Like Apple, Microsoft rumored to be creating tablet
Just as they compete in numerous other markets, Microsoft and Apple could be going head to head with new touchscreen tablet devices in the near future, if a new rumor proves true.
ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley said she has received a number of tips that the Windows Maker is at work on a tablet device, part of something known as "Alchemy Ventures." She speculated that Microsoft would likely wait to show off the hardware until after Apple unveils its own long-rumored tablet device.
Rumored to be a part of the team are Chief Experience Officer J Allard, as well as one executive from the Microsoft Surface team.
"No word on whether Microsoft will field a Microsoft-branded Surface/Tablet combo or rely on one or more hardware partners to produce multiple designs," Foley wrote.
Though it has not been confirmed by the Cupertino, Calif., company, Apple is believed to be working on a 10-inch 3G-enabled multi-touch device. Sources have told AppleInsider that the new hardware will debut in early 2010.
Foley went on to note that Microsoft apparently intends to get out of the hardware business, with only a few more iterations of its Zune hardware before the functionality becomes a part of mobile phones. In addition, she said Microsoft intends to work more closely with a smaller number of manufacturers for its mobile devices in the future. Given this information, it is possible that a Microsoft-branded device could be made in partnership with one or a few third-party manufacturers, based on specifications from the Windows maker.
In the same post, Foley also provides an update on Pink, the code name for Microsoft's rumored iPhone competitor. She said the device will be Microsoft branded, but will not be manufactured by Apple's rival to the north. The device is also said to feature "premium mobile services," like the Zune. It is also rumored to be built on the Windows Mobile 7 operating system, set to launch in late 2010.
Foley said she believes Microsoft will likely show off Pink at the Consumer Electronics show in January, as the software giant has already hired an advertising agency to promote the device.
ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley said she has received a number of tips that the Windows Maker is at work on a tablet device, part of something known as "Alchemy Ventures." She speculated that Microsoft would likely wait to show off the hardware until after Apple unveils its own long-rumored tablet device.
Rumored to be a part of the team are Chief Experience Officer J Allard, as well as one executive from the Microsoft Surface team.
"No word on whether Microsoft will field a Microsoft-branded Surface/Tablet combo or rely on one or more hardware partners to produce multiple designs," Foley wrote.
Though it has not been confirmed by the Cupertino, Calif., company, Apple is believed to be working on a 10-inch 3G-enabled multi-touch device. Sources have told AppleInsider that the new hardware will debut in early 2010.
Foley went on to note that Microsoft apparently intends to get out of the hardware business, with only a few more iterations of its Zune hardware before the functionality becomes a part of mobile phones. In addition, she said Microsoft intends to work more closely with a smaller number of manufacturers for its mobile devices in the future. Given this information, it is possible that a Microsoft-branded device could be made in partnership with one or a few third-party manufacturers, based on specifications from the Windows maker.
In the same post, Foley also provides an update on Pink, the code name for Microsoft's rumored iPhone competitor. She said the device will be Microsoft branded, but will not be manufactured by Apple's rival to the north. The device is also said to feature "premium mobile services," like the Zune. It is also rumored to be built on the Windows Mobile 7 operating system, set to launch in late 2010.
Foley said she believes Microsoft will likely show off Pink at the Consumer Electronics show in January, as the software giant has already hired an advertising agency to promote the device.
Comments
Zune?
Windows Mobile 7?
Who comes up with these product names?
She speculated that Microsoft would likely wait to show off the hardware until after Apple unveils its own long-rumored tablet device.
Seems like a safe bet. Why act when you can react?
They've made their bed and now have to lay in it. Since they really are a software company, they seem to have chosen the path of developing "reference" models, or proof of concept devices, so that hardware makers can take the ball and run with it. Not a bad way to make the best of their situation. But this course doesn't seem to overcome Apple's advantage of a tightly integrated ecosystem of devices, software, and services. It's difficult to farm out that sort of thing.
Microsoft's mobile rival won't run Windows Mobile, just a hunch.
... as the software giant has already hired an advertising agency to promote the device.
[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
That says it all.
Microsoft advertises first, develops second, releases third. Finally fails and leaves it's "partners" in the dust.
Since MS seems destined to copy Apple, why don't they copy some of the Apple strategy?
Develop a long-term plan. Announce and sell ONLY what actually works.
Oh, wait, MS DOES copy Apple marketing strategy. It's the highly successful Newton strategy!
Promise the sun, the moon and the stars... deliver a flashlight with low batteries.
Seems like a safe bet. Why act when you can react?
They've made their bed and now have to lay in it. Since they really are a software company, they seem to have chosen the path of developing "reference" models, or proof of concept devices, so that hardware makers can take the ball and run with it. Not a bad way to make the best of their situation. But this course doesn't seem to overcome Apple's advantage of a tightly integrated ecosystem of devices, software, and services. It's difficult to farm out that sort of thing.
agree with your points, but additionally I just can't see MS being an innovator anymore, If they are always reacting to the competition.
Not sure what Ballmar strategy is anymore, since he always having a dig at Apple, but trying to produce products that will be better and draw consumers from Apple. I would concentrate more on the treat from Google. since there are a bigger threat at present.
MS focusing on a tablet will cause Apple to raise the bar and comsumers will win in the end
Oh, wait, MS DOES copy Apple marketing strategy. It's the highly successful Newton strategy!
Promise the sun, the moon and the stars... deliver a flashlight with low batteries.
I don't think that comment has much validity. Apple has had to reinvent itself several times over the course of the their history. The Newton was from a different era and although revolutionary for its time, there is really no comparison to today's technology. It's tough being #2. You always have to push the envelop. Microsoft on the other hand has always been on top and has not changed their business strategy much at all over the years.
I just can't see MS being an innovator anymore, If they are always reacting to the competition.
Microsoft was NEVER an innovator.
If you consider killing competitors and competition as "innovative", they are masters of innovation.
MS is a rebranding, licensing and marketing company. Always has been.
Just look at their deal with IBM. Look who's running the company now.
It's not a brilliant technician or technical visionary, it's a sales guy.
Has MS had an ORIGINAL IDEA in its existence?
At this risk of sounding like a single topic poster, I ask again:
Has MS had an ORIGINAL IDEA in its existence?
Windows Genuine Advantage.
Microsoft was NEVER an innovator.
If you consider killing competitors and competition as "innovative", they are masters of innovation.
MS is a rebranding, licensing and marketing company. Always has been.
Just look at their deal with IBM. Look who's running the company now.
It's not a brilliant technician or technical visionary, it's a sales guy.
I actually thought afterwards that may be a very sore point implying MS was innovator at some point in time..
I read history of windows and office and prior to that was native to think that Bill Gates/MS were an innovator of such products before reading their history on the net.
Apologies for calling MS an innovator, do not want to be throw out of forum, for foul language
Windows Genuine Advantage.
IntelliMouse® Optical
Microsoft would likely wait to show off the hardware until after Apple unveils its own long-rumored tablet device.
Well, yes, of course, they'll need to know how to build one before they have a go.