Microsoft does indeed have their own Windows Phone in the works

concept

(Concept Surface telephone by YrOnimuS)

Rum: 9

Yesterday we wrote a fairly lengthy article about a new rumor of a Microsoft Windows Phone. The source came via Red china Times and we were hesitant to believe the claim—after all, no prove or sources were mentioned.

Notwithstanding, we pointed out that Microsoft is a large company with a ton of resources. If they wanted to do a phone, they nearly certainly could pull it off and the Surface Tablets only reinforce the notion that they can do this in clandestine.

Then what has changed? Data has come forward to Windows Phone Cardinal that demonstrates Microsoft does have their own Windows Telephone hardware in the works; in fact, we've heard information technology already exists and is in testing. The source(s) are known to us and not bearding, though for obvious reasons we must proceed them off the record.

Details near what information technology looks like, hardware specifications, launch times, etc. have not been shared with united states past the person(s) who have provided the data. The simply affair we do know is when compared to electric current WP8 hardware it's something unique.

WP Central

Something awry between Microsoft and Nokia?

Why is Microsoft doing this?

We speculated yesterday on two possible angles for Microsoft doing their own phone.

Ane was the Google-Nexus road of selling their own hardware, direct to customers with no carrier interference. Sold through Microsoft Store, the devices could make full in a niche for Microsoft while their OEM partners can have the carriers. This would allow Microsoft to accept their own "vision" of Windows Phone and a mode to update the devices directly, with no one compromising their vision. In addition, their OEMs will generally be kept "happy" since unlocked phones are not the crux of their business concern model.

The other reason we raised was Microsoft mayhap wanted a contingency plan—in example the Windows Phone viii launch doesn't get well and the currently announced devices don't catch on. Nokia could be in trouble financially and Microsoft would need some other dedicated hardware partner.

A tertiary possibility we've been hearing about for a weeks is tougher to swallow. Nosotros accept heard rumblings about Nokia focusing too much on the "Lumia" brand as opposed to Windows Phone, which may explain why Microsoft put HTC on a pedestal with the "signature" Windows Phone banter a few weeks ago in New York City.

Interestingly, BGR.com just ran a story where they also are confirming a Microsoft Windows Phone. They notation they learned about it weeks agone and our sources announced to be different from theirs (our info came this forenoon). They practice note that information technology is a "high finish" phone only information technology will not launch with the 1^st wave of Windows Phone 8 devices.

Studio C

Microsoft Studio C

Microsoft on Lockdown

In an interesting and perhaps related story, the reputable site GeekWire is reporting that areas of the Microsoft campus have substantially beefed up security in recent weeks:

"The company notified employees this calendar week that it volition be implementing new physical security measures — limiting employee access at four key Xbox and Interactive Entertainment Business buildings to ensure confidentiality of upcoming products."

"The changes will affect Microsoft Studios A, B, C, and D, on the west side of state Route 520, starting early next month with Studio A and rolling out to the other buildings by the cease of the month."

GeekWire is rightly claiming this is almost probable related to next-gen Xbox console testing, just from our ain noesis Microsoft has some Windows Phone "things" happening in Building C likewise.

With a Microsoft branded Windows Phone entering into tardily stages of development, it would make sense that much similar the Surface tablets, they would begin to implement tighter security around campus.

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