Verizon Wireless to Introduce Microsoft Phones for Teenagers

Verizon Wireless has announced plans to launch two phones from Microsoft Corp. in May or June, targeting teenagers with easy access to social-networking sites. This move marks Microsoft's entry into the mobile phone market, expanding its mobile Windows software offerings beyond partnerships with phone makers.

Key Takeaways:

• The two phones will be designed specifically for teenagers, catering to their social networking needs.
• Microsoft has shifted its focus from licensing its mobile Windows software to phone makers to developing and offering its own phones.
• The partnership between Verizon Wireless and Microsoft aims to tap into the growing demand for smartphones among teenagers.
• The phones are expected to feature social networking capabilities, leveraging Microsoft's expertise in this area.
• The launch is scheduled for May or June, indicating a potential strategic move by Microsoft to capture a significant share of the mobile phone market.

Statistics:

• 5,000: The number of securities that SmarTrend analyzes simultaneously throughout the trading day.
• 01-07-2010: The date when SmarTrend's automated pattern recognition system indicated a DOWNTREND on VZ @ $31.82.
• May or June: The expected launch period for the Microsoft phones on Verizon's network.

Sources:

• Bloomberg
• SmarTrend News Watch via COMTEX (Mar 06, 2010)
• Comtex SmarTrend Alert (As of Tuesday, 03-02-2010 23:59)
• Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT)
• Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ)