First 4G LTE Windows Phones Hit Stores, Help People Do Everyday Tasks Faster

REDMOND, Wash., April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark the launch of the first 4G LTE Windows Phones at AT&T,(1) including the highly anticipated Nokia Lumia 900, Microsoft Corp. is giving people what they crave most: more free time. Windows Phone has set up Free-Time Machines (FTMs) across the country to show how smartphones help people quickly and easily complete everyday tasks.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

A recent Wakefield Research survey found 91 percent of smartphone owners say their phone has saved them time. With this in mind, Windows Phone created FTMs to work like ATMs, but rather than issuing cash to consumers, they will dispense "free time" in the form of free grocery delivery, cleaning and dog-walking services, access to onsite personal concierges, or new Windows Phones to select prize winners.

"For the first time, artful engineering and design is merging with AT&T's lightning-fast 4G LTE network, resulting in a smartphone that can help people get everyday tasks done faster," said Terry Myerson, corporate vice president, Windows Phone, Microsoft. "The value of speed in a smartphone comes down to this: How can we save you time on the stuff that matters? The introduction of Free-Time Machines is a way to show people how Windows Phones can put a little time back in their day."

In places like New York's Bryant Park, San Francisco's Union Square and Chicago's Pioneer Court, FTMs will surprise attendees with unexpected time-saving experiences.

In New York, Kourtney Kardashian will free up one lucky winner's time by providing access to her hair stylist, makeup artist, car service and a personal shopper from Kardashian's clothing boutique, DASH. As a busy mom, Kardashian knows firsthand how having a smartphone that makes things fast and easy can help save you time in your day.

In San Francisco, San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis will make a special appearance to give one time-pressed winner some extra help for the day. Davis understands the importance of speed on and off the field and how having a fast smartphone helps you stay on top of your game.

Chicago-based chef Stephanie Izard will serve up free time and tasty food to one Chicago FTM user. As the James Beard Award-nominated executive chef and owner of restaurant Girl & the Goat, Izard appreciates how a speedy smartphone keeps her connected to her business and her fans.

In addition, FTMs will be staffed by Free-Time Engineers, on-call, on-site, time-saving concierges, who will take on winners' time-intensive tasks, such as standing in line for burgers and shakes in Manhattan, delivering lunch to an office in Chicago or holding a place in line for a cable car in San Francisco.

On sale now exclusively at AT&T, the new Nokia Lumia 900, $99.99 (U.S.)(2) raises the bar for smartphones, bringing together sleek design, the fast AT&T network and an effortless Windows Phone experience. The Nokia Lumia 900, named "Best of CES" by CNET for all smartphones, is available in an eye-catching cyan blue and a matte black, as well as in a high-gloss white version, which will go on sale April 22.

Not able to make it to the event? No problem! U.S. residents 18 and older can participate in the Free-Time Machine Instant Win Promotion online at http://www.freetimemachine.com. See website for Official Rules.

More information is available on the Windows Phone Blog at http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

(1) Coverage available in select markets. See carrier for details.

(2) Two-year voice agreement with qualifying monthly data plan required.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.