Source: Xinhua
04-29-2009 10:11
Special Report: Tech MaxSAN FRANCISCO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft is in discussions with Verizon Wireless to launch a touch-screen multimedia cellphone in the United States early next year in a bid to compete with Apple's iPhone, U.S. media reported on Tuesday.
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| The discussions with Verizon Wireless are a gambit by Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer to energize a mobile business that has lost buzz among consumers and software developers to Apple's iPhone and Google Inc.'s Android. Above, Mr. Ballmer speaks at a forum on the future of computing in Cologne, Germany on Friday. (AP photo) |
While Microsoft is involved in the design of the phone's software and hardware, a third-party is expected to make the device, The Wall Street Journal reported on its website, quoting people familiar with the matter.
Microsoft's project is code-named "Pink" and the cellphone would use the software giant's Windows Mobile operating system, the report said.
The news of a possible Microsoft-Verizon partnership came one day after another U.S. newspaper reported that Verizon is in talks with Apple for the possible development of an iPhone for Verizon, with the goal of introducing it next year.
A deal between Apple and Verizon would mark the first time that Apple will produce a version of the iPhone for a CDMA wireless network, USA Today reported on Monday.
AT&T, whose wireless network uses GSM technology, now has exclusive U.S. distribution rights to the iPhone. AT&T's exclusive rights will expire next year, but analysts said the company may try to persuade Apple to extend the contract for at least another year.
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Editor:Yang Jie
