Microsoft is expected to formally show off its long-anticipated mobile phone range next week after sending out invites to a press conference for next Monday. The Wall Street Journal added that the Project Pink devices are expected to be made available initially on the Verizon Wireless' CDMA network. Such a move would conveniently also avoid a head-to-head clash with the Apple iPhone - currently available on AT&T's GSM network - and the inevitable sales comparison headlines.
Microsoft designed the software, online services and hardware for the Pink mobile phones, while Japan's Sharp is manufacturing the devices, people familiar with the project told the WSJ. People familiar with the matter said the software on the new Pink phones resembles elements of the Windows Phone 7 software, but devices that run on the two technologies aren't expected to be able to run the same applications.
The report reinforces rumours from Reuters last month that a Sharp supplied CDMA phone was under development for Microsoft.
Although Microsoft has been thought to be working on a smartphone, any questions about a potential iPhone competitor were constantly dismissed. However, most queries were based around whether the firm was working on a phone version of its music player, Zune.
Last year, there were reports that the Project Pink is reported to be being developed largely by the Danger team that Microsoft acquired in 2008, and some reports suggest that former Sidekick manufacturers, Sharp and Motorola could be tapped to produce the Microsoft Phone. Danger is now a part of Microsoft's new Premium Mobile Experiences (PMX) team, a group within the Mobile Communications Business (MCB) of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.
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