Microsoft looking to launch iPhone rival on Verizon's network
Microsoft Corp. plans to take aim at Apple's iPhone with its own version of a touch-screen handset that could launch on Verizon's network sometime early in 2010, according to a report published just minutes ago by the Wall Street Journal.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the financial publication said the two companies are currently discussing possible terms of the deal. It adds that Microsoft has been working on its own touch-screen smartphone hardware under the code-name "Pink."
The project would reportedly leverage and then extend upon Microsoft's existing Windows Mobile operating system, adding new capabilities that would undoubtedly mirror many of Apple's advances in the mobile space, including the Windows Marketplace for Mobile -- a clone of Apple's App Store.
"While Microsoft is involved in the design of the phone's software and hardware,*a third-party*is expected to*make the device, just as Google Inc. has worked closely with partners to make handsets based on its Android operating system," the report says. No further details were reported.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the financial publication said the two companies are currently discussing possible terms of the deal. It adds that Microsoft has been working on its own touch-screen smartphone hardware under the code-name "Pink."
The project would reportedly leverage and then extend upon Microsoft's existing Windows Mobile operating system, adding new capabilities that would undoubtedly mirror many of Apple's advances in the mobile space, including the Windows Marketplace for Mobile -- a clone of Apple's App Store.
"While Microsoft is involved in the design of the phone's software and hardware,*a third-party*is expected to*make the device, just as Google Inc. has worked closely with partners to make handsets based on its Android operating system," the report says. No further details were reported.
Comments
No wonder their stock is stuck in the gutter-innovation is something that has seemed to fled them many years ago.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, M$ must really LOVE APPLE
The project would reportedly leverage and then extend upon Microsoft's existing Windows Mobile operating system
Right there, that's when the project garnered a guaranteed fail.
HT
The question really is: how much corporate meddling from the other side harms the end result.
And an iphone competitor is just too high-profile. Even if they could build something that wasn't just a glossy coat of paint on stock Mobile 7, it'd wind up gimped by policy decisions and partner deals like the Zune.
Unbelievable. MS is the biggest case of "wannabe" I have ever seen in my life.
If it is true I do hope industry and consumers realize what MS is all about.
MSs business model is a failure in my opinion, and it is becoming more and more evident each day.
So they'll be explaining to Verizon that they make a much better partner than those dirty fucking hippies over at Apple, because, why, yes, they'd be more than happy to have their phone do exactly what Verizon would like, look however Verizon would like, and use whatever services Verizon deems appropriate.
Which is actually the difference between Apple and MS, in a nutshell, and why Apple isn't selling a phone on Verizon, at the moment.
Pls grant me a trade mark on that one!
If this was not so pathetic it would be laughable. Or in Mr Balmers own words "we are going to give our users a more Mac like experience". I suppose he forgot that to do so he would have to copy mac again. Really it is quite sad. By the way what is the name of this device Zune Phone.
HT
This is more then just 'Apple is cool and Microsoft copies them' comment. This is, Microsoft is now officially a very 'goofed' up company that they can't take on a single category of anything and produce an innovative useful product.
I remember Ballmer's disdain for the iPhone. Instead of just saying, 'Yeah. It looks like a cool product, but I'm not sure it will work in the market place. But I give them credit for innovating and creating an ENTIRELY new space in the US market.'
Instead he yelled and spouted hyperbole and acted like it meant nothing. No matter if you like Apple or hate them, the iPhone completely changed the cell phone market overnight.
Microsoft released The Zune.
Which is actually the difference between Apple and MS, in a nutshell, and why Apple isn't selling a phone on Verizon, at the moment.
but Apple wont fall to verizon demands hence adding v-cast to the iphone. Microsoft well let verizon run the show, and when there is no profit, microsoft will play the blame game. love how they do business
Maybe those negotiations between Verizon and Apple aren't going so well.
uhm, why? a cell phone carrier cannot have different brands of phones? look at vodafone or t-mobile (in eu), they carry all of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRLRjKCGHek
And what's up with 'Pink'?
If you're going to copy Apple, at least don't copy the parts that failed.
...the iPhone completely changed the cell phone market overnight.
Microsoft released The Zune.
I love how you ended your post...
Everybody rejected the dell phone. why is this future piece of shit going to be any different?
anyway, I can't wait to see it, see how badly it sells, see how many problems it has, etc.
does anybody wonder how apple continually and totally recreates whatever it develops?
RIM, a company of faceless and clueless suits, thought making tiny changes to tiny keys was innovation.
Microsoft Corp. plans to take aim at Apple's iPhone with its own version of touch-screen handset ...
Or ....
It could be that the three, mutually incompatible, somewhat-ridiculous-on-the-face-of-it, news stories we have heard in regards Verizon in the last week are all just stuff spewed out by Verizon in order to get some press and make us believe they aren't dead?
OOoooohhhh- a ZuneFune!
Zunefune LOL
First of all, I doubt there's any truth to this. Microsoft has stated for months now they won't make the phone, they'll make the software. Companies like samsung and HTC make the hardware.
Secondly, even if Microsoft DID attempt at a good phone, WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THAT PEOPLE? Apple ignited competition! That's awesome. Instead of bashing anyone who comes along and tries to step up to said competition, you should embrace it and hope it drives Apple to deliver an even better product.
Seriously, the level of contempt you people have for Microsoft amazes me. I know they fuck up, but reasoning around here is starting to go beyond facts and more like mere opinion driven by other hateful comments.
Don't hate on competition, embrace it. Root for Microsoft, hope they deliver, because in the long run you'll profit from it.
Or ....
It could be that the three, mutually incompatible, somewhat-ridiculous-on-the-face-of-it, news stories we have heard in regards Verizon in the last week are all just stuff spewed out by Verizon in order to get some press and make us believe they aren't dead?
Sounds more plausible to be honest.