Microsoft is rumored to be working on their own version of the Windows Phone 8 smartphone and the same is now being reported by multiple sources.
The first leak came from China Times, which stated that Microsoft is slated to launch their own Windows Phone in early 2013 and have been working on the same with a hardware partner, most likely Nokia since the last four months. This leak was taken with a pinch of salt as China Times is not known to be a credible site.
But now even WPCentral is reporting something similar from their sources confirming that Microsoft is indeed working on their own Surface branded Windows Phone, although they have not been able to get any information on the launch, availability or pricing of the device. Though, WPCentral claim that the design of the smartphone will be unique and very different from all the WP8 handsets which other OEM’s have launched till date.
Image Courtesy: Deviant Art
Even BGR has cited a trusted source claiming that the Redmond based software giant is working on their own version of the Windows Phone 8 device.
It obviously makes sense for Microsoft to have their own branded smartphone if they are looking to tread Apple’s way. But at the same time with the Windows Phone ecosystem already struggling to find its feet, Microsoft wouldn’t really want their dedicated hardware partner Nokia to suffer or even other OEM’s like Samsung & HTC to move away from the platform, especially considering the fact that there is a lucrative substitute in the form of Android unlike in the PC space where they got away with no backlash from the OEM’s due to lack of options.
One thing all the rumor mongers have in common here is that the ‘Surface’ Windows Phone will not make its way to the market until next year which leaves the holiday season window for the WP8 platform to bloom with the OEM’s till then. Personally, we don’t think a Microsoft branded WP8 phone is a good idea, especially considering the fact that the Windows Phone platform needs all the help from the other OEM’s to develop its app ecosystem to have any chance of taking on the Android and iOS platforms.
