The rise of Android has been meteoric, it recently over took iPhone sales in the US and reports say a staggering 100,000 new Android phones are being activated each day worldwide. But there is a competitor on the horizon with the imminent release of the Windows Phone 7, which is lined up to hit the market in October.

Initial plans from Microsoft had the Windows Phone 7 lined up for a release last year, but delays meant that it was held off until this year, with Windows Phone 6.5 released in the interim.

Microsoft’s intentions for Windows Phone 7 are to create an operating system with an intuitive user interface that can’t be modified or replaced by unofficial partners, unlike Google’s operating system, but on a level with apple. It will also come complete with some exclusive Microsoft content like Xbox Live for Windows Phone 7 that will allow you to access features like gamers’ score, leaderboards, Spotlight and multiplayer gaming, although the latter will not come with launch.

The team at Techradar recently got some time to try out the new platform and concluded “the slick, intuitive feeling is there from the moment you touch the phone, which will please the consumers that just pick up the phone in-store” making it perfect for those new to smartphones.

The big question remains – do we need another mobile platform? I for one am looking forward to the release of Windows Mobile 7 – Microsoft are massive in the personal computer market and a foray into the smartphone market is logical, not to mention competition in the market can only make manufacturers strive for better, which is great for the consumer!

Read the full hands-on review from Techradar here