Microsoft 'Pink' phone release today

BANGALORE,INDIA: All eyes are on software giant Microsoft which will be unveiling a new mobile phone product line. The new products are stated to be specially geared toward social networking users.

The expected release comes on the heels of the companies much acclaimed Windows Phone 7 Series initiative, these phones are being marketed to younger people as part of an initiative with Verizon Wireless.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Microsoft is ready to take its gloves off in the hardcore fight for mobile phone market share. Tired of getting kicked around by playground bullies Apple and Google, Microsoft is poised to stop handing over its lunch money. Coming off reeling from the near-cataclysmic flop of Windows mobile, Microsoft hopes that its Pink product will take root in the young, mobile, social networking generation.

ALSO READ: SECURITY TRENDS 2010

Although the new phones aren’t going to be released until April 12th, there are some things we know. First, “Pink” is the developmental code name for the new Microsoft phone. This may be the name when the phone comes to market, but it may not be either. If you’re interested in this phone, keep a look out because this phone could appear with a different name.

Microsoft is trying to keep mum about details for the new phone product, but some have been released.

The Pink phone comes in two form factors: a clam style phone that opens with a twisting action and a candy bar shaped phone: both come in a variety of bright colors. The phones themselves have nicknames, “Pure” and “Turtle” although it’s unclear if these names will stick with the released products. You will see that the style of the phone looks quite young: perhaps too young (and girlish). For the phone to look girlish doesn’t mean anything bad. After all, statistics show a growing surplus of females in the younger generations, so they are primed to become a dominant market force.

Interestingly, this phone does not run Windows Phone 7 Series, a mobile operating system due to be released in time for end of year shopping. Microsoft Pink does, however, have some elements that resemble Windows Phone 7 Series, so if you want to get a hint about what the ultimate Microsoft smart phone will look like, check out the Pink.

Besides built-in social networking functionality that makes it easy for users to stay connected while on the go, the Pink series phones feature connectivity with Microsoft’s Zune music service, making it easy to purchase and download music and videos. The phone has built in GPS and location-based applications that have proven appeal to younger people.

The Pink phones are said to be manufactured by Sharp, although they will not bear Sharp’s name on them. The product is expected to be branded with both Microsoft and Verizon logos. The expected cost of the phones is between $100 and $150. The product launch is scheduled for April 12, 2010 in San Francisco.

(SOURCE: www.helium.com)