WP7 exceeding expectations in Europe

There has been speculation in both directions about the success of Windows Phone 7. Some said it was a game-changer for Microsoft's mobile efforts, and some thought it wouldn't be enough to compete with Google and Apple.

Its fate in Europe, at least, is looking good. German publication n-TV.de reports that O2 sold out of their stock of HTC HD7's. In its limited time on the market, O2 has already sold around 80,000 of HTC's 4.3-inch WP7 devices. O2 is reported to be waiting expectantly for another shipment.

Vodafone Germany is also reporting strong demand for their WP7 offerings. Their HTC 7 Mozart and Samsung Omnia 7 pre-orders are exceeding their expectations. Vodafone has been forced to increase their stock orders to compensate for WP7's popularity.

The same German publication projects sales of Windows Phone 7 devices in Germany to reach six figures in the first 3 months. This success, either unexpected or expected, should silence some of the critics who predicted a dead-in-the-water launch.

Even so, Windows Phone 7's fresh face and marketing blitz might not be enough to compete with Android and iOS. This holiday season is full of fierce and diverse smartphone competitors. Will it be Android, the iPhone, or Windows Phone 7 that steals the holiday show? Maybe patient consumers will wait for the CDMA iPhone in Q1 of 2011? Tell us what you think!

source: DropNews via WMPoweruser