The clock is ticking for Microsoft to deliver Windows Phone 8 handsets in time for the holidays, and as many have mused the company might be getting too close to Christmas for comfort. Now The Verge has come out with a report, claiming that Microsoft really is falling behind.

Citing well informed sources, The Verge says that initially Windows Phone 8 was supposed to launch in early October and, surprisingly enough, before Windows 8. However, recent reports have pointed to October 29th as the new launch date which is a few weeks later than internal plans. What was the cause of this apparent delay? "Delays and bugs during testing," have been made the main culprit and the report even singles out HTC for having a harder time than Nokia and Samsung. That could be why we have to wait until next week to see HTC's first Windows Phone 8 handsets.

In order to make sure the phones are released on time, The Verge tells us that Microsoft is "working closely" with carriers to make sure their own testing process isn't as time consuming. Yes carrier testing is nearly upon us because the site reports that Microsoft could be ready to sign off on the final build of software this week. Also recall that Microsoft is prepping the Preview SDK release for next Wednesday as well.

All of this confirms some of our fears if true, but at the same time it appears Microsoft will be able to barely make the cut in time for the holidays. It will be critical for Microsoft to get these devices out on time, but also to make sure everything really is complete and bug-free. We'll just have to see how the gamble pays off later this year.

Source: The Verge