Analysts have been expecting a smartphone design from Microsoft ever since the company released its Surface Tablet. In fact, the potential for a custom Microsoft hand-set grew exponentially after the tech company announced it would be “bringing the fight to Apple on all fronts.” That statement caused the rumor mills to start up under the assumption that “all fronts” would include a tablet, smartphone, and possibly even a television. We already know that the tablet suggestion was correct, but how possible is the creation and release of a Microsoft smartphone?
According to the Wall Street Journal, a Microsoft smartphone might already be in the testing phases. Microsoft has reportedly been connecting with a variety of component manufacturers across China, and sources close to the project state that the company is currently “testing” the possibilities of crafting its own hand-set. One source stated that the smartphone’s screen is wavering between four and five inches in size. This makes sense if Microsoft is planning on bringing the fight to rivals Samsung and Apple. The Samsung Galaxy SIII has a 4.8-inch screen, while Apple’s iPhone 5 maxes out at 4 inches.
This latest interest in smartphones is most likely due to Apple’s profit margins concerning the iPhone 5. The Cupertino company has been selling a staggering amount of iPhone devices lately and Microsoft has obviously taken notice of the success. This newfound affection for hand-sets is probably one part rivalry towards Apple and one part potential income stream for Microsoft. Executives at the company declined to comment about the matter though, so we aren’t exactly sure what motives the tech group really has.
Officials at a variety of the component developers in China were contacted regarding the matter. These sources requested to remain unnamed but did reveal that Microsoft is in fact testing out a smartphone design. However, they are not yet sure if the idea will ever actually make it to market. But with Microsoft having already left its comfort zone to create the Surface Tablet, it wouldn’t exactly be a surprise if they announced a custom smartphone. The Surface Tablet received a good amount of support too, with the cheapest model of the device selling out of its allotted pre-orders.
We will be anxiously awaiting any more information regarding this potential project and will keep all you readers updated on the latest.
Photo Credit: Microsoft
