Win7 Mobile is expected in October and pre-launch phones are fast and easy to use

Last week the pundits were counting Microsoft out of the smartphone market. Microsoft has roared to life today with prototypes of the Win7 Samsung phone. The phones are smooth and fast, according to the videos. They are also more intuitive than the widgets in Apple’s iOS. For instance you can take a picture or video and send it to someone without turning the phone on first. That’s cool. For a detailed preview, see ZDNET Microsoft Windows Phone 7 technical preview: A definitive guide