In a bid to challenge Apple in the smartphone market, Microsoft is reportedly planning to launch a device based on Nvidia technology in 2009.
According to tech journal The Inquirer, which quotes "well-placed sources", Microsoft is teaming up with Nvidia to launch smartphones based on the upcoming all-in-one Tegra chips. Unveiled in June, Nvidia's Tegra chips are aimed at next-generation smartphones, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) and support internet, HD video, games and 3D touch screens. The devices will reportedly launch at the 3GSM conference in Barcelona with shipments expected to follow soon after.
A Microsoft smartphone would make sense for the firm as it produces a wide range of software for other manufacturers with its Windows Mobile platform. The company may have been encouraged by the attention surrounding the G1, the first handset to run Google's Android operating system, which was launched last month.
The G1 is already the 17th most popular mobile phone in terms of search enquiries, according to Hitwise. The most popular smartphone in terms of unit sales is the Apple iPhone, followed by Motorola's RAZR, the Research In Motion (RIM) Blackberry Curve, LG's Rumor and LG's enV2.
A Microsoft device could also put the firm in a stronger position to challenge Apple after its Zune portable music players failed to make a dent in the iPod's dominant market position.
However, many bloggers urge caution with the speculation, as The Inquirer does not quote any named sources and has been wrong about rumours in the past. Earlier this year, it mistakenly reported that Nvidia would exit the chipset business and layoff staff.
In addition, VentureBeat claims that news of a Microsoft smartphone would have begun circulating sooner if the device really is scheduled to launch in only three months time.
"Neither Microsoft nor Nvidia are known to run tight ships when it comes to new products, so it seems unlikely that something wouldn’t have leaked out earlier about this device/partnership," says the blog.
StrategyEye's related companies: LG Electronics, Research In Motion, NVIDIA Corporation, Motorola, Apple, Inc., Microsoft
