Microsoft to build own Windows Phone 8 smartphone, should Apple worry?
It’s been a busy week for Microsoft following the launch of its iPad-competing Microsoft Surface Tablet and the next generation of Windows Phone. Word is Microsoft is planning to go one step further by building its own Windows Phone 8 device to go with its operating system. If true, we could soon see the first genuine iPhone rival, in a rekindling of the classic Microsoft/Apple rivalry.
It could happen. Microsoft has after all, just announced not one, but two of its own tablets, made with Microsoft-branded hardware.
It seems speculation about a Microsoft-made smartphone are already flying. Nomura analyst Rick Sherlund believes there is some substance to them.
Windows Phone 8: the next generation of Windows Phone unveiled
“Separately, our industry sources tell us that Microsoft may be working with a contract manufacturer to develop their own handset for Windows Phone 8,” he said, adding that it is far from confirmed that it is for Microsoft-branded handset, but the possibility would not be a surprise.
“We would not be surprised if Microsoft were to decide to bring their own handset to market next year given that Microsoft has decided to bring to market their own Windows 8 ‘Surface’ tablet/PC products.”
Taking into account Microsoft has already outed its own brand tablet, and Microsoft is making money through software, a step into smartphone hardware does look a likely step. Just like Apple makes money from both, so too could Microsoft on the smartphone side.
Microsoft would of course still be competing with the likes of Samsung, HTC, and even Nokia, but with a suite of smartphone software, and an operating system already in place, and the ability to create stunning hardware such as the Microsoft Surface Tablet, it surely is only a matter of time. The we’d see a real iPhone competitor. Do you agree? Send us your thoughts.
Microsoft Surface tablet unveiled: iPad has a serious new rival
User comments (2)
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Hugh22 June 2012
The MS Surface looks interesting (especially the keyboard covers), but there were no prices, no-one was allowed to use the covers, and it seemed liked a rushed announcement to pre-empt Google. They are also only going to be sold on MS website and in their 20 stores in the US. Hmmm. Zune anyone? Also, Windows Phone 8 might be good on new handsets, but anyone moaning that not all the features of iOS6 will run on their 3 year-old iPhone 3GS should feel lucky. How many current Windows Phone handsets will be able to run the new OS? None. Zero. Zilch. Not even the brand new flagship Lumia 900. I guess MS says tough luck to anyone who just ponied up for a 2 year contract on that one ...
Report as inappropriatet23 June 2012
"First genuine iphone rival" is getting a bit boring now. Especialy since its how everything flagship is described. Samsung has overtqken apple recently in the mobile phone world so they should be seen as the one to beat. The iphone was a new window for developers now its fallen behind and is an overpriced mid-range smartphone. Look at the note 2 that is the new forefront of smartphones. Its like the motor industry mercedes started it but volkswagen are leading it.
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