Microsoft to Launch Windows Phone Smartphones in South Korea in 2H 2011

Microsoft, the world's top computer software maker, announced that it will launch smartphones built on its Windows Phone operating system in the second half of this year in South Korea. The U.S. company has been in talks with local mobile operators to launch Windows Phone-powered smartphones, including those manufactured by Samsung, LG, HTC, Dell, and Nokia. This move comes after Microsoft lost ground to competitors in the smartphone market last year and has since formed an alliance with Nokia to use Microsoft's mobile operating system for primary smartphone models.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft plans to launch Windows Phone smartphones in South Korea in the second half of 2011.
• The company has been in talks with local mobile operators (SK Telecom, KT Corp., and LG U+).
• Smartphones manufactured by Samsung, LG, HTC, Dell, and Nokia are under consideration for the local launch.
• Microsoft's alliance with Nokia aims to use its mobile operating system for primary smartphone models.
• The alliance may slow the expansion of Google's Android platform and Apple's iPhone.
• Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's CEO, announced plans to update Windows Phone software for better competitiveness.
• The latest updates will be included in future Windows Phone-based smartphones in South Korea.

Statistics:

• Microsoft's mobile operating system accounted for 4.2% of the global smartphone market in 2010.
• Android's market share soared to 22.7% in 2010 from 3.9% in 2009.
• Windows Phone's market share decreased from 8.7% in 2009 to 4.2% in 2010.
• The second half of 2011 is expected to see the launch of Windows Phone smartphones in South Korea.

Sources:

• Yonhap News Agency, February 23
• Gartner Inc.(market research firm)
• Microsoft (through Asia Pulse)