To kickstart Windows Phone 8 sales
Analyst Rick Sherlund claims Microsoft is considering designing its own smartphone to kickstart sales of Windows Phone 8 handsets.
Many punters have speculated about a possible Microsoft phone, but unlike most of them, Sherlund has quite a bit of experience when it comes to Redmond. He has been covering the company since it went public in 1986, so his opinion has quite a bit of weight.
“Our industry sources tell us that Microsoft may be working with a contract manufacturer to develop their own handset for Windows Phone 8,” wrote Sherlund.
However, Sherlund is still not sure whether Microsoft is working on a reference design or a true Microsoft-branded phone.
Following the launch of Microsoft’s Surface tablet, both options sound plausible. The move could pit Microsoft toe-to-toe with Apple, not to mention Samsung, Google and other Android players.
Of course, Windows Phone 8 is still months away and if indeed Microsoft is working on a phone, it is highly unlikely we will hear official confirmation anytime soon. We assume Microsoft will tread very carefully, as it does not need another Kin debacle on its hands.
More here.
