Motorola Launches New Phone Based on Microsoft Software

Strategic Insights -

Motorola Inc unveiled a new phone, the ES400, that will run on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5 software, marking a shift for the company away from Google's Android software for business customers. The phone, aimed at the corporate market, will be sold to business customers by Sprint Nextel Corp. This move comes as Microsoft seeks to regain ground in the smartphone market, where Android has gained significant traction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Motorola will sell the ES400, a business-focused phone, to corporate customers through Sprint Nextel Corp.
  • The phone will run on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5 software, a departure from Motorola's typical use of Google's Android software for consumer cellphones.
  • Microsoft plans to launch an upgraded version of Windows Mobile 6.5, branded as Windows Embedded Handheld, later this year.
  • Motorola will upgrade the ES400 phones to the next version of Windows Embedded Handheld, although a timeline was not provided.
  • Microsoft plans to launch a new version of Windows Embedded Handheld, based on Windows 7 software, in 2011.
  • The ES400 will go on sale in September 2010.
  • The phone is aimed at business customers, marking Motorola's commitment to Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform in this market segment.
  • Chief Executive Steve Ballmer mentioned the upcoming release of Windows Embedded Handheld, based on Windows 7 software, during a video statement at the Motorola event.

Statistics:

  • The ES400 phone will be sold to corporate customers by Sprint Nextel Corp.
  • The phone will run on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5 software.
  • Motorola will upgrade the ES400 phones to the next version of Windows Embedded Handheld.
  • Microsoft plans to launch an upgraded version of Windows Mobile 6.5, branded as Windows Embedded Handheld, later this year.
  • The ES400 was unveiled at an event held by Motorola.
  • Sprint Nextel Corp has been chosen as the sales partner for the ES400.
  • Microsoft will release a new version of Windows Embedded Handheld, based on Windows 7 software, in 2011.

Sources:

  • Motorola Inc
  • Microsoft Corp
  • Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC (2009)
  • Syndigate.info
  • Albawaba.com