Microsoft officially plans first wave of phones with Windows 7

Microsoft will attempt to become a bigger player in the world of mobile phones.  The computer company has set Oct. 11 as the date when phones will hit the market arm featuring Windows 7, according to the Wall Street Journal.  CEO Steve Ballmer says his company's plan is much different now when they released the Kin earlier this year.  The Microsoft-designed phone was a dud, and was pulled off store shelves after two months.

Ballmer is very optimistic about these phones, calling them a "big opportunity" for Microsoft.  During the press conference, he discussed the possibility of Microsoft-made handsets, as well as direct competition.

The phones will cost more than a Blackberry, but the service fees are expected to be cheaper.  Microsoft's goal is to try and wrestle away the power that iPhones and Droids currently enjoy in the Smartphone market.