Comments on article found at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440604575496721181043604.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews
Microsoft either has a master plan or has lost its mind.
I completely understand not wanting to launch a CDMA phone. Verizon is heading down the path of LTE. Sprint is heading down the path of WiMax; maybe.
I completely understand launching a GSM phone.
I completely understand the company’s need to make tradeoffs; the company’s resources are not unlimited. Announcements like that usually scare the heck out of me. The announcement is almost like lowering the bar of expectations.
Now I am trying to get excited about Microsoft’s launch. Why should I be thrilled? Based on the company’s own announcement, Microsoft had to make other tradeoffs as well; one being that Windows Phone 7 will not have copy and paste capabilities. I think this is tragic. Microsoft sounds as if it lowered the bar for itself and the public.
Nevertheless, I will give Microsoft points for launching a handset against Apple’s iPhone.
Why has Microsoft snubbed Verizon and Sprint? It is obviously not a 4G issue. Verizon and AT&T are planning on installing LTE. Sprint is installing WiMax with LTE as a standby. So what in the world is Microsoft doing?
There is no way Microsoft will be able to gain any traction in 3G; it is too late for Microsoft in 3G. If Microsoft hopes to gain any sort of wireless foothold it needs to target the 4G market. So why in the world is Microsoft wasting its time on 3G?
I can understand why Microsoft blew off Sprint. Sprint is seeking to install WiMax. Obviously, Microsoft has no interest in WiMax.
Verizon is installing LTE. Why is Microsoft skipping over Verizon? My answer is: I have no idea why.
Is Microsoft afraid of Verizon? Is Microsoft nuts? What vendor blows off Verizon? I would understand Microsoft’s move if it was intended to position itself for LTE.
Frankly, I think it a waste of resources to launch a GSM handset now. Then again, maybe Microsoft is testing the marketplace.