Ballmer says Windows Mobile 7 must 'kill'

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said the software giant understands it must make significant strides with the forthcoming Windows Mobile 7 operating system, scheduled for release in 2010. Speaking last week at a private breakfast in Boston, Ballmer admitted stakes are high for WinMo 7, adding "We know we have to kill on that one." His comments were in response to criticisms from John Landry, founder of Lead Dog Ventures, who said it appears to him that Microsoft continues to focus its efforts on desktop computing and considers other devices peripheral to the PC--Landry reportedly waved his iPhone and said he does 80 percent of his work on the Apple smartphone.

Ballmer also responded to comments by Laura Fitton, founder of the Twitter application storefront oneforty.com, who said very few developers are creating WinMo-based Twitter apps. Ballmer said Microsoft realizes it is engaged in a lengthy campaign to lure more developers into writing apps for Windows Mobile.

For more on Ballmer's comments:
- read this Boston Globe article

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