Though details surrounding the launch of Windows Phone 7 are still sketchy, Microsoft has finally revealed a list of manufacturers that will be producing the first line of handsets for the much-awaited OS. According to reports, there are five manufacturers that have been working closely with Microsoft to try and meet the 4^th quarter launch target; they are HTC, LG, Samsung, Asus and Dell.

Dell Lightning - one of the first phones with Windows Phone 7

Some of these companies are no stranger to Microsoft. At some point, most have released phones powered by the now defunct Windows Mobile. However, the mobile phones scene has changed drastically the last few years – where phone makers seem to gravitate more toward Android. So the ball is now in Microsoft’s park – and it remains to be seen if Microsoft can win them over with the new Windows Phone 7 platform.

Some company, like Dell, has earlier in the year shared details of their upcoming Windows Phone 7 – such as the Dell Lightning, which is a slider phone with a QWERTY keyboard. Further, thousands of prototype phones from LG, Samsung and Asus are already in developers’ hands to encourage mobile apps.

Following the surge of iPhone, Blackberry and Android-based smart phones – Microsoft is in an unusual position of playing catch up with the big guns. So it will be interesting to see how the new crop of phones will turn out – in the face of fierce competition.