A new report out from BusinessWeek has Verizon Wireless, the largest U.S. wireless carrier aiming to release two phones from Microsoft, around May or June, two people with knowledge of companies' plans spoke about.
The phones would be targeted toward the teenage age group with easy access to social-networking sites, and would provide keyboards for text messaging, according to one of the sources. The phones would be made by Sharp Corp. and carry the Microsoft and Verizon Wireless brands, said the other source.
Prior to now, Microsoft has usually taken the approach of providing its mobile Windows software up to phone manufacturers, rather than providing its own. The approach is similar to what Google took with its Nexus One which utilizes the company's Android software. The move is an attempt by Microsoft to get back some market share that the iPhone took from Windows customers. However, the approach is somewhat different where Google's phone is only available directly from Google, Microsoft's would be sold by Verizon.
Microsoft exec Robbie Batch said in January that it would be "very, very difficult" for Google to sell its own phone while keeping manufacturers happy and carriers for other Android handsets happy. Reps from Verizon, Microsoft and Sharp all declined to comment. The phone stemmed off from a Microsoft project which was code named "Pink."
Image courtesy of Gizmodiva.com
AbbieX
June 15, 2010 at 2:55am
Many individuals have really grown so dependent on their cell phones especially the teenagers, that if one breaks or a new phone goes out in the market they take out a pay day loan to purchase one. Well, on June 19 they won't need to simply because T-Mobile is giving away totally free phones. They're giving away any telephone in their store when you sign up for a new contract. if this rumor is true or not has yet to come out, but a couple of with the newest versions of intelligent phones for free is worth my time to a minimum of try.
The_Quintessent...
March 05, 2010 at 3:52pm
Get back some market share that iPhone stole from Windows customers? Whatever…
Microsoft, stop crying and do something!
cemccon
March 05, 2010 at 8:20am
Oh, No. I hope this doesn't reshape the mobile landscape such that the mobile phone hardware / mobile service provider relationships do NOT firm up to the point that AT&T has only Apple, Verizon has only Microsoft, T-Mobile has only GOOGLE / Andriod, etc. Wouldn't that suck? THat's like being forced to choose a resturant that has only good food or good service, but not both. I wish the Government would step in and MANDATE that ALL MOBILE PHONES / DEVICES available in the USA WORK ON EACH AND EVERY MOBILE NETWORK. Period.
