Windows Phone 7 coming October 21st, LG Optimus 7 revealed

Whoops. Just hours before Microsoft officially reveals the launch date and debut devices of its Windows Phone 7 platform, at events being held around the world today, LG and Telstra have jumped the gun on their own announcements.

Australian mobile operator Telstra has adorned its windows with some huge interactive displays, featuring the new OS and the device’s official launch date: October 21st. That’s next Thursday.

LG also slipped early by revealing its upcoming handset, the LG Optimus 7, on its website. The device, which has often been trotted out at WP7 themed events and videos, has now been announced officially.

The pint size 125 x 59.8 x 11.5mm device has a 3.8-inch WVGA screen. Under the hood it's packing 16GB of storage, a Bluetooth antenna, GPS, and sensors for acceleration, proximity, compass, and light.

Around the back is a 5MP camera, with 720p video shooting. It can also capture 360 degree panorama photos, if you’re so inclined.

As with Android, phone manufacturers and carriers get a chance to have their say on the device’s operating system.

LG has thrown on some of its own apps, including voice-to-text on Facebook, Twitter and email, as well as barcode scanning price matcher Scan Search. Whether or not you’ll be able to delete those tiles, has yet to be seen.