Microsoft to launch new line of mobile phones next week

Microsoft Corp will introduce a new line of mobile phones featuring social-networking capabilities and targeted at young users. The launch, planned for Monday, is widely seen as part of the technology giant's plan to turn around its struggling mobile phone strategy, the Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the matter.

The new devices, based on a Microsoft development project code-named "Pink," will go on offer later this month in the US through a partnership with Verizon Wireless, the Verizon Communications Inc and Vodafone Group PLC owned carrier, according to some unidentified source, quoted by the Wall Street Journal.

Analysts say the new phones from Microsoft indicate that the software maker is moving towards the hardware side of the mobile phone business in a big way.

While Microsoft has designed the software, online services and hardware for the Pink mobile phones, Sharp Corp of Japan is manufacturing the devices, according to 'people familiar with the matter' the report says.

The approach is on the lines used for the development of the Sidekick, a device sold by wireless provider T-Mobile and designed by Danger Inc, a 2008 start-up acquisition of Microsoft, which later worked on the Pink devices, the report said.

According to analysts, Microsoft has stopped getting as involved as Google Inc did earlier this year for the introduction of a smartphone of its own design called Nexus One, manufactured by HTC Corp and sold directly to consumers though the company's website.
 
Microsoft taking an altogether different tack chose to work more closely with wireless carriers to offer Pink phones to consumers.