A few days ago, we heard reports that Dell's entry in to the world of Windows Phone 7, the Venue Pro, had been plagued with some issues that rendered it unable to connect to secure WiFi networks. This morning, Dell posted an explanation on their Direct2Dell blog, explaining that the WiFi problem stems from a "software glitch" during manufacturing that has affected the initial shipments of Venue Pros. Some customers also reported getting Venue Pros with batteries labeled "Engineering Sample," although Dell has assured everyone that the batteries are indeed production quality and that they've simply been mislabeled. If you've encountered either the WiFi or battery problems, Dell has said that you can take your Venue Pro into a Microsoft store and exchange it for a new unit beginning at the end of next week.
Things have definitely been a little rocky for Windows Phone 7 since its launch, but here's to hoping that things pick up. One thing that could probably help is if the Venue Pro were sold in T-Mobile stores alongside the HTC HD7. For some reason, Dell's WP7 phone is only sold from Microsoft (and its extremely limited retail locations) right now, while Dell's own website will begin offering the device on the 15th. There's no word when, or even if, T-Mobile stores will carry the Venue Pro, but as it stands now, the VP is destined to follow the same fate as the Nexus One: a great-looking device with less-than-stellar sales because customers aren't able to actually get hands-on time at a brick and mortar store.