An analyst indicated that a handset is currently being developed by Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) in collaboration with a number of manufacturers. Rick Sherlund, an analyst from Nomura, indicated through a note to investors that the company is reportedly planning to develop on the hardware as well as the software for its upcoming mobile smartphones.
Some sources within the industry have reportedly given indications that Microsoft is collaborating with a manufacturer in the development of a handset for the Windows Phone 8 platform, according to Sherlund. However it remains uncertain if this would be the reference platform or it would be the handset that will feature the Microsoft brand.
This indicates that Microsoft is working on another piece of hardware in addition to the Surface tablets. A spokesperson for Microsoft indicated that the company believes in its hardware partners and aims to bring the Windows Phone 8 into the market within the year.
Microsoft windows phone 8 devices
The supposed development of a handset by Microsoft deviates from its current efforts in mobile phones wherein the development of the handsets that will use the Windows Phone platform were left to the manufacturers. By producing its own handset, the balance may be put in disarray since it will work on some software features that may be only known by the company.
The specific relationship between the software and hardware elements has allowed the company to produce its latest tablet offering, which was introduced recently. Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft had been specific when he revealed some of the benefits in the development of both the software and the hardware elements of the device.
Prior to the introduction of the upcoming tablet, Ballmer had indicated that the user experience is optimized when the software and hardware elements are taken into consideration while the device is being developed.
The note of Nomura was released after the Windows Phone 8 was unveiled by Microsoft during a private event for developers in San Francisco. The upcoming software will reportedly be released within the year through a number of handset made by Nokia (NYSE:NOK), Huawei, HTC (TPE:2498), and Samsung.
