Microsoft Is/Isn't About to Release Its own Smartphone

Unconfirmed reports are coming in that a smartphone bearing the Microsoft brand is close to being released, but other sources contradict this.

Among the people in favor of this rumor are pair of analysts from Broadpoint.AmTech, who published a research note yesterday saying, "multiple industry sources are telling us that [Microsoft] is planning to launch a smartphone."

They go on to predict that this will be based on Nvidia's Tegra chip, which combines an 800 MHz ARM CPU, a HD video processor, an imaging processor, an audio processor, and an ultra-low power GeForce GPU.

Microsoft Says "No"

Microsoft has categorically denied that it plans to bypass its Windows Mobile licensees and release a smartphone directly. Scott Rockfeld, the head of Windows Mobile at Microsoft, told Cnet:

Microsoft has no plans to make a phone. Our core focus has been and will continue to be providing software plus services and working with our partners to deliver great phones. Our partners have been integral in our success to date, and we are excited about the innovation we are bringing to the market together.

Then What Is Going on?

There is apparently a reasonable basis for these reports, however.  According to ZDnet's Mary-Jo Foley, Microsoft is creating a collection of Windows Mobile reference designs.

Citing people familiar with the company’s mobile plans, Foley says that licensees will be encouraged to use these designs as the basis for future models.

At least one of these designs is reportedly based on the Nvidia Tegra chip. Any other details on them is not known at this time.

Via Cnet, ZDnet