Microsoft Rumoured to Release Its Own Mobile Phone in February

From X-bit Labs: A financial analyst said in a note to customers that based on various sources, Microsoft Corp. may launch its own-brand mobile phone already next month. The rumoured phone is supposed to be similar with Zune HD portable media digital player and is not projected to become a very popular in Microsoft’s range.

“Our recent industry checks indicate Microsoft will be debuting its own phone sometime in the next two months. We expect the new phone to debut soon, at either the Feb 15-18 Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona Spain, or possibly at CTIA in Las Vegas one month later,” said Jefferies analyst Katherine Egbert, reports All Things Digital.

At present not a lot is known about the code-named Pink phone itself, but the analyst claims it will be “Zune-like”, will feature 5MP camera, 1280x720 high-definition video playback and will come with a service allowing to purchase music.

“We don’t have any information about the cost of the Pink phone, nor do we know what service providers might be partnered with Microsoft. Revenue from the phone is also very unlikely to be meaningful for many years. However, the new phone might explain why Microsoft has allowed WinMo to dwindle to <10% mobile OS market share. Pink would be the 'third screen' (after Windows and Xbox) and final component in Microsoft's "3 screens and a cloud" strategy,” said Ms. Egbert.

Considering the fact that Microsoft does not manufacture its hardware products itself, it is highly likely that Zune phone will be made by large contract manufacturers, such as Foxconn Electronics, which makes Apple iPhones and iPods, or HTC, which makes Nexus One for Google.

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