Rumors About a Microsoft-Branded Windows Phone 8 Device Resurface

Despite the Redmond, Washington-based company previously squashing similar rumors, rumblings have once again begun to circulate that Microsoft plans on releasing its own Windows Phone 8 smartphone in the near future.

A "trusted source" informed BGR a few weeks back that Microsoft is creating a self-branded smartphone, though no other details were disclosed besides the fact that it's in the late stages of development and will be released "in the coming months." Another source suggested, though did not confirm, that Microsoft wouldn't be releasing its smartphone as part of the first wave of Windows Phone 8 devices later this year.

The China Times also corroborated this claim, stating that it would be released in the first half of 2013 with Microsoft's "Surface" branding.

This isn't the first time that rumors about Microsoft manufacturing its own Windows Phone 8 smartphones. But the last time it came up, Greg Sullivan, the senior marketing manager for Windows Phone, flat-out denied the claims. Still, this creates a unique situation, much like the situation with its Surface tablet, as a smartphone from Microsoft would be competing directly with the company's partners and their Windows Phone 8 devices, including Nokia, Samsung, and HTC.

Source: BGR