Redmond,
Wash. – Microsoft (NASD: MSFT) on Monday
introduced new mobile phone operating system software that is similar to the
software powering its Zune portable media players, although the new software is
called Windows Phone 7 series.
The company’s phone software was on 13% of
smartphones sold in the U.S.
in 2009, according to In-Stat data.
The new software will mandate that handset
makers using it include a touch-screen; 5-megapixel camera with flash; and
permanent buttons for "home," "search" and "back"
navigation.
Handsets running the new software are expected to ship in time for
the holiday shopping season.
Andy Lees, senior vice president of Microsoft’s
mobile business, told AP that Microsoft is "willing to spend hundreds of
millions of dollars on marketing" to ensure the success of its mobile
strategy.
Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/ue1nd (Microsoft announcement)
