Microsoft is reportedly building a self-branded Windows Phone 8 device, which is expected to be unveiled in the first half of 2013.
According to a report in China Times, the Windows-maker has been working on this phone for almost four months now and has already chosen an assembly partner.
Given company's foray in tablet market with Surface branded device, a Microsoft-branded smartphone does not sound all that surprising.
Partnership with Nokia
Since the time Nokia and Microsoft have tied up, both the companies have been promoting Nokia Windows phones as are the 'real' Windows Phone devices. Microsoft even subsidised Nokia's Windows Phone devices in an attempt to popularise the platform.
Given that the partnership has failed to provide any real results, it seems Microsoft has decided to take matter into its own hands. The company has also started focusing on other hardware partners like HTC, which recently announced the so-called "Signature Windows Phone 8" devices.
While Nokia's preferred partner status might be safe for now, the Redmond-based company has made it clear with its actions that Nokia is no longer the only mobile partner.
Surface branded Windows Phone 8 devices?
While China Times does not report anything on the branding on these upcoming smartphones, but we can speculate that Microsoft may continue the Surface brand with its Windows Phone 8 devices.
Taking a unified branding approach with tablets and smartphone will give Microsoft more play in marketing of these devices.
Another Kin in making?
This is not Microsoft's first crack at developing self-branded phones; company had earlier released Kin series of phones in US, which turned out to be a major flop. Verizon Wireless, which was marketing the devices in United States, stopped the sales within two months of launch.
We hope company's upcoming smartphone effort is better than Kin.
Source: ndtv.com
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