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Rumor Mill: Is Microsoft designing an iPhone-killer for Verizon?
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Microsoft is in discussions with Verizon Wireless to produce a touchscreen multimedia phone running its Windows Mobile platform as a rival to Apple's iPhone, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, a development that adds yet another layer to the rumors swirling around Verizon's future device plans.
The device, which is code-named "Pink," will have additional software capabilities and feature Microsoft's Windows Marketplace for Mobile, according to the Journal, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter. A third party is expected to actually produce the hardware for the phone.
There have been rumors in the past about a project dubbed "Pink," a possible Microsoft smartphone based on the software giant's Zune digital music player. The rumors indicated that the phone would use technology from Microsoft's acquisition of Danger, the company that brought the Sidekick to T-Mobile USA.
In a separate development, VentureBeat reported that Verizon Wireless has a new job opening: "Android Devices Expert." The job description focuses mainly on Java technology, but also includes "experience with Android" among the employer's preferences. The position possibly indicates that Verizon Wireless is gearing up to join T-Mobile USA in offering an Android phone. The carrier hasn't made any official announcements along those lines, however.
The Windows and Android action follows on the heels of several missives (all citing anonymous sources) that Apple may produce a CDMA version of the iPhone (as reported by USA Today) or that alternatively Verizon and Apple will partner on two "iPhone-like" devices (as reported by BusinessWeek). Verizon COO and President Denny Strigl said on the company's first quarter earnings call that Verizon has "historically" not been dependent on any single device.
For more:
- see this Microsoft article (sub. req.)
- see this article (sub. req.)
- see this article
- see this job posting
Related Articles:
Rumor Mill: Is Microsoft making a Zune smartphone?
Rumored Apple-Verizon partnership could produce two gadgets?
Report: Apple talking to Verizon about iPhone
Apple exceeds expectations, roars of quarterly iPhone shipments
Verizon CEO dishes on buying Vodafone, Sprint's unlimited service plans and the iPhone
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | April 29, 2009 - 12:37pm
I would hope Verizon is evaluating, thus the reason looking for multiple platforms. It would have to be a golf course deal to go w/ msft.
Posted by Anonymous | April 29, 2009 - 6:01pm
iPhone-killer for Verizon??
Let's consider see who would get killed. iPhone has beat all kinds of expectations for units, profit, AppStore, etc. because "user experience". Who thinks MSFT will kill iPhone coming 2 years late. Verizon vs ATT: Please compare relative financial strength of these 2 and think about survivability in a recession.
Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 - 12:19pm
I will mark this up as a failure right now. Nobody wants a cell phone that will be susceptible to viruses, blue screens, or just needs rebooted for no reason at all. As soon as microsoft fails with this project they will abandon the fools that purchased this product just as they have done with any other mobile device that they have tried to put their crap on. Wasn't the zune suppose to be the Ipod killer? I think you can pick those up for $25 on ebay now, because they are crap.
Posted by Mark | May 1, 2009 - 10:00am
Why don't people stop trying to make an iphone killer, and just make something new instead of better copies.
Posted by Anonymous | May 1, 2009 - 4:19pm
Don't you just love Apple Fanboys...
Zune actually is better and cheaper than the iPod. It lacks an international market and service, but for US customers its fine. In fact, on campus the folks that have tried my Zune love it.
In the iPod space, what Apple clearly kicks MSFT's ass at is marketing glitz and getting folks to pay more for less.
Posted by Anonymous | May 18, 2009 - 10:17pm
That's a joke. The Zune Pass? Pay $15 a month FOREVER, and if you cancel, well we just take your music back. As for the Zune itself, I'm sure it's the same or better than most iPods, but Microsoft still hasn't made it a phone now have they? They might want to consider that.
I don't want to be a walking electronics store with a phone, Zune, gps, organizer, etc. The fact that I can use my iPhone to find anything near me no matter where I am, get directions to it, and any contact information I need all in the matter of seconds is pretty damn cool, regardless of how much you hate Apple. And that's just ONE feature.
Posted by Anonymous | May 20, 2009 - 6:59pm
They already did make an ifone killer for verizon. Its called a samsung omnia. I ahve one totally awesome. Faster than any ifone
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