Despite its rough edges, Microsoft's new smartphone operating system, Windows Phone 7, is compelling in that it offers a fresh look.  Much like Google's Android operating system broke from the mold of trying to clone Apple's iOS, Microsoft is offering a decidedly different look with its new smartphone OS.

A site named Pocket-Lint, which specializes in mobile news, is quoting multiple sources as saying that Windows Phone 7 will launch October 11.  According to the site, the new platform will have a launch event in New York City and will stream video of the event around the world.

One source is quoted as saying, "I'm told WP7 will be announced officially in early October. The exact date will have to come from Microsoft."

Microsoft has not confirmed the date -- though it has said in the past that it will likely launch WP7 products in October.  That window is further validated by the recent release to developers of an RTM build of the new OS.

If the launch event in NYC is indeed confirmed, it would be a relatively new approach for the Redmond, Washington-based company whose mobile products have often arrived with less fanfare, often being unveiled at industry trade shows or smaller events.  It does closely follow Apple's marketing strategy, though -- to put on flashy, highly publicized launch events in one of America's largest cities.

Microsoft will bring a variety of hardware partners, including ASUS, Dell, HTC, LG, and Samsung.  That strong multi-OEM support may help the company gain ground against Research in Motion (makers of the BlackBerry smartphones), Apple, and Google.

So far, only a couple WP7 products have been officially unveiled.  Several months ago Dell announced its upcoming "Lightning" WP7 phone, the companion to its Android handset "Thunder".  And at the IFA trade show in Berlin, South Korean electronics manufacturer LG officially unveiled the LG E900, another WP7 smartphone.

Microsoft has also put together a pretty impressive video game lineup for launch, drawing on its success in the console gaming industry.

For those intrigued by the new and different, keep your eyes peeled in October, it should be an interesting month for the smartphone industry.