From what we've heard about the development process of Windows Phone 7, rumors about the OS predated its earliest seeds. How? The secret lies deep underground in Redmond, buried with a little project called Photon.

The first time Microsoft mentioned apps today, it was to mock Apple, and they completely nailed what's wrong with the iPhone app metaphor. But apps define the smartphone experience, so what's the plan for Windows Phone 7? It's... coming together.

Windows Phone 7 snuck up on the world today, but having played with it, I'll tell you Microsoft is putting all its muscle behind this. No matter who you root for, to be anything short of impressed is stupid.

It's a time commitment, no doubt. But if you REALLY want to know more about Windows Phone 7, MSDN posted a 22-minute tour with Joe Belfiore (VP of Windows Phone Program Management) explaining each of the features.

With the announcement of Windows Phone 7, Microsoft's made it clear that they're finally—and truly—getting back into the game. They also brutally kneecapped their existing phone software, effectively taking Microsoft out of mobile for the next six months.

Apple may have the iPhone, but the iPhone doesn't have the Xbox. Today, Microsoft leveraged their most compelling entertainment asset, the Xbox 360, into Windows Phone 7 Series. But what does this mean, practically speaking?

As we see in this first ever video, the Windows Phone 7 interface is filled with simple, beautiful animations not so dissimilar to the Zune HD. UPDATE:

Steve Ballmer. Aggressive. Unpredictable. Highly territorial. He'll be unveiling Windows Phone 7 today, Microsoft's smartphone that looks every bit as bold as Ballmer. And you can watch the press conference live starting at 9am Eastern right here:

Behold! Windows Phone 7. Someone wasn't quite careful enough with his last minute update of this MWC signage and a passerby managed to snap this first glimpse of the WP7 interface, featuring bold, rectangular icons and Xbox integration.