Report: Verizon, Microsoft working on 'Pink' phone
Updated 12:40 p.m. PDT with Microsoft comment.
Verizon executives sure seem busy this week: in addition to reported discussions with Apple over next-generation mobile devices, they're also supposedly talking to Microsoft about a smartphone.
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Microsoft and Verizon are talking about launching "a touch-screen multimedia cell phone on the carrier's network early next year." The phone is supposedly based on the "Pink" software that had been rumored earlier this year as a combination of Windows Mobile and Zune software. Microsoft would likely get somebody else (HTC is a solid bet) to make the actual phone, but engineer the software and services angle itself.
Launching such a phone on Verizon would give the carrier a hedge if AT&T manages to extend its exclusive deal with Apple and the iPhone. It's not hard to see the various leaks surrounding Verizon, AT&T, Apple, and Microsoft in recent weeks as trial balloons floated by the various companies in hopes of improving their negotiating position.
Microsoft and Verizon declined to comment on the report.
Updated 12:40 p.m. - Microsoft representatives decided to throw together a statement after all on the Verizon report. Here it is: "Microsoft's strategy has not changed, it is and has always been to provide a software platform for the industry. We work closely with many mobile operators and device makers around the world because customers want different experiences on a variety (of) phones."
Tom Krazit writes about the ever-expanding world of Internet search, including Google, Yahoo, online advertising, and portals, as well as the evolution of mobile computing. He has written about traditional PC companies, chip manufacturers, and mobile computers, spending the last three years covering Apple. E-mail Tom. 
Honestly, they should be working with every cell phone maker as a provider of cell phone service. Give it a rest.
Back then we barely had phones with any real gui,
Honestly, $780 per year for 2G was tempting to many since it was close to many regular phone plans, but the new $1200 per year price tag with 3G is a deal breaker.
When and if these two both carry that handset, I predict a pricing war for data rates and out-of-network calls. Besides GSM an international operating ranges, the two can only claim differing coverage areas with AT&T in the lead.
Mmmmhahahahahahaha
Uncontrollably laughing
If the iPhone is Cinderella, I wonder if Prince Charming (ATT) read the prenuptials.
On the other hand, you have to wonder if Verizon is trying to find a bride in a brothel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRKIDdIaFyE
They've been doing a good job of staying ahead of the pack but until Android gets some needed improvements (like a business email app) there's not much out there to challenge them.
Microsoft might be able to get it right this time. But that's not the way to bet.
http://i42.tinypic.com/2hehy4x.jpg
- by scottmoore_seattle September 24, 2009 8:18 AM PDT
- This is so not news. Typical Microsoft. Announce a product a year or more in the future to get press. But seriously, an iPhone killer in 2010 is about three years too late. Even it it's good, it's way too late, with way too little to offer. If the Zune had been the Zune phone two years ago, and actually worked, it would be news.
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