Microsoft's launch plans for Windows Mobile 7 are fast running into the ground as partners are getting more iffy about the operating system.
HP has all but indicated that it will not be making an appearance when Windows Mobile 7 is launched. This is despite the fact that Microsoft has a contract with HP for $20 million to cover the cost of developing the operating system.
Dell has said that it will be releasing a Windows 7 phone, saying that it is "excited to collaborate with Microsoft on Windows Phone 7, and are looking forward to bringing customers amazing mobile experiences."
However the shortage of product announcements and complete lack of rumours seem to suggest that there will be at least a delay on Dell coming to Ballmer's phone warming party. Dell is also refusing to give even the vaguest promises on forthcoming phones.
Microsoft still has three companies lined up for the Windows Phone 7 launch LG, Samsung, and HTC but all of them are flirting with Google's Android and it is not clear if they will eventually jump into bed with Ballmer.
LG is making headlines claiming that it will kill Apple's iPad, only that will be with a tablet powered by Android and not Ballmer's nice new operating system.
Microsoft is betting the farm on Windows Mobile 7 being successful and it appears to be a fine operating ystem. However HP is betting on its own Web OS while Android is gaining huge ground amongst manufacturers.
There is some speculation that it might be too late for Microsoft to regain the ground it lost in the Mobile Market. Much now depends on Ballmer's charisma and ability to make the mobile market do what it is told. Already he has earmarked millions in advertising the OS, but it is unclear if this will be enough.
I like Dell's carefully worded non-commitment:
Dell Quote: We are "excited to collaborate with Microsoft on Windows Phone 7 (translate, we took the development money from Microsoft), and are looking forward to bringing customers amazing mobile experiences (translate, with other operating systems)."
Dell will wait until next year before even thinking about doing anything with Windows Phone 7. Then, if it fails at launch, Dell can easily back away from it.
It is becoming obvious that Windows Phone 7 will be yet another train wreck for Microsoft in mobile.
If you look at the number of 'leaked' devices from Samsung, LG and HTC, it is looking like there should be at least 5 or 6 devices at launch and with generally very positive early reviews coming from those in possession of developer handsets.
This positions the platform well at launch, comparable to early android and obviously offering more choice than Apple
LG have also made their feelings on WP7 clear, with a high placed official on 16th Aug stating:
“Windows Phone 7 will soon outperform Apple’s iPhone and the Google phone”
Whether or not Microsoft can aggressively carve a position within the mobile market remains to be seen, however they have managed this in the past with the xbox when spending a similarly ludicrous amount on marketing.
I'd advise more rounded research before publishing articles
Mickey
Perhaps HP is not going to create a phone to compete with their own Palm product? Does anyone have a brain? Does anyone think for themselves?
Who here knows someone that has an HP phone?!
Who knows someone who knows someone that has an HP phone?!
Ok now that we established that HP is irrelevant to the phone market, they are relevent if they want to use WM7 for their slate device.
So far all good reviews from all wm7 releases aside from battery drain, from those of course (as iphone suffers) using push email from servers using active sync.
Also a great cloud syncing plan that iphone and android have failed badly at. Oh and a cool Nova4Phone rendering platform among others that will make apps way cooler and sharper on the WM7.
HP Hasnt done anything significant in a while, and since when did Dell ever make a phone. Its all about HTC, Samsung, and LG making flagship products for WP7.
Gingerbread from Android might be something special, Apple is killing themselves with one device from one carrier, and Palm is all but non existent.