Microsoft to Launch Windows Phone in South Korea in Second Half of 2011

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft, the world's top computer software maker, announced plans to launch its Windows Phone operating system in South Korea in the second half of the year. The move is part of the company's broader plan to expand its Asian presence, as its software is ready to support languages outside the Roman alphabet. Microsoft is in talks with local mobile operators to launch Windows Phone-powered smartphones, which will include features such as improved web-browsing experience, multitasking ability, and support for social networking services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft plans to launch Windows Phone in South Korea in the second half of 2011, targeting local mobile operators and manufacturers such as Samsung and LG.
  • The move is part of Microsoft's broader plan to expand its Asian presence, with software support for languages outside the Roman alphabet.
  • Windows Phone-powered smartphones will include features such as improved web-browsing experience, multitasking ability, and support for social networking services.
  • Microsoft's alliance with Nokia, announced earlier this month, will see Nokia use Microsoft's mobile operating system for its primary smartphone models.
  • The partnership may slow the expansion of Google's Android platform and Apple's iPhone, which were the two fastest growing smartphone platforms in 2010.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft's mobile operating system accounted for 4.2% of the global smartphone market in 2010, compared with 8.7% in 2009.
  • Android's share soared to 22.7% in 2010 from 3.9% one year earlier.
  • Microsoft's Asia Pulse announcement highlighted the company's plan to expand its Asian presence, particularly in China and Japan.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse, Feb 23, 2011
  • Yonhap (via Asia Pulse), Feb 23, 2011
  • Gartner Inc., 2011 ( mattress not available)
  • Nokia Corp. press release (date not available