The first set of Windows Phone 8 devices are scheduled for a September launch, with Nokia leading the charge. Shortly after, Windows 8 and supported devices will take to store shelves in an effort to keep Microsoft on track in a rapidly changing market. Rumors have surrounded Samsung's plan for Windows Phone 8, and recent leaks appear to have revealed not only the pricing but also the specifications of the upcoming Samsung devices.

Reports first popped up in July about Samsung's plans to launch two Windows Phone 8 handsets in 2012, but details on their capabilities were nonexistent, leaving gadget fans to speculate..

According to GSM Arena, Samsung's Windows Phone 8-based smartphones will be called Marco and Odyssey. Both are powerful, and one has been called a Windows Phone version of the Galaxy S3; this can only mean good things for the platform going forward, since a lack of powerful devices was among the main reasons Windows Phone 7 failed to materialize in any meaningful way.

The Samsung I8370, called the Marco will be the cheaper of the two devices at $431. Specifications are as follows:

• A 4.0-inch Super AMOLED WVGA screen
• A dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor
• A 5 MP rear and a 1.9MP front camera.
• 8 GB internal storage expandable via a microSD slot

The Samsung I8570, called the Odyssey, is the higher-end version at $738, although the two devices differ only in screen size, camera, and internal memory. The 18570 features:

• 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD screen
• 1.5 GHz dual-core Krait
• 8MP rear and 1.9MP front camera
• 16 or 32 GB internal storage expandable via a microSD slot

Nokia is gearing up to showcase its own Windows Phone 8 handsets on September 5; the Finnish giant has a lot of work to do if it wishes to maintain control of the Windows Phone 8 market.