Exclusive update
In the smartphone space, Microsoft is well behind Apple's iPhone and handsets running Google's Android operating system, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3. With the launch of its new Windows 8 operating system this October, Microsoft is hoping to establish itself as a viable third mobile ecosystem.
Its best hope for a Windows Phone product that resonates with consumers lies in the efforts of partner Nokia. On Sept. 5, Nokia revealed its first two Windows 8 phones: its flagship Lumia 920 and Lumia 820. Given Nokia's reputation for handset design, it wasn't a surprise that these phones were beautiful to look at. Unfortunately, the company didn't announce carrier availability, a release date, or pricing information.
It is likely that any new Windows phones will not be available until after the operating system is available on Oct. 26. This puts the release of the Lumias and any other Windows 8 phones a full month behind the release of the new iPhone. That's too much of a head start for the most popular smartphone in the world, and as much as I like the Lumia models, it's hard to envision Windows capturing significant mobile market share with this first round of phones. What Microsoft needs to do is continue to work with Nokia and other manufacturers like Samsung, and keep building relationships with the key telecoms like AT&T and Verizon. The company needs to keep building momentum in mobile one quarter at a time in order to become a viable competitor to the market leaders.
