut in European markets on Oct. 21 and in the U.S. Nov. 8