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Microsoft and Verizon Plan Touchscreen Multimedia Mobile Phone for Early 2010

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft and Verizon Wireless are in talks to introduce a touchscreen-based multimedia mobile phone on the Verizon carrier network by early 2010. The move aims to strengthen Microsoft's foothold in the mobile business, which has witnessed significant growth with the popularity of the Apple iPhone and Google's Android. This new device, code-named 'Pink', would run on the Windows Mobile operating system and feature Microsoft's online app store, Windows Marketplace for Mobile. Designers from Microsoft's mobile division, including personnel from Danger Inc., are working on the project to bring it to fruition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft and Verizon Wireless plan to introduce a touchscreen-based multimedia mobile phone on the Verizon carrier network by early 2010.
  • The new device, code-named 'Pink', would run on the Windows Mobile operating system with a host of new software capabilities.
  • The phone would include Microsoft's online app store, Windows Marketplace for Mobile, similar to the App Store, allowing users to download multimedia content.
  • Designers from Microsoft's mobile division, including personnel from Danger Inc., are working on the project.
  • This project is part of Steve Ballmer's plan to gain a strong foothold in the mobile business amidst competition from Apple iPhone and Google's Android.
  • Verizon would offer support for the mobile phone on its carrier network to compete with AT&T, the exclusive carrier of Apple iPhone in the U.S.

Statistics:

  • 2010: The projected year of introduction for the touchscreen-based multimedia mobile phone on the Verizon carrier network.
  • Microsoft's Mobile Division: Working on the 'Pink' project, which includes designers and personnel from Danger Inc.
  • Windows Mobile operating system: The OS on which the new device would run.
  • Windows Marketplace for Mobile: Microsoft's online app store for the device, similar to the App Store.

Sources:

*ília, Anoop. "Microsoft-Verizon Move to Counter Apple Mobile Strategy." ZDNet. CBS Interactive, 25 Jan. 2010. Web. 1 Feb. 2010.

  • Olson, Scott. "Microsoft Developing Touch Screen Phone - CNN." CNN.com. Cable News Network, 7 Jan. 2010. Web. 1 Feb. 2010.

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