Microsoft, it has long been rumored, is planning on releasing its own Windows Phone 8 (WP8) based smartphone. Now, after the unveiling of its Surface tablets, it seems as if the company is heading towards a new venture that involves smartphones.
Per reports, Microsoft is planning to release a WP8 device. The device, supposedly, has not been planned to compete with the initial rush to release the hardware running the new platform. Indications are that the device may possibly arrive sometime in 2013, which could be a ploy by Microsoft to avoid clashing with its OEM partners.
Web site BGR disclosed the information in a recent report. The report stated that Microsoft's partners, "with nowhere else to turn thanks to Windows' overwhelming PC dominance, had no choice but to continue developing Windows 8 devices and compete directly with their software supplier." Therefore, Microsoft now plans to use all the expertise from these partners, and go for its very own Windows Phone 8-based smartphone.
The Web site learnt from a trusted source several weeks ago that Microsoft is working on its very own smartphone that will look to lock horns with high-end devices like Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S3. What's more, the Microsoft offering will also compete with WP8 devices that are slated for a fall release and have been built by its vendor partners Nokia, HTC, and Samsung.
Moreover, new reports have also arrived from The China Times, stating that a brand new handset is already in production from Microsoft, and could easily makes its way to the store shelves as soon as the first half of 2013.
As of now, the exact timing of the launch is unknown, but another source has stated that Microsoft is unlikely to release a new, company-branded smartphone when the first lot of WP8 devices are rolled out in the market, ahead of the holidays.
The WP8 operating system from Microsoft is set allow users to make full use of the newest ability of the OS that will help to take screenshots, including a revamped camera app with new pinch-to-zoom features, "lens applications" for instant effects, and a built-in panoramic setting using Microsoft's PhotoSynth technology.
