Ever since Microsoft announced its launch of Surface tablets in June, the possibility of the tech company also coming out with a smartphone of its own has been rumored.
Now, new evidence has emerged from website Boy Genius Report. Based on its sources, the site claims that Microsoft may release "its own Windows Phone 8 smartphone in the coming months," as reported by BGR. "A trusted source informed BGR several weeks ago that Microsoft is quietly working on an own-brand smartphone that will compete directly with high end devices like Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S3, and also with Windows Phones built by its own vendor partners, of course."
The site also said Microsoft might use a strategy similar to the one it's using for Windows 8 where, along with rolling out the software, it's bringing out Surface tablets. Nokia and Samsung are already gearing up for Windows 8-based devices.
BGR's source added that the smartphone is in its later stages of development and will be launched in the coming months. This revelation was supported by a story in China Times which said Microsoft would be launching its smartphone under the Surface brand.
"Information has come forward to Windows Phone Central that demonstrates Microsoft does have their own Windows Phone hardware in the works; in fact, we've heard it already exists and is in testing," said another site, Windows Phone Central.
Microsoft, however, has been rather noncommittal about the issue, neither confirming nor denying the rumors.
"We are big believers in our hardware partners and together we're focused on bringing Windows Phone 8 to market with them," the company's said in a statement.
When Microsoft announced its own tablet, which would directly compete with vendor partners who were also working on Windows 8-based tablets, there was immediate backlash from the vendors, some attacking the company in public, others in private. If Microsoft unviels its own brand of high-end smartphones, it would create another huge wave of resentment among vendors.
We will have to wait and watch for Microsoft's next move.
