Windows Phone 8: Microsoft Rumored To Design Its Own Phone
Windows Phone 8 (WP8) is the newest operating system powering smartphones. It shares many of the new features of the desktop version Windows 8. According to the Wall Street Journal and its anonymous sources, Microsoft appears to be designing its own phone.
Microsoft might be wanting to copy Apple’s business plan with the iPhone, where they create not only the software but also the hardware that powers the devices. Reportedly, Asian component suppliers have been asked to test the design. But the source also claims it is unknown when and even if the device will begin mass production for its release.
This rumored Windows Phone 8 device wouldn’t technically be the first phone that Microsoft has produced, either. The Microsoft Kin phone launched just a few years ago and was the software maker’s first attempt at a smartphone. Unfortunately for Microsoft, it was also a disaster, with project cancellation coming just 48 days after launch.
In recent interviews, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer declined to answer questions regarding a Microsoft phone. “Whether we had a plan to do something different or we didn’t have a plan I wouldn’t comment in any dimension,” Ballmer told the Wall Street Journal.
In the meantime, the cellular wireless carriers have been announcing various Windows Phone 8 smartphones for this coming year. According to macnn.com, Sprint has confirmed that it will be carrying handsets running Microsoft’s new mobile operating system in 2013. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have already committed to carrying Windows Phone 8 devices.
If you want to buy a Window Phone 8 device now, AT&T has announced the pending release of the Windows Phone 8X by HTC. According to TechnoBloom, the Windows Phone 8X features a 4.3 inch 720 x 1280 pixel screen, Corning Gorilla Glass, 1GB system memory and 16GB data storage, Near Field Communications (NFC) functionality, and a 1,800 mAh battery. “The dual core Krait central processor has been clocked at 1.5 GHz, and is part of a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960 microchip package. A separate Adreno 225 GPU exclusively handles all graphics requests.”
Are you planning on buying a Windows Phone 8 smartphone?
