Motorola hints at Microsoft deal
Hello WinPho
Motorola is open to the idea of partnering with Microsoft to produce Windows Phone handsets, although only if the revised platform proves its longevity.
Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha said that while the company remains focussed on Android for the time being, it is open for working with WinPho OS if the conditions are right, hinting that getting a similar deal to Nokia would help, FireceWireless reports.
During a speech at the Oppenheimer Technology & Communications Conference, Jha claimed Moto will evaluate WinPho to see if it becomes viable. As far as he's concerned, apart from Google's Android and Apple's iOS, none of the current alternatives – Windows Phone, HP webOS and RIM BlackBerry OS – are safe bets. However, his comments certainly suggest he'd be backing the MS horse.
With IP disputes still fresh in the memory Motorola's inability to give Microsoft any form of blandishment is unsurprising.
Which is probably why the Moto chief went on to talk up the company's back catalogue of patents – highlighting how a strong intellectual property portfolio makes a significant difference in the Android handset market.
Motorola intends to expand its presence in Europe, particularly Germany, France, Italy and good ol' Blighty. Following in Nokia's footsteps with a WinPho range might not be such a bad idea. ®
COMMENTS
"getting a similar deal to Nokia would help"
..you mean Microsoft paying Motorola a great big pile of cash? I daresay it would..
WP7
I am fond of what Microsoft cooked up as WP7 - the UI is refreshing, fast, fluid, clean, well designed.
Android and iOS look similar (grid of icons) but function quite differently (access to filesystem, multitasking etc). Now WP7 looks very different, but behaves similarly to iOS (no access to filesystem, one interface/no customization, no multitasking, single source of software etc).
Whatever the background politics are, it's good to have variety and choice.
Translated:
"I am the man who blamed Microsoft for a fire in a Sony warehouse during the riots. Ignore me".
I wonder
How much of this is due to Google's lack of backing for the Android lawsuits? Apple and MS, whatever their faults (and they both have them) have at least given their business partners SOME backup in such cases. If I were in Mr Jha's place WinMo7 would look better from a risk standpoint, if nowhere else.
