AT&T planning Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 launch, training dates set

AT&T Tablets

AT&T has big plans for Windows viii and Windows Telephone 8

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It looks like once more AT&T in the United States volition be taking the helm for Windows Telephone 8 and even Windows 8 come October and November. Windows Telephone Central has now confirmed data about AT&Ts upcoming plans, including employee-training dates for the big launch. The info comes via ii known and trusted sources who wish to remain anonymous to the public.

Outset up are Windows viii tablets. With Lenovo'south ThinkPad two officially having AT&T'southward LTE on lath, it'due south non too much of a surprise that the mobile carrier will be looking to sell the tablets in their store direct to customers. We were quoted the $799 price-tag by Lenovo last week for the 10.1" tablet and we're confident that yous volition exist able to pick one upwardly at that place come up October 26^th.

In improver, Acer and Samsung may also have tablets sold through AT&T eastward.thou. the ATIV Tab though we have even so to confirm pricing or whatsoever other details. We do know that AT&T was looking at these devices as candidates too though nosotros are not sure if they accept been picked up. These tablets along with the Lenovo volition exist on display in stores, presumably with a necktie in to Windows Phone 8.

WP Central

For those looking to buy Microsoft's Surface RT tablet, AT&T will of form not be a part of that for two reasons, one obvious, the other non so much. Kickoff, none of the Surface tablets accept as of now 4G capabilities, so AT&T would have no incentive to sell that device. Second, Microsoft is adamant about controlling the way the Surface is sold to customers, hence why just their official Stores will sell the device directly to the masses. We have evidence of an internal policy from Microsoft that in short says they don't trust the Best Purchase-type bondage to accurately represent and sell their products.

The other flake of information we take is that AT&T will have ii employee grooming dates: September 30^th and October 16^th. We've confirmed that these dates volition exist both for Windows 8 and Windows Phone eight preparation to familiarize store employees with the new terminology, branding and feature set.

Heading into speculation land, we reported before that AT&T was planning on launching the Nokia Lumia 920 on Oct 21^st. While this above information does not confirm that appointment nor add to information technology, it is curious that the 2d training engagement is on the 16^th. Had the date been post October 21^st, we could have at least downplayed that launch window for the Lumia 920. Instead, it may back up that data.

AT&T has yet to officially announce support for the Lumia 920 though it is widely expected. In add-on, the company will exist getting the HTC 8X reportedly in "early November" and we wouldn't put information technology past them to get the Samsung ATIV Southward too.