Why the 'Google Phone' is extra tough for Microsoft to swallow |
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Why the 'Google Phone' is extra tough for Microsoft to swallow
There was a time, back in the early part of the decade, when device maker HTC and Microsoft's Windows Mobile team were essentially standing alone together -- working out the kinks on early Windows Mobile phones and supporting each other's ambitions at a time when not many others cared about what either was doing in the market. HTC even staffed up its U.S. headquarters in Bellevue with former Microsoft engineers.
Which is why the news that Google plans to sell its own "Google Phone," made by HTC, will no doubt carry an extra sting for Microsoft -- whether or not it's worth all the hype it's getting.
To be sure, the "Nexus One" is not the first Google Android phone from HTC, and the Taiwan company is continuing to work on Windows Mobile phones. But HTC's collaboration with Google on what could be the search company's flagship device drives home the point that Microsoft fueled one of its strongest competitors, Google, through the early expertise and experience that it helped HTC develop in the smart-phone market.
Not that Google wouldn't have done just fine with someone else, but the fact that Microsoft and HTC worked out many of the early development issues means that Google doesn't have to go through nearly as much pain on the device side.
The news comes as Microsoft struggles to regain traction for Windows Mobile, which has seen its market share slide in the face of competition from Android, iPhone and other devices. Windows Mobile 6.5 was in many ways about trying to catch up to that competition, and recent reports have put the release of Windows Mobile 7 as late as next year. That promises to give Google, Apple and others even more time to work with.
At the same time, the Google Phone is good news for another Seattle-area company, Bellevue-based T-Mobile USA, which will reportedly be the exclusive wireless carrier for the device. The company has declined to comment on reports that it could also be next in line for the iPhone after AT&T's exclusive arrangement with Apple ends.
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